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Imagine Cup

Imagine Cup

Microsoft Imagine Cup

OpenScienceSTEMCompetition

About the Program

Microsoft Imagine Cup is a global technology startup competition. In 2027 it expands beyond student-only entrants, with seven categories including Student Startup. The student category retains a dedicated prize and a route to present at the World Championship.

Checked November 3, 2026: the official 2027 rules, sections 3–5, 7–10 and 13–14, support the new application window, eligibility, submission process and awards. The Compete page confirms the November 2 opening and February 28 deadline; the FAQ explains the expanded categories. Exact World Championship dates remain to be communicated. The 2026 cohort is retained as historical data, with the previously stored June 30 end date removed because it was not supported by an exact official date.

For historical context, the official 2026 rules support that cycle's student-only Launch/Scale eligibility and January 9 MVP deadline. They listed $50,000 for the Launch champion. Microsoft's 2026 championship report, updated June 9, confirms that the World Champion was announced June 2 and the champion cash prize increased to $150,000. These historical awards and rules do not describe the 2027 competition. The older record's April 8 combined semifinal announcement milestone remains unreverified and is preserved only as historical context, not a structured deadline. Section 8.4 of the 2026 rules promises communication no later than April 10 without establishing April 8.

2027 supporting-material timing remains unresolved: section 8 of the official rules places pitch, demonstration and architecture materials at Stage 2 with a deadline to be communicated, while the FAQ requests these materials by February 28. The application deadline itself is consistently February 28 at 23:59 CST; entrants should obtain clarification about supporting materials.

Eligibility

For 2027, entrants represent an incorporated startup founded on or after November 2, 2024, with no Series C or later funding, eligible for Microsoft for Startups. Up to four official team members may enter one category. A valid Azure Subscription ID is required for submission; previous Imagine Cup winners are ineligible. See the official rules for full conditions. For 2027, at least 18 at entry; parental or guardian consent is needed if below the local age of majority. The 2027 general competition does not require student status. For the Student Startup category, all founding team members must be enrolled at an accredited high-school or college/university-level institution, including home schools, at some point September 30, 2026–May 31, 2027.

Eligible Countries

residency permanent: All countries The 2027 rules exclude entrants and startups subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine; other export-control and sanctions restrictions also apply. Startups must be headquartered where Azure is available.

How to Apply

For 2027, an authorized startup representative applies through Award Force, selects one category, provides startup details, a Microsoft for Startups account and valid Azure Subscription ID, and submits the entry by February 28, 2027 at 23:59 CST. Official sources conflict on supporting materials: the FAQ requests pitch/demo/architecture materials by that deadline, while rules section 8 places them at Stage 2 with a communicated deadline. Confirm requirements with the organizer and Award Force instructions.