Why Compete

The Imagine Cup is more than just a technology competition. Over the past 20 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.

Two students working on advanced technology using virtual reality
A student gives a presentation

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.
Two students look at a computer together

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.
3 students on an Imagine Cup team take a group photo

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

Cash Prize Trophy Icon
Cash to continue taking your project to the next level
Showcase Idea Prize Icon
The chance to showcase your idea
Training and Mentorship Prize Icon
Training and mentorship from Microsoft experts
Networking Prize Icon
Networking with industry pros

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
A screen with a play button icon Find inspiration

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

Check out our YouTube channel
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 2022 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