Get ready for the 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup: Let the innovation begin!
Turn your innovative idea into reality with the Microsoft Imagine Cup
Are you a student with an original idea that could possibly change the world? The 2025 Microsoft Imagine Cup is your opportunity to develop your idea, showcase your solution, and shine on a global stage.
The Imagine Cup is the premier global technology competition for student founders leveraging AI to push the boundaries of innovation. Unlock your startup’s potential with the Imagine Cup and turn your innovative idea into a market-ready startup.
Competition Schedule
Submit to Optional Idea Round: Start your journey by structuring your idea using the Lean Canvas framework for a chance to win mentorship with industry experts. Submit by October 31, 2024
Minimum Viable Product Submission: Develop a functional version of your idea that is ready to demo to judges to advance your solution towards market readiness. November 1, 2024 - January 22, 2025
Semifinals: Gain access to additional benefits to accelerate your growth, including mentorship, global recognition, and expert guidance within Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. February - March 2025
World Championship: Hone your pitch and showcase your startup on a global stage at the culmination of the competition. May 2025
Benefits of participating in Imagine Cup
Access to AI technology with Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub: All competitors will gain free access to industry-leading AI services, Azure credits with fewer restrictions, and essential tools to accelerate your growth and scale quickly through Founders Hub. Build with AI that meets your unique needs using Azure AI Studio. With models like OpenAI GPT-4o, Microsoft Research Phi-3, and Meta’s Llama 3.1, you’ll have the resources to develop scalable and impactful AI solutions.
Expert technical advice and founder guidance: Microsoft is here to support you throughout the competition, helping grow your idea into a viable, market-ready solution, while providing guidance refining your pitch. Through the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, participants gain access to the Expert Network to seek advice and feedback on immediate business challenges, and Azure Pairing sessions to get advice from Azure engineers on the latest in AI, optimizing infrastructure, reducing costs, and more.
Global recognition and networking with industry leaders: Connect with a global network of fellow founders and industry leaders. Increase your international visibility as you progress further through the competition with featured content about your startup on Microsoft social channels. Select finalists may also have the opportunity to attend Microsoft Build in person, where they will present, gain exposure, and make essential connections
The winning team will receive $100,000 USD 1 and an exclusive mentoring session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella! The two runner-up teams will each receive $25,000 USD1.
Optional idea submissions for early feedback are due October 31, 2024 and MVP submissions are due January 22, 2025. Get started today and register for 2025 Imagine Cup to start building the future.