Students from around the country spent the past several days showcasing how they are using technology to solve some of the world’s toughest problems.  The Imagine Cup is sponsored by Microsoft and is considered the world’s premier student technology competition. Students presented a diversity of projects aiming to deal with such important world problems like food aid to those in need, sustainability and combating HIV/AIDS.

Out of the thousands of students that registered for this year’s U.S. competition, in the end, more than 70 students were chosen to compete in the U.S. finals with the goal of creating solutions using technology that make a difference in the lives of people from all corners of the world.

There were three category winners announced in – Software Design, Game Design – Xbox and Game Design – Phone.

Here’s a list of the winning teams:

Team FlashFood from Arizona State University took home the grand prize in the Software Design category for their project – a real-time food recovery solution for families in need, using web-applications and smart phones to coordinate same day food donation deliveries to families.

Team Dr. Fishbowl from Carnegie Mellon University took home the grand prize in the Game Design – Xbox category for their project – a sustainability game that helps players learn about resources. By taking responsibility for byproducts/waste and finding a use for them, players demonstrate a model of sustainability that doesn’t compromise between being responsible and being profitable.

Team Drexel Dragons from Drexel University took home the grand prize in the Game Design – Phone category for their project called “Math Dash” – a game that helps students better learn mathematics, mixing teaching with fun!

Team FlashFood from Arizona State University will travel to Australia in July to represent the United States in the Worldwide Finals and showcase their innovative solutions alongside hundreds of other students from around the world. In addition to cash and prizes awarded to the top teams in the competition, students gain real life experience, make new friends and attend several training sessions to help them turn their ideas into a reality. 

More information about the winners and the competition will be posted at this link.