Apply: Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 Offers $250,000 Prize and $1M Credits
Microsoft has opened applications for the 2027 edition of the Imagine Cup, its global technology and startup competition designed to empower student innovators to develop solutions to real-world challenges using technology.
The competition provides students with an opportunity to transform innovative ideas into viable businesses, gain exposure to industry experts and compete for substantial financial support and startup resources.
Through the Imagine Cup, Microsoft aims to support the next generation of entrepreneurs, developers and technology innovators by giving them access to mentorship, technical resources and a global platform to showcase their solutions.
What Participants Stand to Gain
The Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 offers participating startups and student-led teams opportunities to access funding, technology resources and business development support.
The advertised benefits include:
- $250,000 Grand Prize: The overall winner stands to receive a $250,000 cash prize to support the development and growth of their innovation.
- Up to $1 Million in Startup Credits: Eligible participants can access Microsoft startup credits worth up to $1 million, providing resources to build, test and scale their technology solutions.
- Expert Mentorship: Participants can benefit from guidance and insights from experienced professionals, entrepreneurs and technology leaders.
- Global Recognition: The competition offers a platform for student innovators to showcase their projects to an international audience.
- Microsoft Technology Access: Participants can explore Microsoft technologies and tools to develop and improve their solutions.
Competition Focus Areas
The Imagine Cup encourages participants to develop technology-driven solutions that address significant challenges across different sectors.
Projects may leverage artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other emerging technologies to tackle problems in areas such as healthcare, education, sustainability, financial inclusion and business productivity.
Who Can Apply?
Unlike previous editions, the 2027 competition is open to eligible early-stage startups, not exclusively student teams.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
The startup must be a registered legal entity established on or after November 2, 2024.
The business must be an early-stage venture and must not have raised Series C funding or later.
Individual participants must be at least 18 years old.
The startup must develop a software-based product or service with commercial potential.
Applicants must satisfy Microsoft’s technology, documentation and submission requirements.
Students with eligible ventures can apply through the dedicated Student Startup category. Founders do not have to be students to participate in the main competition.
Competition Categories
Applicants can submit their innovations under one of seven categories:
Developer Tools
Retail
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Cybersecurity
Financial Services
Deep Tech and Physical AI
Student Startup
Each startup can enter only one category, which determines the judging panel responsible for evaluating its application.
Competition Prizes and Rewards
The Imagine Cup 2027 offers several financial rewards depending on participants’ performance.
| Award category | Cash prize | Startup credits |
|---|---|---|
| Overall winner | $250,000 | $1 million |
| Second place | $50,000 | $350,000 |
| Third place | $25,000 | $350,000 |
| Top Student Startup | $25,000 | $250,000 |
The top three finalists will also receive Microsoft executive mentorship and promotional opportunities. Category winners and selected startups will gain additional recognition and access to Microsoft’s enterprise network.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 close on February 28, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST).
The competition opened for applications on November 2, 2026. Expert reviews, category interviews and final judging will take place between March and April 2027, with the World Championship scheduled for May–June 2027.
How to Apply
Interested startups should visit the official Microsoft Imagine Cup website and submit their applications through the Award Force application platform.
Applicants will need to provide their startup details, founder information, business model, product information, market opportunity and evidence of business traction.
Other required materials include:
A business pitch deck.
A two-to-three-minute product demonstration video.
An Azure architecture diagram or technical overview.
A valid Azure Subscription ID and Microsoft for Startups account.
Applicants should review the official competition rules and eligibility requirements before submitting their entries.
Apply Here: Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 Official Application Portal
