Why Compete

The Imagine Cup is more than just a technology competition. Over the past 21 years, more than two million student competitors have signed up to build and learn together, make a difference in their communities, and innovate for impact. By competing, you too can accomplish all this. Plus, you can develop your own skills as part of the journey to help prepare you for your future.

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Register to compete
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Shape our world

The competition provides you with a great opportunity to develop your tech ideas that address some of today’s most pressing local and global challenges and ultimately effect positive change.
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Build your skills

As a participant in the competition, there’s no doubt that you’ll sharpen your coding, collaboration, and competition skills, as Microsoft has the tools, training materials, and mentors to help you bring your project to life and eventually incorporate it into your career portfolio.
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Realize your passion

Passion can drive great ideas and great work which in turn further fuel your purpose. Use Microsoft Azure technology and build with other passionate students in order to take your idea to the next level—a chance to showcase your work on a global stage and win other great prizes!

Competition Prizes

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Networking with industry pros
Training and Mentorship Prize Icon
The chance to showcase your idea
Networking Prize Icon
Training and mentorship from Microsoft experts, including a session with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella for the World Champion
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Cash to continue taking your project to the next level with multiple prizing opportunities for teams that advance, including USD100,000 for the World Championship winner

Additional Resources

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Check out the 2023 Imagine Cup Rules and Regulations for eligibility and judging criteria.

Learn more
A computer icon Learn all the steps for success

The Imagine Cup Training Content lays out everything you need to know about creating a successful project for any hackathon or competition. By completing the trainings, you will learn everything from strategies to create a team all the way to the best ways to pitch your product to judges.

Learn more
A screen with a play button icon Find inspiration

Watch past teams’ project pitches and relive their competition journey.

Check out our YouTube channel
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Keep up to date with the latest Imagine Cup news and resources.

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

Try Microsoft Learn