The Microsoft Imagine Cup Student Startup Competition 2027 for early-stage startups and founders worldwide (US$250,000 in cash prizes and US$1 million in Azure prize credit)
Application Deadline: February 28, 2027
Applications are actually open for the 2027 Microsoft Imagine Cup Student Startup Competition. Since 2003, Imagine Cup has empowered rising innovators to show bold concepts into real-world options with Microsoft expertise. Now part of Microsoft for Startups, Imagine Cup enters its subsequent chapter in 2027, opening the competitors to eligible early-stage startups and founders in every single place.
What’s New in 2027
- Open to eligible early-stage startups underneath two years previous
- Greater concentrate on options for enterprise clients
- Increased emphasis on enterprise readiness and development
- Seven devoted competitors classes
- More prizes and Opportunities to win
- Opportunities for chosen winners to obtain assist from enterprise sponsors
- Expanded assets and Opportunities to assist startups scale
Eligibility Requirements
- Imagine Cup 2027 is open to eligible early-stage startups growing software-based services or products with industrial potential. Your startup should be a registered authorized entity based on or after November 2, 2024, and should not have raised Series C funding or later. Individual entrants should be at the very least 18 years previous.
- Your startup should additionally meet the competitors’s submission and expertise necessities. Eligibility for Microsoft for Startups advantages is assessed individually.
Categories
Each startup can create just one account and submit one entry type. Your chosen class determines which judging panel opinions your entry and how your answer 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 advantages
All listed prize classes embody:
- At least one social media publish selling the profitable startup.
- At least one weblog function selling the startup.
- One mentoring session with a Microsoft govt.
- A function in Microsoft’s Startups to Watch report.
Application Requirements
Your application should embody details about your startup, a legitimate Azure Subscription ID, a Microsoft for Startups account, and full responses to all submission questions. Submit the next supplies by means of Award Force by 11:59 p.m. CST on February 28, 2027:
- A pitch deck
- A 2–3 minute product demonstration video
- An Azure structure diagram or technical overview
- Written responses
Microsoft could request extra supplies, clarification, or verification throughout later levels.
Application Timeline:
- November 2, 2026 – February 28, 2027: Application evaluation, screening, and scoring (rolling)
- March 1–12, 2027: Expert evaluation
- March 16–31, 2027: Category Live Interviews (recorded)
- April 2027: Final judging and choice
- May–June 2027: Announcements, Finalist preparation, and the World Championship (actual dates to be communicated)
Dates and competitors actions could change. Selected startups will obtain directions by means of official competitors communications.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Microsoft Imagine Cup Student Startup Competition
The Microsoft Imagine Cup Student Startup Competition 2027 for early-stage startups and founders worldwide (US$250,000 in cash prizes and US$1 million in Azure prize credit) – YOA
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