Opportunity Overview
Program Name: Imagine Cup 2026
Organizer: Microsoft
Category: Student Startup / Innovation Competition
Program Type: Global Competition + Startup Accelerator
Eligibility: College & University Students
Team Size: 1 – 4 Students
Location: Global (Online + Final Events)
Stipend / Funding:
- Up to $5,000 USD Azure Credits
- Additional global recognition, mentorship & prizes( 90Lakh )
About the Program
Imagine Cup is Microsoft’s flagship global competition where student founders build startups using AI, cloud, and emerging technologies to solve real-world problems. The program supports students from ideation to MVP and beyond, helping them create solutions trusted by organizations worldwide.
Participants gain access to Microsoft AI tools, Azure cloud credits, expert mentorship, and global exposure, making it an ideal launchpad for student entrepreneurs.
Program Focus Areas
You can align your startup with one of the five Imagine Cup categories or propose an independent challenge, including but not limited to:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Sustainability & Climate
- Healthcare & Accessibility
- Education & Social Impact
- Productivity, Automation & Emerging Tech
What You’ll Do
- Build and refine a startup idea or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Use Microsoft Azure & AI services for development and experimentation
- Collaborate with team members to solve real-world challenges
- Participate in Sprint to Imagine Cup, a guided learning experience
- Prepare and submit your solution for global evaluation
- Pitch your idea on an international platform
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a currently enrolled student at an accredited college/university
- Open to all branches and degrees
- Teams can have up to 4 students
- Each team member must register individually
- Passion for startups, innovation, and technology
Skills You’ll Gain
- Startup & product development
- AI-powered solution building
- Cloud computing with Azure
- Problem-solving & design thinking
- Team collaboration & leadership
- Pitching, storytelling, and entrepreneurship
Benefits & Perks
- Up to $5,000 USD in Azure Credits
- Self-paced learning on Microsoft AI & cloud platforms
- Global exposure and networking opportunities
- Mentorship from Microsoft experts and industry leaders
- Opportunity to compete in the Imagine Cup World Championship
- Strong value for resumes, internships, and startup careers
Learning & Resource Access
- Microsoft AI learning paths
- Student Developer Blog
- Microsoft for Startups resources
- Past Imagine Cup finalist case studies
- Community events, tips, and deadlines via social media
Why Join Imagine Cup?
- Turn your idea into a real startup
- Build with enterprise-grade AI & cloud tools
- Gain recognition beyond college-level hackathons
- Learn directly from a global tech leader
- Create impact while shaping your future career
How to Apply
- Visit the official Imagine Cup website
- Register as an individual or with your team
- Build your startup idea & MVP
- Join Sprint to Imagine Cup
- Submit your project before the deadline
Apply Link – Click Here to Register for Imagine Cup 2026
