About Imagine Cup

Why Compete

The Imagine Cup is more than just a technology competition. Over the past 17 years, more than two million competitors have signed up to build something that matters to them, make a difference in their communities, and innovate for impact.

A student gives a presentation

Shape our world

Every year, students build inspiring tech projects that tackle some of the world’s biggest social, environmental, and health challenges. From a machine learning algorithm that detects wildfires to a HoloLens app that helps children with dyslexia to improve their reading skills, anything is possible when you blend passion and purpose.

A student gives a presentation

Nurture your curiosity

With the goal to empower every student to achieve more, we have the tools, resources, learning materials, and mentors to help you bring your project to life. Whether you’re hoping to accelerate with artificial intelligence, create with cognitive services, invent with intelligent systems, or master machine learning, Imagine Cup is an experience for everyone.

Two students look at a computer together
3 students on an Imagine Cup team take a group photo

Realize your passion

Transform your idea into a purpose-driven application with Microsoft Azure technology. From Sydney to Sao Paolo and everywhere in between, the Imagine Cup brings together students just like you who want to learn and innovate for the future. Whatever your motivation, take the next step–and join a like-minded community of passionate tech enthusiasts who are ready to grow together.

3 students on an Imagine Cup team take a group photo

Competition prizes

Mentorship from Microsoft experts
Networking with industry pros
The chance to showcase your idea
Cash to continue taking your project to the next level
Featured competitors

Learn about past competitors’ journeys through the competition and find inspiration to get started.

The Imagine Cup 2020 finalists all together on a Microsoft Teams conference call

Get inspired to innovate for the future

Meet the 2020 World Champions and their solution for impact

Learn More
World Champion
“Imagine Cup was an incredible opportunity and definitely opened up lots of doors. I would highly recommend it for students from all over to give it a shot.”  – Samin Khan
Team smartARM, 2018
2018 Imagine Cup World Champion talks to fellow students
“Having an idea, being simple about it, and being true to your idea…I think that’s what gets you far. So it’s not like you have to have the tech knowledge, it’s about having the drive to do something.”  – Team MQuill
2019 regional finalists
Two female students sitting down while talking and smiling.
“It’s a game-changing experience to know and interact with diverse people and their ideas.”  – Team Odd Pack
2019 regional finalists
One female and two male students pose for a photographer. They are smiling with their arms around each others shoulders.
Additional Resources
A computer icon Build tech skills

Utilize free learning paths and tutorials in Azure Cognitive Services, Big Data, Bots, and more.

Try Microsoft Learn 
Two clouds connected icon Get started in the cloud

Verified students have access to USD100 cloud credit plus free downloadable developer tools to use in your project with Azure for Students.

Sign up now 
Two clouds connected icon Get started in the cloud

Verified students have access to USD100 cloud credit plus free downloadable developer tools to use in your project with Azure for Students.

Sign up now 
A screen with a play button icon Find inspiration

Watch past teams’ project pitches and relive their competition journey

Check out our YouTube 
Two people with text bubbles icon Join the conversation

Keep up to date with the latest Imagine Cup news and resources

Read our blog 
Two pages icon Competition details

Check out the 2020 Imagine Cup Rules and Regulations for eligibility and judging criteria

Learn more