Call for Applications: Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027 Offers Startups $250,000 - MSME Africa

Microsoft for Startups has opened applications for the Imagine Cup 2027, a global competition for early-stage startups developing technology solutions with commercial potential. The competition gives founders an opportunity to present their products to industry experts, gain visibility among potential customers and

Imagine Cup 2027 is open to eligible early-stage startups developing software-based products or services with commercial potential.

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Registered business: The startup must be a legally registered entity founded on or after November 2, 2024.
• Early-stage status: The startup must not have raised Series C funding or a later funding round.
• Founder age: Individual entrants must be at least 18 years old.
• Team size: A startup can register up to four official team members, subject to the competition rules.
• Previous winners: Previous Imagine Cup winners are not eligible to participate.
• Technology requirements: The submitted solution must meet the competition’s Microsoft technology and Azure requirements.

Student founders can apply through the Student Startup category if they meet its additional requirements. However, founders do not need to be students to enter the main competition.

The competition is global, but applicants must comply with the applicable US sanctions and export-control restrictions. Review the official rules before applying.

Interested founders can apply through the official competition platform.

• Visit the Imagine Cup 2027 website.
• Review the official competition rules and eligibility requirements.
• Confirm that your startup meets the registration, founding-date, funding-stage and technology requirements.
• Prepare your pitch deck, product demonstration video, technical overview, company information and Azure Subscription ID.
• Create your startup profile on Award Force, select one competition category and complete the application.
• Check every response and attachment before submitting. Applications cannot be edited freely after the deadline.

Application deadline: February 28, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Application fee: No application fee is listed in the published competition information.

Apply here: Microsoft Imagine Cup 2027

Competition support: [email protected]