June 08, Colombo: United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung met the two Sri Lankan teams that advanced to the World Finals of Microsoft Imagine Cup 2023 during her visit to the Microsoft Office recently.

Team Sipsara and The Green Tycoon were among the 48 teams from around the world who made it to the finals of the recently concluded Microsoft Imagine Cup 2023 where students develop solutions for some of the most pressing local and global issues in health, environment, education and more.

Team Sipsara devised a web-based application that measures and develops the skills of children with Down Syndrome while The Green Tycoon presented the “CarboMeter”, an alternative sustainable option to monitor and achieve emission goals, reduce carbon taxes and encourage going greener.

During the visit, the teams had the opportunity to present their ideas and share their experience taking part in Microsoft Imagine Cup. They said the experience empowered them and encouraged them to push the limits of what they could achieve with the power of AI.

Ambassador Chung said, “I was inspired by meeting the two teams from Sri Lanka, who have brought noteworthy recognition to the country through their skills and capabilities. Innovation is a driving force for transformative change, and it is key to Sri Lanka in building a sustainable and prosperous economy. Microsoft’s efforts in cultivating technological excellence through platforms such as the Microsoft Imagine Cup are remarkable, and they highlight the bright future possible in Sri Lanka and beyond.”

Added Sook Hoon Cheah, general manager, Microsoft Southeast Asia New Markets, “It was a fantastic opportunity for the two Sri Lankan teams to connect with Ambassador Chung and share their inspirations in creating inclusive projects using cutting-edge technology. Their innovations towards solving real-world problems are an inspiration to all and have the power to change the lives of many. The potential that these students have shown through their original tech innovations is proof of what Sri Lanka has to offer towards digital acceleration and being an active contributor in achieving a global digital economy.”

United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung and general manager for Microsoft Southeast Asia New Markets, Sook Hoon Cheah with Team Sipsara and representatives from Microsoft Sri Lanka.

Imagine Cup is Microsoft’s global competition for students to imagine and build new ways of improving lives with technology. In its 21-year history, the annual event has drawn more than 2 million students from over 160 countries to compete for prizes including cash, mentorship and training. This year, AI was a focus for many teams.