Microsoft for Startups has opened Imagine Cup 2027, its global startup competition. The champion wins US$250,000 in cash plus US$1 million in Microsoft for Startups credits. Unlike past editions, which were mostly for students, the 2027 competition is open to early-stage startups worldwide, with a dedicated Student Startup category too. Applications close on 28 February 2027.
African founders building software, AI, fintech, health tech or cybersecurity products can apply, as long as they meet the rules, including US sanctions and export-control restrictions.
Key Details
- Organiser: Microsoft for Startups
- Top prize: US$250,000 cash + US$1,000,000 in startup credits
- Categories: 7, including a Student Startup category
- Platform: applications via Award Force
- Finals: Imagine Cup World Championship (Top 3 + Top Student Startup)
- Deadline: 28 February 2027
Benefits: Prizes
- Imagine Cup Champion: US$250,000 cash + US$1,000,000 in startup credits
- Second place: US$50,000 cash + US$350,000 in startup credits
- Third place: US$25,000 cash + US$350,000 in startup credits
- Top Student Startup: US$25,000 cash + US$250,000 in startup credits
- Top 3, Category Winners and Top 20: Microsoft executive mentorship, social and blog features, and enterprise visibility
Startup credits are not cash; they can be used on Microsoft services under the programme’s terms.
Seven Categories
- Developer tools
- Retail
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Cybersecurity
- Financial services
- Deep tech and physical AI
- Student startup (cross-industry, for student-founded ventures)
Each startup can submit only one entry, in the category that best fits its main product and customers.
Eligibility
According to the competition rules as reported by MSME Africa:
- a legally registered startup founded on or after 2 November 2024
- not yet raised Series C or later
- team members aged 18 or over; up to four official team members
- a software-based product that meets the competition’s Microsoft/Azure technology requirements
- previous Imagine Cup winners are not eligible
- compliance with US sanctions and export-control rules
Founders don’t have to be students for the main categories. Check the official rules and FAQ before applying.
How to Apply
- Read the details and FAQ on the official Imagine Cup website.
- Choose your category and check your startup meets the founding-date and funding rules.
- Apply through the Imagine Cup 2027 application page (Award Force platform).
- Submit before 28 February 2027.
Tips
- Show a real customer problem and early traction (users, pilots, revenue).
- Explain clearly how you use Microsoft technology such as Azure.
- Pick the category that matches your core customers — it decides your judges.
- Student founders: compare the Student Startup and main categories before choosing.
Related Opportunities
- Mozilla Human-Scale AI Incubator (Up to US$500,000)
- Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027
- SAIS Livestock Investment Readiness Programme 2027
Deadline: 28 February 2027.
