Microsoft Innovation Center Provides 33 Students with Opportunity to Unleash Creativity

Mobilk - The Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) provided 33 students and fresh graduates from public and private Jordanian universities with the opportunity to showcase applications and games they developed for the Windows Phone Store during MIC’s Windows Phone Apps Demo which took place at the Founder Theater in the Royal Scientific Society. The participants presented their applications and games in front of a group of Microsoft partners and representatives from leading companies and emerging start-ups within the ICT sector. 

The participants joined a two and a half month MIC Internship Program that concluded on 30 April, 2014. The Program comprised technical sessions, self-learning modules and mentorship, as well as hosted professional ICT instructors who delivered training on designing and managing apps and games that will be published on the Windows Phone Store. 

At the end of the Program, the top three winners were evaluated and selected by a judging panel based on an evaluation process that determined the most innovative and efficient apps. The panel comprised Emad Al Fares of Microsoft Jordan; Mohammad Khawaja of Startappz; startup investment expert, Ahmad Taqatqa; and Sereen Al Duweiri of iPark. The top three winners included Laith Al Akramawi from Israa University in first place, Faris Ayyad from the University of Jordan in second place, and Rashid Haddadin from the German Jordanian University in third place, all of whom were presented with Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphones.

Commenting on his participation in the Program, Al Akramawi stated, “This experience has provided me with the opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise with a group of exceptionally bright students. It has also allowed me to garner professional insights on the technical aspects of programming and on effective search tools, and has ignited a sense of determination and perseverance to succeed. I would like to thank Microsoft for presenting us with this invaluable opportunity and for its unwavering efforts in supporting young men and women by launching enriching ICT programs and initiatives.”      

In turn, Microsoft Jordan Country Manager, Hussein Malhas, said, “Launching such internship programs corresponds with our goal to encourage local app development, bridge the gap between learning theories and practical implementation, as well as bolster talented students’ employability prospects, subsequently providing the work market with a highly qualified and skillful labor force. Additionally, these initiatives are closely aligned with Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to supporting the national plan and advancing Jordan’s dynamic ICT arena which plays a vital role in the development of other sectors.”