US-based software company Microsoft has awarded its second annual Imagine Cup grants to various social innovations devised by students, including a $100,000 grand prize for Team Graphmasters from Germany for a solution called nunav which reduces vehicle carbon emissions through an innovative navigation system.
Microsoft also awarded Team StethoCloud, from Australia, a $75,000 grant, for its childhood pneumonia treatment. It also awarded $50,000 grants to Team Vivid from Egypt, for bulding an app to access medical records using the cloud, as well as Team Cipher256 from Uganda, for a mobile app and listening device which analyses fetal heart rates, and Team QuadSquad from Ukraine, which made a programme which transforms sign language into verbal communication.
Dan’l Lewin, corporate vice president, strategic and emerging business development, Microsoft, said: “The Imagine Cup Grants will help students evolve a great idea for addressing a societal issue into a real-world business.These students have developed incredible approaches that show great potential for positive local impact. We are excited to offer financial and other support to help them transform these ideas into businesses with real-world impact.”
Besides the cash awards, the grants include software, cloud computing services, solution provider support, and Microsoft BizSpark accounts.
This year, more than 40 Imagine Cup teams applied for grants.