Get ready for the 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup: Let the innovation begin!

Turn your innovative ideas into reality with Microsoft Imagine Cup.

Are you a student with a unique idea that can change the world? that 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup This is your opportunity to develop your ideas, showcase your solutions, and shine on a global stage.

Register now for the 2025 Imagine Cup!

Imagine Cup is the premier global technology competition for student entrepreneurs leveraging AI to push the boundaries of innovation. With Imagine Cup, you can unleash your startup’s potential and turn your innovative ideas into a market-ready startup.

Benefits of participating in Imagine Cup

• Access AI technology through Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub: All competitors get free access to essential tools to accelerate growth and scale with industry-leading AI services, low-limit Azure credits, and Founders Hub. Build with AI that meets your unique needs using Azure AI Studio. Models like OpenAI GPT-4o, Microsoft Research Phi-3, and Meta’s Llama 3.1 give you the resources to develop scalable and impactful AI solutions.
• Expert technical advice and startup guidance: Throughout the competition, you will receive support to develop your ideas into viable solutions, making Imagine Cup an important step in your ongoing journey. Improve your presentations with personalized, one-on-one coaching from Microsoft experts. Within the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, you can access a network of experts to get advice and feedback on your immediate business challenges, and access Azure Pairing sessions to get advice from Azure engineers on the latest AI, infrastructure optimization, cost savings, and more.
• Global awareness and networking with industry leaders: Connect with a global network of fellow founders and industry leaders. Increase your international visibility while competing further with featured content about your startup on Microsoft social channels. Selected finalists will also have the opportunity to attend Microsoft Build in person to present, gain exposure, and make essential connections.

The winning team will receive USD100,000* and an exclusive mentoring session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella! The two runner-up teams will each receive US$25,000.

Optional idea submission deadline for early feedback October 31, 2024 Deadline for MVP submissions. January 22, 2025. Start today. 2025 Imagine Cup Registration Start building your future.

What’s next?

• Register for the 2025 Imagine Cup! You can manage your team and personal profiles. account page.
• accession Microsoft Founder Hub for Startups Get access to industry-leading AI services, credits, and essential tools. Sign up with the same email address and select Imagine Cup as your Microsoft Partner.
• submit lean canvas For an opportunity to gather initial feedback from industry experts before building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), run an optional ideation round through October 31, 2024. January 22, 2025 MVP is required for regular submissions. Additional information about the competition structure is below:

Need some inspiration?

join Student Innovator Series Learn how to build an MVP with deep dive sessions on Microsoft Reactor, Azure AI, and Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub for the Imagine Cup Kickoff.

To kick off the 2025 Imagine Cup competition, join one of two live events taking place on October 1st. 9:00 AM Pacific Time (UTC -7) or 5:00 PM Pacific Time (UTC -7). Can’t join the kickoff live? Don’t worry. Click the link to watch on demand and check out the rest. Student Innovator Series It will help you on your competitive journey.

To learn how to build AI-based solutions, check out these sessions you won’t want to miss:

• Azure OpenAI and Azure AI Search (Python)
• GitHub Co-Pilot Adventure
• Serverless AI Chat with RAG using LangChain.js
• Microsoft Founder Hub Welcome Day for Startups

* Available on multiple times and dates. Check out the full list of events and register for free here: https://aka.ms/StudentInnovatorSeries

View summary An exciting final round of last year’s competition. Ideas from past Imagine Cup competitions have inspired countless new innovations! Based on personal experience and a mission to improve the lives of visually impaired people, we became world champions last year. in your eyes We developed a mobile application and API that provides real-time visual descriptions to visually impaired users.

Competitive Structure and Useful Resources

optional: Submit your idea / Submit by October 31, 2024

You’ve registered for Imagine Cup and applied to the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. Now submit the completed documents. lean canvas Participate in optional idea submission rounds and receive early support, expert feedback, and valuable resources to build your uniquely positioned idea to submit to the Minimum Viable Product round. Lean Canvas is a one-page business model that helps you communicate your business ideas and strategies quickly and effectively. . Don’t miss this opportunity –Submit by October 31st!

Useful resources to get you started:

Submit MVP / Submit by January 22, 2025

Showcase your features and impact by submitting your MVP, including pitch deck and recorded video of your presentation and demo. Make sure this version is demo-ready for judges and has enough features and functionality to keep early adopters happy.

Useful resources to get you started:

Semifinals / March 2025

Enjoy additional benefits to accelerate your growth, including mentoring, global recognition, and expert guidance. In this round, you’ll participate in an in-depth technical review with Microsoft experts, build your pitch and strategy with mentors and experts, and present live to a virtual panel of judges.

World Championship / May 2025

The World Championship is the pinnacle of competition where teams continue to sharpen their thinking through additional mentoring. This round can be held virtually or in person, with the top three teams presenting live to a panel of judges comprised of experts in their field. Each team is competing for a grand prize of USD100,000 and a mentoring session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella! Get noticed and show how AI can drive innovation and positive change.

examine Imagine Cup Official Rules and Regulations Understand what is required for each round of competition.

Have a dream. Build it. Live it.

The competition has just begun. Follow us on , , and to get interesting announcements and latest updates.

Remember the MVP submission deadline. January 22, 2025 Get started today and start building your future by registering for the 2025 Imagine Cup.

2025 Imagine Cup Registration

Happy innovation!

Imagine Cup Team

*Open only to registered high school or college/university students 18 years of age or older. For additional eligibility criteria, round start/end dates, and detailed instructions on how to participate, see: Imagine Cup Official Rules and Regulations.