IT Sligo students win at Microsoft Imagine Cup World Finals

A team of students from IT Sligo have won the first prize in the lead category of the Microsoft Imagine Cup World Finals.

The Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s premier student technology competition, honoring student innovations that address global problems such as improving road and fire safety, eradicating poverty and creating a more sustainable environment.

Team HERMES from IT Sligo took home top honors in the Software Design competition – the lead category in the competition. The team designed a device that plugs into a car and monitors dangerous driving behavior and road conditions, providing instant feedback to both the driver and the car owner. The team’s solution uses embedded technology, Windows Phone 7, Bing Maps and the Windows Azure cloud computing platform to change driving habits and reduce road deaths, which impact a significant number of young lives each year. With its victory, the team won $25,000 (U.S.).

Team HERMES comprise of Aíne Conaghan, Fáilte Ireland Scholarship postgraduate research student from Ballybofey, Donegal, James McNamara, a student in the Department of Information Systems from Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon, Calum Cawley, a mechatronic student from Castlebaldwin, Co Sligo, and Matthew Padden from  Ballina, Co Mayo, who is also a student in the Department of Information Systems. Their team mentor is Padraig Harte, a lecturer in the Department of Information Systems.
“We have a problem in Ireland; that problem is deaths on our roads,” said Team HERMES member James McNamara. “Thanks to Microsoft and the Imagine Cup, we’ve been able to come together to solve this problem and save lives.”

President of IT Sligo, Professor Terri Scott, said; “This is a remarkable achievement by Team HERMES. They are true ambassadors for IT Sligo and for Ireland. An innovative idea, hard work and self-belief have earned them a well-deserved place on the world stage and we look forward to welcoming them back to IT Sligo.”

Second Image: Pictured celebrating the win are team members from left – right Calum Cawley, James McNamara, Matthew Padden, Aíne Conaghan and team mentor Padraig Harte, lecturer at IT Sligo.