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Application Deadline: February 28, 2027
Applications are now open for the 2027 Microsoft Imagine Cup Student Startup Competition. Since 2003, Imagine Cup has empowered emerging innovators to turn ambitious ideas into real-world solutions with Microsoft technology. Now part of Microsoft for Startups, Imagine Cup enters its next chapter in 2027, opening the competition to eligible early-stage startups and founders everywhere.
What’s New in 2027
- Open to eligible early-stage startups under two years old
- Greater focus on solutions for enterprise customers
- Increased emphasis on enterprise readiness and growth
- Seven dedicated competition categories
- More prizes and opportunities to win
- Opportunities for selected winners to receive support from enterprise sponsors
- Expanded resources and opportunities to help startups scale
Eligibility Requirements
- Imagine Cup 2027 is open to eligible early-stage startups developing software-based products or services with commercial potential. Your startup must be a registered legal entity founded on or after November 2, 2024, and must not have raised Series C funding or later. Individual entrants must be at least 18 years old.
- Your startup must also meet the competition’s submission and technology requirements. Eligibility for Microsoft for Startups benefits is assessed separately.
Categories
Each startup can create only one account and submit one entry form. Your selected category determines which judging panel reviews your entry and how your solution is evaluated.
- Developer Tools
- Retail
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Cybersecurity
- Financial Services
- Deep Tech + Physical AI
- Student Startup
Prizes
Prize breakdown
| Award | Cash Prize | Azure Credits |
|---|---|---|
| First Prize | $250,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Second Prize | $50,000 | $350,000 |
| Third Prize | $25,000 | $350,000 |
| Student Prize | $25,000 | $250,000 |
Additional Microsoft benefits
All listed prize categories include:
- At least one social media post promoting the winning startup.
- At least one blog feature promoting the startup.
- One mentoring session with a Microsoft executive.
- A feature in Microsoft’s Startups to Watch report.
Application Requirements
Your application must include information about your startup, a valid Azure Subscription ID, a Microsoft for Startups account, and complete responses to all submission questions. Submit the following materials through Award Force by 11:59 p.m. CST on February 28, 2027:
- A pitch deck
- A 2–3 minute product demonstration video
- An Azure architecture diagram or technical overview
- Written responses
Microsoft may request additional materials, clarification, or verification during later stages.
Application Timeline:
- November 2, 2026 – February 28, 2027: Application review, screening, and scoring (rolling)
- March 1–12, 2027: Expert review
- March 16–31, 2027: Category Live Interviews (recorded)
- April 2027: Final judging and selection
- May–June 2027: Announcements, Finalist preparation, and the World Championship (exact dates to be communicated)
Dates and competition activities may change. Selected startups will receive instructions through official competition communications.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Microsoft Imagine Cup Student Startup Competition