Apply to Imagine Cup 2027

Microsoft’s global startup competition for founders building innovative solutions with Microsoft technology. Submit your application, select the category that best fits your startup, validate your Azure subscription, and compete for global recognition, startup benefits, and the opportunity to compete at the World Championship.

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Before opening your application, review the competition requirements and prepare the information your startup will need to submit.

Terms and conditions

Review the eligibility requirements, competition rules, judging criteria, submission requirements, and participation obligations before starting your application.

Read the terms & conditions →

Learn hub

Understand the competition, application process, Microsoft technology requirements, judging criteria, Azure requirements, and startup benefits before you apply.

Open the learn hub →

Business verification

Make sure your startup information, company details, ownership information, and supporting documentation are accurate and consistent.

Learn about verification →

Developer tools

For startups building tools, platforms, infrastructure, or services that change how software is created, secured, deployed, managed, or scaled.

Retail

For startups transforming how retailers and brands understand customers, manage operations, forecast demand, deliver experiences, and drive growth.

Healthcare & life sciences

For startups advancing healthcare delivery, research, accessibility, clinical operations, patient experiences, or health outcomes.

Cybersecurity

For startups helping organizations protect identities, data, infrastructure, applications, cloud environments, and emerging AI systems.

Financial services

For startups transforming how financial organizations manage risk, build trust, serve customers, operate securely, and deliver financial products or services.

Deep tech + physical AI

For startups developing breakthrough technologies that connect advanced software, intelligence, hardware, machines, or physical systems.

Student startup

A cross-industry category for eligible student-led startups turning ambitious ideas, working products,or demonstrable technical concepts into companies with real-world potential.

Judged separately, with a dedicated prize

Everything you need before applying

Gather the information below before opening Award Force. Having these details and materials ready will help you complete your application efficiently.

Your startup and team

Company details, founders, authorized representative, primary markets, and competition category.

Your solution and business

The problem, target customer, market opportunity, business model, traction, and use of Microsoft technology.

Your product on Azure and Account Validation

Microsoft for Startups account, Azure Subscription ID, application responses, required consents, and certifications.

From application to World Champion

Every eligible submission progresses through multiple stages of review, evaluation, and selection before the Imagine Cup World Championship.

01 November 2, 2026

Applications open

Complete your startup profile, select your competition category, prepare your required materials, and submit your application through Award Force before the deadline.

02 March 2027

Azure eligibility

Applications are reviewed for completeness, eligibility, category fit, required consents, Azure Subscription ID validity, and compliance with the Official Rules.

03 April 2027

Category judging

The highest-ranked eligible startups from the industry categories and the student startup categories advance to the Global Top 20 selection and Top Student Startup announced.

04 April 2027

Global top 20

The highest-ranked eligible startups from the six commercial categories advance to the Global Top 20 selection.

The Student Startup category follows a separate judging and prize pathway.

05 May-June 2027

Finalist preparation

Selected startups prepare for the final competition stage through required reviews, development activities, demonstrations, and competition programming.

06 June 2027

World championship

Finalists compete for the title of Imagine Cup World Champion. The selected Student Startup winner is invited to attend the World Championship through the separate Student Startup pathway.

Ready to compete?