Your students have big ideas and plans to make the world a better place. Pairing their passion with technical skills, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), can make them unstoppable. Microsoft’s provides an excellent opportunity to help students turn their innovative ideas into market-ready startups by leveraging Microsoft’s AI technology.
Find out how you can prepare your students to compete in the Microsoft Imagine Cup, where they can potentially win $100,000 USD* and a mentorship session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella.
What is the Imagine Cup?
The Imagine Cup is a global technology competition hosted by Microsoft, designed for students aspiring to launch innovative startups leveraging AI technology.
Imagine Cup competitors get access to AI technology through Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. Throughout the competition, students can connect with technical and industry experts for guidance and feedback. Competing gives your students a chance to network with industry professionals and gain global recognition for their creativity and technical mastery.
Who can participate?
Imagine Cup is open to competitors ages 18 and older who are enrolled in a degree-granting accredited institution at any time between October 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. Students may form teams with a maximum of four members but are also able to compete individually.
You can review the full requirements .
How can students prepare to compete?
Microsoft has multiple resources to help educate and prepare your learners for the Imagine Cup competition. These include:
- : Are your students ready to dive in but not sure where to start? Microsoft has prepared useful material covering everything from to trainings on .
- and blog: Explore the competition structure and draw inspiration from past winners. Competitors can find to guide them through each step of their competition journey.
- : Check out the series on demand to explore how AI can accelerate your students’ ideas. The series features an Imagine Cup kickoff event where students can learn from previous competitors and industry experts as well as multiple deep dive sessions on Azure AI.
How can my students participate?
Ready to dive in? Here are the steps to participate in the 2025 Imagine Cup.
- : Competitors can manage their team and personal profile on their .
- Sign up for . Here students will get access to AI services, credits, and essential tools. Make sure they sign up for the competition with the same email address used for their Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub account and select Imagine Cup as their Microsoft partner.
- (MVP) by January 22, 2025, 23:59 UTC. This submission must include a pitch deck and a recorded video of their pitch and demo to show the functionality and impact of their startup idea and MVP. Students should ensure this version of their product is demo-ready for judges and includes sufficient features and functionality to satisfy early adopters.
- to seek technical help and even find teammates.
Selected teams will move on to the semifinals in March 2025, and the world championship round will take place in May 2025.
What’s Next?
Imagine Cup is just the beginning! Help your competitors learn more about AI with the Microsoft Certified Fundamentals certification program. Students can also prepare for careers in big data, cloud computing, and security by earning a Microsoft Certified Fundamentals certification. See all the certifications available in the Microsoft Certified Fundamentals program here.
*Open only to enrolled high-school or college/university students 18+. For additional eligibility criteria, round start/end dates, and detailed instructions on how to participate, see the .