Following the worldwide success of his epic 3D blockbuster, Avatar, James Cameron urged young Americans to pursue careers in science and technology to keep the country at the edge of technical innovation.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics "are where this country has to continue to lead," the Associated Press quoted Cameron saying during the finals of the 8th Microsoft Imagine Cup in Washington.

The Hollywood director said Avatar would never have become a reality without cutting-edge technology and a young team, average age 23, who put the technology to work in the movie. "We can't fall behind in that area. We need engineers, we need innovators," Cameron said.

The Imagine Cup, which is sponsored by technology giant Microsoft, challenges students to solve global problems using innovative thinking and technological breakthroughs. One of the winners was a software program called Mobilife, which allows doctors detect vascular diseases in children, including diabetes and sickle cell anemia.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in computer and information technology will grow "faster than the average," with management positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field.