Imagine Cup Details and Key Takeaways for Participants

Updated: 19.05.2025

Read time: 3 min read

What Is Imagine Cup?

Student developers from around the world form teams to design and build technology solutions addressing major global challenges, submitting their projects for review and potentially advancing to present at international finals; top teams are recognized for innovation, technical excellence, and societal impact.

Where Is Imagine Cup Held?

Microsoft Imagine Cup is a global competition with online project submissions and remote judging. Finalists are often invited to attend in-person world finals, usually held in major cities in the US or Europe. Open worldwide to student developers.

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About Microsoft: Empowering Innovation and Transforming the Future Through Technology

Microsoft is one of the world’s largest and most influential technology companies, founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Known for creating products that have revolutionized computing, such as Windows, Office, and the Xbox, Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.

A key part of Microsoft’s educational outreach is its support for future innovators through initiatives like the Microsoft Imagine Cup, which challenges students to use technology to solve real-world issues. The Imagine Cup is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to foster the next generation of tech leaders, offering opportunities for students to access cutting-edge technology, receive mentorship from industry experts, and bring their ideas to life.

The competition is managed by Microsoft’s Education and Cloud Advocacy teams, which work closely with academic institutions, mentors, and regional partners to support student innovators worldwide. Open to students aged 16 and older, the Imagine Cup challenges participants to develop original tech solutions—ranging from apps and AI tools to cloud-based platforms—across key categories like Earth, Health, Education, and Lifestyle.

More than just a coding contest, the Imagine Cup combines technical excellence with entrepreneurship. Teams go through multiple stages of development, pitching, and refinement, receiving mentorship from Microsoft professionals and gaining access to tools like Azure and GitHub to bring their ideas to life.

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Key Details

Subjects: Technology, software development, innovation

How to Enter: Register a team, develop a tech project (app, solution, or device), and submit it online; finalists may present at world finals.

Age Range: Students aged 16+ (must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution)

Competition Format: Teams create and submit a tech solution (software/app/device) addressing a real-world problem; finalists pitch to judges.

Recognition: Cash prizes, mentorship, and global exposure for winners.

Sample Task: Develop an app that helps visually impaired users navigate public spaces.

Our Tips for Succeeding in Imagine Cup

Form a team with complementary skills, and brainstorm technology solutions that address real-world challenges. Develop a working prototype and focus on both innovation and user experience. Document your development process and prepare a compelling pitch for judges. Participate in online workshops and seek mentorship from industry professionals. Test your project thoroughly and be ready to iterate based on feedback.