Google India on Wednesday announced the launch of the Google India Code Jam 2005, a computer programming competition with a Rs 3,00,000 ($6,900) first prize, to find the best programming talent from India and South Asia.
The Google India Code Jam is an extension of Google's annual Code Jam competition and celebrates the art of computer science, demonstrating to software professionals everywhere the value Google places on excellent coding.
In addition to rewarding the top programmers in the region, Google India also hopes that the competition will provide further opportunities to attract strong technical talent to the new Google R&D centre in Bangalore, which opened in early 2004.
The competition is open to participants throughout the region and registration began from Wednesday and will go on till February 25.
On February 27, contestants will compete online to qualify for the top 500 spots in the first round. These 500 qualifiers will battle head-to-head for the 50 final positions.
Finalists will be flown to the Google R&D Centre in Bangalore for the championship round on March 26. The winner of the Google India Code Jam will receive Rs. 3,00,000, while additional cash prizes totaling Rs 13,00,000 will be distributed to the other 49 finalists.
The Google India Code Jam is powered by TopCoder, Inc., the recognised leader in online programming competition, skills assessment and competitive software development.
More information on the competition and how to participate is available at www.google.com/bangalore - which also provides information about employment opportunities at the Google R&D Centre in Bangalore.