Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027
Last date 28 February 2027 (counted to end of day IST; the notice may say an earlier time)
For1st year · 2nd year · 3rd year · Final year · Master's / PhD · Graduated
What Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 is
Microsoft for Startups competition for early-stage software startups, with a dedicated Student Startup category
Who can apply
founders aged 18+ in any year of study, recent graduates or working: the startup must be a registered company founded on or after 2 Nov 2024; an idea without a registered company cannot enter
The organiser's rules Registered startup founded on or after 2 Nov 2024, below Series C; founders 18+; up to four team members; founders need not be students (student-led teams can enter the Student Startup category)
What it pays
“$250,000 USD cash prize for the overall winner plus $1,000,000 USD in startup credits; Top Student Startup gets $25,000 USD plus $250,000 USD in credits”
Important dates
- Last date
- 28 February 2027
- Checked
- 2 November 2026, on Microsoft's own page
The receipt
Copied word for word from Microsoft's own page, so you can check it yourself:
“Apply through Award Force, our official competition platform. Applications close on February 28, 2027.”
Desk notes
2027 cycle opened (watcher issue #44, 2 Nov 2026). Big change from past editions: no longer student-only. The FAQ says 'Your startup must be a registered legal entity founded on or after November 2, 2024, and must not have raised Series C funding or later. Individual entrants must be at least 18 years old.' Seven categories incl. Student Startup. Excluded: OFAC-sanctioned countries (India is not one). Previous winners ineligible. Applications go through Award Force, linked from the official site.
FAQ
What is the last date to apply for Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027?
The last date is 28 February 2027 (count it as end of day IST unless the notice says an earlier time). Microsoft's own page says: "Apply through Award Force, our official competition platform. Applications close on February 28, 2027."
Who can apply for Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027?
founders aged 18+ in any year of study, recent graduates or working: the startup must be a registered company founded on or after 2 Nov 2024; an idea without a registered company cannot enter. In the organiser's words: Registered startup founded on or after 2 Nov 2024, below Series C; founders 18+; up to four team members; founders need not be students (student-led teams can enter the Student Startup category).
How much does Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 pay?
Microsoft's page says: "$250,000 USD cash prize for the overall winner plus $1,000,000 USD in startup credits; Top Student Startup gets $25,000 USD plus $250,000 USD in credits."
Where do I apply for Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027?
On Microsoft's own site: https://imaginecup.microsoft.com/en-us. The Deadline Desk links only to the organiser's page, never an aggregator.