About the programme
Imagine Cup 2027 invites startups across seven industry categories, including a dedicated Student startup category, to compete for cash, Azure and startup credits, mentorship and visibility. Applications are submitted through the Award Force platform and advance through expert review and judging, with finalists presenting at the Imagine Cup World Championship.
Eligibility
- Early-stage startup or founder (the competition is aimed at early-stage startups and founders worldwide)
- Startup must fit one of the seven Imagine Cup industry categories, including Student startup for student-founded ventures
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What they look for
- Startup should show innovation, traction and potential
What you receive
- Cash awards up to US$250,000 for the Champion
- Startup credits up to US$1,000,000
- Microsoft executive mentorship for finalists and category winners
- Social and blog promotion
- Feature in the Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startups
- Enterprise access and Azure benefits
What you will need
- Startup, solution, traction and vision details submitted via Award Force
How to apply
- Apply through Award Force by the deadline
- Advance through expert review and judging
- Finalists present at the Imagine Cup World Championship
Applications are submitted on Microsoft (Imagine Cup / Microsoft for Startups)’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
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Source and verification
- Official source
- Microsoft (Imagine Cup / Microsoft for Startups) · Application
- Last checked
- 10 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
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