Innovation and inventiveness; collaborative citizenship and entrepreneurialism; optimism and a strong belief in a better future enabled by technology – these are the values which led to Australia been selected as the destination for Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 Worldwide Finals. Sydney will take centre stage as the host city for this event.

Imagine Cup, described by Bill Gates as “the Olympics of the software world” is a competition which harnesses imagination and technology to challenge students to convert their ideas into reality to help solve the world’s toughest problems.

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has been working on this bid with Microsoft Australia since 2008. These efforts have finally paid off.

Mr Jon Hutchison, Chief Executive Officer of BESydney said, “We are proud to have worked with Microsoft on the bid for 2012 Imagine Cup. It’s a great opportunity to showcase Sydney globally. The competition provides a platform to exchange ideas, stimulate creativity and make valuable connections for the future. What better place for this event than Sydney, Australia.”

More than 400 student finalists, from 100 countries will gather in Sydney to compete with the best among the world, showcasing their genius works that harness imagination and technology. Imagine Cup brings together the cream of the crop of the world’s future.

“The benefits of hosting this prestigious competition are above and beyond the estimated

A$6.6 million dollars it will contribute to the Australian economy, and of course the ongoing ripple effect of this profiling opportunity in more than 100 countries. Globally, Sydney is a city renowned for its ‘wow’ factor – it is an inspirational city home to iconic landmarks, a stunning harbour, a vibrant lifestyle and dynamic business environment. Imagination and inspiration go hand in hand,” said Mr Hutchison.

Ms Pip Marlow, Managing Director of Microsoft Australia said “Imagine Cup is all about harnessing the power of ‘what if’. Thanks to technology, we now have the power to bring that ‘what if’ to life in ways previously unimagined. We have seen the brightest smartest talent ever this year and, in hosting the tournament here in Australia next year, we hope that continued breakthrough ideas like these will, in turn, help inspire a new generation of inventors and imagine-makers.”

“We have the brightest and smartest talent in Australia, and in hosting the championships here next year, we hope to help inspire a new generation of student inventors and imagine-makers.”

BESydney, a partnership between the New South Wales Government and the tourism industry, is responsible for promoting Sydney as a business events destination, identifying new event opportunities and competing to bring these events to Sydney. With two months to go until the end of the 2011 financial year, BESydney has secured 65 business events, expected to generate $183 million for the economy – 50% more than what was achieved this time last year. And there is no sign of a slowdown.

“Sydney is embarking on a journey of transformation and renewal. With billions of dollars committed in the next 10 years to strengthen infrastructure for the business events industry, we are looking forward to new challenges and spearheading business development and marketing efforts to secure business events for the State,” said Mr Hutchison.