Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 for Tech Startups Worldwide (Up To $250,000 USD Cash Award + $1,000,000 USD in Startup Credits)

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Applications are open for Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027. Microsoft for Startups has opened applications for the Imagine Cup 2027, a global competition for early-stage startups developing technology solutions with commercial potential.

The competition gives founders an opportunity to present their products to industry experts, gain visibility among potential customers and partners, and compete for cash prizes and Microsoft for Startups credits. Unlike earlier editions focused primarily on student innovators, the 2027 competition welcomes eligible startups across several industries, including healthcare, retail, financial services and cybersecurity.

Microsoft Imagine Cup Categories

The categories span major industries and emerging technologies, but the standard is shared: show how your solution addresses a real customer challenge.

Cybersecurity: Technologies designed to address security challenges and strengthen protection.
Deep Tech and Physical AI: Emerging technologies and physical AI solutions addressing complex real-world challenges.
Developer Tools: Solutions that help developers build, test, deploy, or manage technology more effectively.
Financial Services: Solutions addressing challenges in financial services.
Healthcare and Life Sciences: Solutions focused on challenges across healthcare and life sciences.
Retail: Technology addressing challenges and opportunities across retail experiences and operations.
Student Startup: A dedicated category for eligible student-led startups across industries.

Whether you are building an AI-powered developer tool, rethinking business operations, or tackling an industry-specific challenge, there is a category where you can make the case for what is different about your startup and why customers should care.

Microsoft Imagine Cup Prizes

Imagine Cup Champion

Awarded to the #1 overall startup.
$250,000 USDCash award
$1,000,000 USDin Startup Credits
Recognition as the Imagine Cup Champion

Imagine Cup Top 3 Finalists

The three highest-ranked startups competing for the Imagine Cup Championship.
Second Place
- $50,000 USD cash award
- $350,000 USD in Startup Credits
Third Place
- $25,000 USD cash award
- $350,000 USD in Startup Credits
All Top 3 Finalists also receive:
- Microsoft executive mentorship
- Social and blog features promoting their startups
- Feature in Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startups, presented by Microsoft for Startups

Top Student Startup

One eligible student startup will be recognized as the Top Student Startup of 2027.

$25,000 USDCash award
$250,000 USDin Startup Credits
Microsoft executive mentorship
Social and blog features promoting the startup
Feature in Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startups, presented by Microsoft for Startups
Business-changing enterprise access

Imagine Cup Category Winners

One standout startup from each Imagine Cup industry category will be recognized as an Imagine Cup Category Winner.

Recognition as an Imagine Cup Category Winner
Microsoft executive mentorship
Social and blog features promoting the startup
Feature in Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startups, presented by Microsoft for Startups
Business-changing enterprise access

Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startups

Presented by Microsoft for Startups

Twenty standout startups recognized for their innovation and potential.

Recognition as an Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startup
Business-changing enterprise access

Microsoft Imagine Cup Benefits

Imagine Cup 2027 is built to accelerate your growth. Gain access to resources, recognition, and opportunities designed to help take your startup further.

4 Ways to Win:
- Imagine Cup 2027 Top 20 Startups presented by Microsoft for Startups
- Imagine Cup 2027 Category Winners
- Top Student Startup
- Imagine Cup 2027 Top 3 Finalists
Global visibility
- Be seen by a worldwide audience of customers, press and investors.
Startup resources
- Programs, tooling and credits through Microsoft for Startups.
Azure benefits
- Enterprise-grade AI infrastructure and Startup Credits for finalists.
Industry recognition
- Credibility that opens doors with enterprise buyers and partners.

Eligibility Criteria

Imagine Cup 2027 is open to eligible early-stage startups developing software-based products or services with commercial potential.

Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Registered business: The startup must be a legally registered entity founded on or after November 2, 2024.
Early-stage status: The startup must not have raised Series C funding or a later funding round.
Founder age: Individual entrants must be at least 18 years old.
Team size: A startup can register up to four official team members, subject to the competition rules.
Previous winners: Previous Imagine Cup winners are not eligible to participate.
Technology requirements: The submitted solution must meet the competition’s Microsoft technology and Azure requirements.

Student founders can apply through the Student Startup category if they meet its additional requirements. However, founders do not need to be students to enter the main competition.

The competition is global, but applicants must comply with the applicable US sanctions and export-control restrictions. Review the official rules before applying.