Skypher » Imagine Cup

Imagine Cup Day 3

Cipher — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:17:45 +0000

So, day three started early for us. Like yesterday, the team was first on the schedule to present. Which ment 8am. Alarm clocks, phones and even the TV were set early to assure the needed, early awake. I personally still had some troubles getting up, but fortunately the team did not and Michiel managed to get me out of bed.

We met in the hall at half past seven, went for a quick breakfast and afterwards went straight to the judging rooms. Setup was swift, for a minor error of Nick, who spilled his water on the table (I was just quick enough to pick up his laptop to prevent damage!). But this was not a great problem and was solved quickly. I think the judges were impressed with the concept and asked the right questions! We actually had foreseen 3 of them and could back up the story with some extra slides and a small demo. So to round up, a great kick-off of day 2!

[update @1400]

Still waiting for the ‘booth round’. Which is set to kick off at 1530. In the meanwhile the team is at the booth speaking to press from around the world. Yesterday Mexican television, today Brazil, Japan, South America in general, and some other countries. They all seemed impressed, which I think is good. I’ve uploaded some more pictures, check them out at the album. Next update will be after the semi final announcements which are scheduled at 1630, keep those fingers crossed!

Imagine Cup Day 2

Cipher — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:27:54 +0000

So day 2 just started. We had a nice breakfast together and afterwards the team was briefed over the comming days.

Our team of the Hogeschool Rotterdam has 2 students of Grafimediatechnologie (Graphicmediatechnology) and one from the Avans Hogeschool. We are first on the list of presentations, which gives an excellent opportunity to make a stunning impression.

I’ll keep you updated during the day when I have a chance.

[update]

So, the team just had their presentation. After setting up for ~10 minutes we had to wait for the official kick-off time. Nick started the presentation like expected. Cool and totally relaxed he explained the principles of the concept. After a mere 19 minutes there was time for some questions. Actually we got 2 compliments! That’s one job well done for the team! Now some relaxing and tomorrow at 800 the second (same) presentation for some more judges. As I said, time for some R&R and maybe even a beer

[update2]

Just had dinner. The team talked to some competitors during their ‘time off’. There are some interesting concepts out there which might spice up the competition… Our bellies full of warm food really took the energy out of us. Right now we’re sitting and chilling in the lounge area..

I call it a night, as far as blogging is concerned!

Cheers from Paris!

Imagine Cup Day 1

Cipher — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:08:27 +0000

It’s already day 2 which means that yesterday was day 1. And I must say, it was an impressive day.
The opening was in Paris’ City Hall which is beautifully decorated in Louis XIV style. Roelof, if you are reading this, you should arrange to make some of your photo’s here! I can only do so much… Every country made a big entrance and then there was french ‘haute cuisine’ which meant we went for pizzas afterward, under a beautiful blue Eiffel Tower.

Stay tuned for more.

Imagine Cup 2008

Cipher — Thu, 29 May 2008 19:15:50 +0000

Today I walked around with a big smile on my face. Yesterday the team ‘Four Elements’ won the Dutch Imagine Cup 2008. This means they may represent the Netherlands in the worldwide finals next July. But why am I posting this? Well, I have coached the team from day 1. Or day 1 minus 15, even before they knew they we’re joining the contest… What started out as a small project and maybe somewhat of a trial really got picked up by the team members. Ricardo Quirante, Michiel Schuurman and Nick Joore amazed me almost daily with a new feature, technology or a whole set of merchandise (Dudes! How could you keep that a secret?!?).

Their concept, Guardian of Eden, targets children form 5-14 years of age, trying to make them aware of the small things you can do for a better environment, after all, a better environment start with you (old dutch advertisement) and children are still the future. Children can collect butterflies, flowers, etc. in the game and compete in small games (like collecting the most garbage or separating paper from plastics) online, create their own gardens and show these to their friends. But maybe even more important is the communication with their parents, who receive information about the gameand it’s goal, to talk about with their children. Talk about influencing each other…

Please visit their site, watch the video and watch their screenshots, or if you are able, come to support them in Paris!

PS. Whoohoooohooow!!!! Whoo!!! YEAHWHOOHOOW!!!!