Apply to Imagine Cup 2027

Take your startup further with Microsoft technology. Choose your competition category, prepare your Azure-powered solution, and submit your application for the opportunity to compete in Imagine Cup 2027.

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Application resources

Explore the Official Rules, competition guidance, and business verification requirements before starting your application.

Official Rules

Review the eligibility requirements, competition rules, judging criteria, submission requirements, and participation obligations.

Review the Official rules →

Imagine Cup participant benefits

Learn how eligible Imagine Cup 2027 participants can unlock startup credits, access Microsoft for Startups benefits, and understand the requirements to get started.

Explore Imagine Cup benefits →

Business verification

Understand the information and documentation your startup may need to complete business verification.

Review business 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.

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

Everything you need before applying

Gather these details and materials before starting your application in Award Force. Having them ready can help you complete the application more 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, Azure subscription, and account validation

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

From application to Imagine Cup Champion

The competition includes multiple stages of review, evaluation, and selection leading to the Imagine Cup Championship.

01 November 2, 2026

Applications open

Create your startup account in Award Force with verified information and an authorized representative. Wait for your account eligibility confirmation, select one Competition Category, provide a valid Azure Subscription ID, upload the required materials, and submit your Entry through Award Force by February 28, 2027.

02 March 1-12 2027

Expert review

Qualified reviewers assess the Entry materials and supporting evidence. The 10 highest-scoring eligible Startups in each Category advance to the Category Live Interviews

03 March 16-31 2027

Category live interviews

Advancing Startups participate in recorded interviews featuring a pitch, product demonstration, and questions. The recordings and Entry materials proceed to final judging.

04 April 1-30 2027

Final judging and selection

Judges score the recorded interviews and Entry materials to determine the Category Winners, Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startups, Student Prize winner, and three Finalists. The Student Prize winner is included in the Top 20 but is not eligible for Finalist selection.

05 May-June 2027

Announcements and Finalist preparation

Microsoft announces the Category Winners, Top 20 Startups, Student Prize winner, and three Finalists. The Finalists and Student Prize winner complete required verification, mentoring, coaching, technical reviews, production reviews, and rehearsals

06 May-June 2027

Imagine Cup World Championship

The three Finalists present at the World Championship, where their placements—determined by their Stage 4 scores—are announced. The Student Prize winner is invited to attend and present for recognition and showcase purposes but is not a Finalist and is not scored.

Why apply?

Take the chance to put your startup on a bigger stage. Startups that advance can access prizes, recognition, visibility, and opportunities to accelerate growth.

Win big

Compete for cash awards and Startup Credits, including $250,000 USD in cash and $1 million in Startup Credits for the Imagine Cup Champion.

Gain recognition

Advance for the opportunity to be recognized as a Category Winner, Top 20 Startup, Finalist, Student Prize winner, or Imagine Cup Champion, based on your competition pathway.

Build visibility

Standout startups can be featured across Microsoft channels and recognized across the Microsoft ecosystem.

Make connections

Select winners and finalists can access Microsoft executive mentorship and opportunities to connect across the startup and enterprise ecosystem.

Ready to compete?

Put your startup to the test with Imagine Cup 2027 and compete for opportunities designed to accelerate your next stage of growth. Submit your application through Award Force now

Apply now through Award Force