Apply to Imagine Cup 2027

Build with Microsoft technology and take your startup further. Select your category, create an account, prepare you solution on Azure, and submit your application for the opportunity to compete at the Imagine Cup Championship.

Apply Now

Review the Terms & Conditions 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 →

Startups hub

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

Open the Startups hub →

Business verification

Make sure your startup information, company and ownership details, business address, 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 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

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

Expert Review

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

03 March 2027

Category live interviews

The highest-ranked eligible startups from the industry categories and the student startup categories advance to the Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 selection and Top Student Startup announced.

04 April 2027

Imagine Cup Championship Top 3

The highest-ranked eligible startups from the six industry categories advance to selection for the Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startups list. The Top Student Startup is announced through a separate judging pathway. The 20 selected startups are later narrowed to the Imagine Cup Top 3 finalists, who advance to the Imagine Cup Championship.

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 May-June 2027

Imagine Cup championship

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

Ready to compete?

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.

Submit your Imagine Cup 2027 application through Award Force.

Apply now