The next big thing could come from you with Global Competition 2021: Microsoft Imagine Cup
Dream it. Build it. Live it.
Facebook and Twitter started as student projects. Your idea could be next.
The Imagine Cup is here to help you take the first steps.
It’s a global contest for the most original student applications.
For nearly two decades, students from around the world have participated in the Imagine Cup to build tech applications from what they’re most passionate about.
But the Imagine Cup is more than just a competition—you can work with friends (and make new ones!), network with professionals, gain new skills, make a difference in the world around you, and have a chance to win mentorship, cash, and other prizes.
Help shape our world, nurture your curiosity, and realize your passion through bringing your unique innovation to life.
If you’ve got a great idea to help tackle some of the most challenging global issues we face today, sign up and build purpose from your passion.
Register now and start your 2021 Imagine Cup journey!
What do I need to know?
Table of Contents
Here is a quick summary of what you need to participate in the Imagine Cup:
- Global competition for students aged 16+
- You’re welcome to imagine any solution that you’re passionate about, but must include a Microsoft Azure component and take into consideration diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Maximum four (4) members per team
- For more information on the Imagine Cup competition, or any other competition, visit your account page
Free Remote Work and Virtual Collaboration Certificate (RWVCPC) Answers
Event Schedule
- Registration + Submission Now – January 2021
- Online Semi-finals February 2021
- World Finals March 2021
- World Championship Date TBA
FAQ’s Global Competition 2021: Microsoft Imagine Cup
How do I Register for a competition?
Head over to the Imagine Cup page to find a competition that’s right for you. Click on any of the competitions to learn more and click ‘Register Now!’ to sign up!
How do I unregister from the competition?
You can unregister from your subscribed competitions by visiting the unregister page. Please note that once you have submitted to a competition, you may not unregister.
How do I view my teams, contests and local country information?
Head over to your Imagine Cup Account page for all your details! View the status of your contests, manage your teams and check out local updates and news for your country.
Do I need to create or join a team?
A team must be created prior to or during project submission. You and your team will make an original technology project from start to finish: come up with a great idea, plan, build your project, and submit it! Imagine Cup teams are made of up to four eligible students. You can create a team from your Account page. If a friend creates a team, they can invite you and a notification will show up in your account.
How do I Submit my project?
You can submit and check the status of your entry for any of our contests from your Account page
Where can I get Azure for Students?
Claim $100 in Azure credit and 25+ services FREE so you can build your competitive skills. Get Azure for Students
Where can I learn to use Azure?
Visit Microsoft Learn and try out one of our free Azure learning paths to start creating your project. You can also try any of our Github Labs.
Where can I find additional content and information?
Visit Imagine Cup on YouTube, follow @MSFTImagine on Twitter and MSFTImagine on Facebook.
Do I have to be a student to participate in Microsoft Imagine Cup?
If you are a student at a university, community college, vocational or trade school, or a high school, you are eligible to participate in Microsoft Imagine Cup. All students at accredited schools in countries around the world are eligible.
Do all team members need to be from the same country or university?
Teams can consist of members from multiple countries and/or universities, but the team can only represent one country in the competition.
Am I eligible to represent a country if I am not a citizen of that country?
We look at residency, not citizenship. If you are resident of an eligible country, you can compete representing that country even if your citizenship is elsewhere.
Can I change my team name or update team members before the Online Semifinals?
Teams may change their name and add or update team members, but they would have to do this before the submission deadline
Additional Resources
Build tech skills
Utilize free learning paths and tutorials in Azure Cognitive Services, Big Data, Bots, and more.
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
Find inspiration
Watch past teams’ project pitches and relive their competition journey
Join the conversation
Keep up to date with the latest Imagine Cup news and resources
Competition details
Check out the 2021 Imagine Cup Rules and Regulations for eligibility and judging criteria
Happy Learning!!!