Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 Offers $250,000 Startup Prize – Apply Now
Microsoft has opened applications for the 2027 edition of its Imagine Cup Startup Competition.
It offers early-stage businesses an opportunity to compete for up to $250,000 in cash prizes, alongside millions of dollars in startup credits, mentorship and global business exposure.
The competition, presented by Microsoft for Startups, is designed to support innovative founders developing technology-driven solutions with commercial potential. The 2027 edition expands the traditional Imagine Cup format beyond student innovators, welcoming eligible early-stage startups from different industries and backgrounds.
The overall winner, who will be named the Imagine Cup Champion, will receive a $250,000 cash award and $1 million in Microsoft Startup Credits to support product development, business expansion and scaling.
The second-place winner will receive $50,000 in cash and $350,000 in Startup Credits, while the third-place startup will receive $25,000 in cash and an additional $350,000 in Startup Credits.
All three finalists will also benefit from Microsoft executive mentorship, promotional opportunities across Microsoft’s social media and blog platforms, and recognition among the Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startups.
Competition categories
Startups can apply under one of seven categories, depending on the nature of their products and services:
Developer Tools: Software development platforms, infrastructure and tools.
Retail: Technology solutions improving retail operations and customer experiences.
Healthcare & Life Sciences: Innovations in healthcare delivery, medical research and patient services.
Cybersecurity: Solutions addressing digital security, data protection and emerging cyber threats.
Financial Services: Innovations in financial technology, banking and financial operations.
Deep Tech + Physical AI: Advanced technologies connecting artificial intelligence, hardware and physical systems.
Student Startup: A dedicated category for eligible student-led businesses developing innovative products and services.
The competition also offers a dedicated Student Startup Prize. The selected student startup will receive $25,000 in cash and $250,000 in Startup Credits, alongside mentorship, promotional opportunities and access to Microsoft’s business network.
Who can apply?
Imagine Cup 2027 is open to eligible early-stage startups developing software-based products or services with commercial potential. Applicants are not required to be university students, as the competition now accommodates founders beyond the traditional student-focused model.
To qualify, startups must:
Be registered legal entities established on or after November 2, 2024.
Have not raised Series C funding or a later funding round.
Develop innovative technology-based solutions with commercial potential.
Meet Microsoft’s applicable competition and technical requirements.
Ensure individual entrants are at least 18 years old.
Startups must also demonstrate how Microsoft technologies, particularly Azure, support their solutions.
Application requirements
Interested startups should prepare relevant business and technical information before submitting their applications.
Required application materials include company and founder details, information about the problem being addressed, target customers, market opportunities, business models, existing traction and the role of Microsoft technology in the product.
Applicants must also provide a valid Azure Subscription ID and meet the Microsoft for Startups account requirements.
Other supporting materials include a pitch deck, a product demonstration video, an Azure architecture diagram or technical overview, and responses to the competition’s application questions.
Applications will be reviewed by experts, with successful candidates progressing to recorded category interviews involving startup pitches, product demonstrations and questions from evaluators.
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Application deadline and competition timeline
Applications for the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 opened on November 2, 2026, and will close on February 28, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST).
The competition will follow these stages:
November 2, 2026 – February 28, 2027: Applications, screening and rolling reviews.
March 1–12, 2027: Expert review of eligible applications.
March 16–31, 2027: Recorded category interviews.
April 1–30, 2027: Final judging and selection of winners and finalists.
May–June 2027: Winner announcements, finalist preparation and the Imagine Cup World Championship.
The three overall finalists will present their solutions at the World Championship, where the final placements will be announced.
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How to apply
Interested founders and eligible startups can visit the official Microsoft Imagine Cup website to review the competition rules, confirm their eligibility and begin the application process.
Applications must be submitted through Microsoft’s official Award Force application platform before the February 28, 2027 deadline.
Application link: Apply for Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027.
The competition presents an opportunity for emerging technology businesses to secure funding, gain international recognition, access Microsoft resources and build connections that can support their long-term growth.
