Twenty-five years of builders.
A new era of founders
For 25 years, Imagine Cup has helped innovators transform ambitious ideas into real-world technology. What began as a student technology competition has evolved into Microsoft's global startup competition, connecting ambitious founders with visibility, expertise, resources, and opportunities to accelerate growth.
Today, Imagine Cup is designed for eligible early-stage startups building innovative solutions with Microsoft technology and pursuing real business impact.
What changes
2027
Imagine Cup enters a new chapter. Beginning in 2027, the competition expands beyond student roots to welcome a broader community of founders and startups from around the world.
What stays the same
- Global competition and Imagine Cup Championship
- Technical innovation and product excellence
- Visibility within the Microsoft ecosystem
- Opportunities to gain recognition on a global stage
What changes
- Open to eligible early-stage startups globally
- Greater emphasis on customer value and market potential
- Increased focus on enterprise readiness
- Seven dedicated competition categories
- New opportunities designed to help startups scale
Microsoft's global
startup competition
Imagine Cup 2027 is designed to empower founders to move from promising startup to enterprise-ready business.
Throughout the competition, startups gain opportunities to strengthen their products, validate customer demand, increase visibility, and connect with the Microsoft ecosystem.
Global visibility
Showcase your startup on an international stage.
Microsoft mentorship
Learn from Microsoft experts and industry leaders.
Azure benefits
Access resources designed to support startup growth.
Industry recognition
Earn credibility through participation and competitive achievement.
Startup resources
Access tools, guidance, and opportunities designed for ambitious founders.
Customer & ecosystem connections
Build relationships that can help accelerate growth.
Seven categories,
one global stage
Every startup competes in a single category aligned to its solution and target market.
Developer tools
Tools, platforms, and infrastructure that help developers build, deploy, secure, and scale software.
Retail
Solutions transforming customer experience, retail operations, and business growth.
Healthcare & life sciences
Innovations improving healthcare delivery, research, accessibility, and patient outcomes.
Cybersecurity
Technologies protecting identities, applications, infrastructure, and data.
Financial services
Solutions helping organizations improve trust, risk management, and customer experiences.
Deep tech + physical AI
Breakthrough innovations connecting advanced software intelligence with the physical world.
Student startup
A dedicated cross-industry category for eligible student founders.
More than a competition
Imagine Cup is designed to help founders build credibility, gain visibility, and unlock opportunities that can accelerate growth.
World champion
- $250,000 USD cash prize
- Up to $1 million USD in Azure credits
- Global recognition
- Microsoft mentorship opportunities
Category winners
- Category winner recognition
- Category-specific opportunities
- Industry visibility
- Access to sponsor-supported opportunities where applicable
Finalists
- Global recognition
- Visibility within the Microsoft ecosystem
- Access to founder-focused opportunities and resources
Global top 20 list
- Global Top 20 Startups recognition
- Enterprise readiness and ecosystem opportunities
- Consideration for advancement to World Championship
From application to
world championship
Applications open
Applications officially open for startups worldwide.
Applications close
Final deadline for eligible submissions.
Screening & eligibility review
Submissions reviewed for eligibility and competition criteria.
Category judging
Top startups are evaluated within their assigned category.
Global top 20
The highest ranked contest advances to the Global Top 20.
World championship
Finalists compete for recognition as the Imagine Cup World Champions.
Our story, 2003 to 2027
For more than two decades, Imagine Cup has provided a global platform for innovators to build, compete, and grow.
Launch
Imagine Cup begins as a global student technology competition.
Global growth
The competition expands across regions, regions, and institutions.
AI era
Emerging technologies reshape what builders can create and scale.
Startup evolution
Imagine Cup evolves into Microsoft's global startup competition while preserving a dedicated Student Startup pathway.