Microsoft chief Bill Gates Friday launched a nationwide talent hunt in Bangalore to pick the best tech students who will work with him at the global firm's headquarters in Redmond, Seattle.

Titled "Code 4 Bill," the contest will provide the best pre- final and final year student technologists an opportunity to showcase their talent and join Gates' technical assistants team for a year.

"India is the first country where students will get this opportunity to learn about cutting-edge product development and innovations that are powering the world by working directly with our product development and research teams," Indo-Asian News Service quoted Gates, at the "Bill Gates Live -- Ready 2005" event, as saying.

Commenting on India's technical prowess, Gates said talent was what powers the success of the global IT economy today. Indian students are setting high standards in the industry.

According to a company statement, registration for Code 4 Bill will commence in January 2006. The contest comprises various stages over the next eight months.

Gates, on a four-day India visit, was visiting Bangalore for just six hours before flying out of India late evening.

Source: Xinhua