Dubai students reach finals of $100,000 Imagine Cup

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Dubai students reach finals of $100,000 Imagine Cup
AUD students will vie for $100,000 at world finals of Microsoft's Imagine Cup 2017 in July

Dubai - The project - 'Dubai Recycling Initiative' - aims to turn it into a "second nature for citizens of the future"

By Saman Haziq

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Published: Sun 28 May 2017, 9:32 PM

Last updated: Sun 28 May 2017, 11:34 PM

A team of students of the school of engineering at American University Dubai have made it to the world finals of Microsoft's Imagine Cup 2017, a global technology competition, to be held in Seattle this July.
Designed by students Jamil El Helou, Abdulrahman bin Haider and Mohamed Hassan - the 'Green Jam' team - the project, 'Dubai Recycling Initiative', aims to turn recycling into a "second nature for citizens of the future", through a rewards system that encourages users to recycle on a daily basis.
By placing automated recycle stations at target areas, users can take their consumer recyclable materials to the recycle station, log in using their Emirates ID, and place their recyclable materials in the bin. The bin will sort the items into designated bins and offer reward points that can be used for simple rewards such as topping up mobile phones or public transportation cards.
"Encouraging recycling through reward points incentives is a feasible solution to a sustainable future for generations to come. We are excited to advance to the semi-finals and honoured to represent the UAE. We will make you proud!" said members of Green Jam.
They will now compete with the best and brightest teams from across the globe for the title of world champion, $100,000 cash prize and the chance to take home the Imagine Cup. Six teams from Middle East and Africa region advanced to the finals on May 20.
"The school's mission to provide students with the knowledge needed for technical excellence in engineering, while encouraging them to expand their creativity and innovation, is evident in such accomplishments," said Dr Hicham Elzabadani, chair of the electrical and computer engineering department and supervisor of team Green Jam.
Dr Alaa Ashmawy, dean of the school of engineering, also expressed gratitude to the students. "Receiving notable recognition is a testament to the AUD's faculty; their efforts and mentoring are essential to help propel the engineers of the future."
saman@khaleejtimes.com
Imagine cup, explained
Imagine Cup has become a global phenomenon since its first tournament in 2003. For the past 15 years, it has been the world's premier student technology competition, where Microsoft has provided a global platform for students to turn their dreams into reality. Students from across the globe build teams to bring their biggest, boldest ideas to life. Every year tens of thousands of students from across the globe compete for cash, travel and prizes and for the honour of taking home the Imagine Cup.
Recycling is rewarding
Team Green Jam's project, 'Dubai Recycling Initiative', encourages recycling through rewards:
> Automated recycle stations are placed at target areas
> Users can take their recyclable materials to the station and log in
> After they place their recyclable materials, they get rewarded with mobile phone recharge cards or top-ups for public transportation cards


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