The application window for the 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup is now open, inviting students worldwide to participate in Microsoft’s premier global startup competition. Now in its 23rd year, the Imagine Cup provides a platform for students to create innovative technological solutions that address local and global challenges.
Overview of the Microsoft Imagine Cup
The 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup is designed for student entrepreneurs utilizing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). This global competition encourages participants to develop projects that incorporate Microsoft technologies, particularly AI, while emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to students aged 16 and older who are enrolled in a university, community college, vocational, or trade school. Participants from around the globe are eligible to apply.
Team Formation
Teams can consist of up to four members. These members can be from different countries or institutions, but each team will represent only one country or region in the competition.
Project Requirements
All submitted projects must leverage Microsoft technologies, with a strong focus on AI. Additionally, projects should consider diversity, inclusion, and accessibility as core elements.
Competition Stages
- Qualifying Round: Participants are required to submit a proof of concept for their AI-driven solution.
- Regional Finals: The top teams from the qualifying round will advance to the regional finals, which are held in various locations including Sydney for Asia, Amsterdam for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and a yet-to-be-announced location for the Americas. Winners of the regional finals receive cash prizes and the opportunity to compete in the World Championship.
- World Championship: The winning team from each region will compete for the grand prize of USD 100,000 and a mentoring session with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Prizes
Regional Finals: First-place winners receive USD 15,000, second-place winners receive USD 5,000, and third-place winners receive USD 1,000.
World Championship: The top team wins USD 100,000 and a mentoring session with Satya Nadella. Runner-up teams each receive USD 50,000.
Resources and Support
Participants in the Imagine Cup will have access to the Microsoft Founders Hub, which includes USD 1,000 in Azure credits and USD 2,500 in OpenAI credits. Additionally, participants will receive technical and entrepreneurial training. Further learning resources and community support are available through the Imagine Cup GitHub repository and Discord server.
For more detailed information and to register, visit the Imagine Cup website.