Following the success of the inaugural event across the region this year, the Imagine Cup was given another boost at Gitex 2007.

The Imagine Cup is the premier technology competition worldwide and enables students who participate to become empowered through technology and innovation, said an official spokesman.

In the event, Bahrain eGovernment and competition hosts Microsoft Gulf joined forces to run the 2008 programme in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The partnership with the Government of Bahrain will offer students in the Kingdom the chance to demonstrate their potential and skills and to compete on a global scale.

'For Microsoft, the Imagine Cup is about giving people the reason and opportunity to reach for the best,' explained DPE Lead, Microsoft Gulf Vimal Sethi.

'As we enter the second year of the competition the partnership with Bahrain eGovernment revolves around our shared desire to invest in the student community of the Kingdom - the future of the country,' he added.

In August 2007 an all-woman team from UAE university represented the Gulf region in the Imagine Cup finals in Korea. The 2008 competition is due to be launched globally in the next few months.

'The decision to sponsor Imagine Cup in Bahrain was driven by the belief that the creativity and innovation of the student generation speaks volumes about the development and growth of a country and that the role technology has to play in that evolution is vital,' said CEO, Bahrain eGovernment, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed.

'The Government of Bahrain has a fruitful relationship with Microsoft and this is one more opportunity for us to join forces and impact people's lives,' he added.

Microsoft has formed a strong bond with the Government of Bahrain, working closely together to empower individuals and help them reach their full potential through the use of technology.

Initiatives such as the Career Connections Programme and the recent Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Social Development - both part of the global Microsoft Unlimited Potential initiative - highlight Microsoft's commitment to the local economy and development of the country.Trade Arabia News Service