Introducing the 2012 Global Microsoft Next Winners

Innovation runs through everything we do at Microsoft. That’s why I’m delighted to announce the 2012 winners of Microsoft Next. When I launched this global competition last year, I wanted it to demonstrate the impact that innovative people throughout the company are having on our customers and partners. Our goal was to provide our employees with a platform for sharing their work, and the chance for great ideas to be celebrated.

Employees were invited to submit three-minute videos explaining how they are helping individuals and communities all over the world “Be What’s Next.” Twenty-seven winners were selected from 12 countries, and those winning videos are now open for a public vote, via this dedicated MSN site. Via this public vote, we will name one overall “People’s Choice” winner. Voting will remain open until April 11 at 11:59pm PDT.

Last year, we were overwhelmed by the quality, variety and depth of entries, which came from all over the world. This year, I’m pleased to report that the bar has been raised. From a Kinect-driven robot, to apps that help citizens report crime, to disease detection software and much more, people are doing great things with Microsoft technology.

I’d like to thank my fellow judges for this year’s contest: Chris Capossela, Chief Marketing Officer; Satya Nadella, President of the Server and Tools Business; Rick Rashid, Chief Research Officer; Ali Faramawy, corporate vice president for Middle East & Africa; Kathleen Hogan, corporate vice president for Worldwide Services; Orlando Ayala, Chairman, Emerging Markets; Sue Bevington, corporate vice president of SMSG HR; and Tracey Fellows, associate vice president for Asia Pacific.

Please help support these Microsoft innovators by voting for your People’s Choice winner for 2012. Enjoy, and thank you!

Posted by Jean-Philippe Courtois
President, Microsoft International

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