Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027
Globalby Microsoft for Startups
Microsoft's global startup competition: seven categories, up to $250,000 cash and $1M in Microsoft startup credits for the World Championship winner. Open to startups founded since November 2024 that haven't raised a Series C.
Apply NowUp to $250,000 cash + $1M in Microsoft startup credits (World Championship winner)
Applications to February 28, 2027; judging March–April; World Championship May–June 2027
Global
Registered startups founded on or after November 2, 2024, not past Series B; entrants 18+; up to four team members; see the official eligibility page.
Annual; 2027 applications reviewed on a rolling basis from November 2, 2026
11/3/2026
February 28, 2027 (11:59 p.m. CST)
About This Fellowship
Imagine Cup is a startup competition presented by Microsoft for Startups, which has run Imagine Cup for 25 years. For 2027 it has seven categories: Cybersecurity; Deep Tech and Physical AI; Developer Tools; Financial Services; Healthcare and Life Sciences; Retail; and a Student Startup category for student-led startups. Each startup enters one category.
The World Championship winner receives $250,000 in cash and $1 million in Microsoft startup credits; second place $50,000 and $350,000 in credits; third place $25,000 and $350,000 in credits. The Top Student Startup receives $25,000 and $250,000 in credits. Selected startups may also get technical and business guidance and introductions to experts, customers and investors.
To enter, a startup must be a registered legal entity founded on or after November 2, 2024, must not have raised Series C or later, and entrants must be at least 18. Entries need a pitch deck, a 2–3 minute demo video, an Azure architecture diagram or technical overview, and a valid Azure subscription ID. Non-Microsoft technology is allowed. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and close at 11:59 p.m. CST on February 28, 2027; the World Championship is in May–June 2027.
Prizes
Cash plus Microsoft startup credits for the top three and the Top Student Startup.
- 1st: $250,000 cash + $1M in startup credits
- 2nd: $50,000 cash + $350,000 in startup credits
- 3rd: $25,000 cash + $350,000 in startup credits
- Top Student Startup: $25,000 cash + $250,000 in startup credits
- Industry category winners and a Top 20 group are also recognised
Who can enter
Registered startups founded on or after November 2, 2024 that have not raised Series C or later. Entrants must be 18+. Up to four official team members.
- Seven categories; each startup enters one
- Student Startup category has extra requirements
- Valid Azure subscription ID required for judging; non-Microsoft tech allowed
- Not open to startups based in comprehensively sanctioned countries or regions
Key dates
Rolling review from November 2, 2026. Applications close February 28, 2027 (11:59 p.m. CST). Expert review March 1–12, live interviews March 16–31, final judging April, World Championship May–June 2027.
Similar Fellowships
Keep exploring
Funding, credits, investors and problems related to Imagine Cup.
Problems worth solving in this space
Ideas on Questd that fit Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027's focus.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the Imagine Cup provide?
Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 provides up to $250,000 cash + $1M in Microsoft startup credits (World Championship winner). The program runs for applications to February 28, 2027; judging March–April; World Championship May–June 2027.
When is the Imagine Cup application deadline?
The current deadline is February 28, 2027 (11:59 p.m. CST). Application cycle: annual; 2027 applications reviewed on a rolling basis from November 2, 2026. Applications are currently open.
Who is eligible for the Imagine Cup?
Registered startups founded on or after November 2, 2024, not past Series B; entrants 18+; up to four team members; see the official eligibility page. Geographic scope: Global.
Explore More Fellowships
Discover other fellowships and find problems to work on.