Microsoft’s Imagine Cup is the world’s most prestigious student technology competition, bringing together student innovators from all over the world. If you have a great idea for a new app, bring it to life through Imagine Cup. With Microsoft resources and support, you can make a great app and win travel and cash prizes!

Microsoft has organized its Imagine Cup student technology competition for the last 10 years . Students ages 16 and older can now register for their national events and the winners of these local events will be flown to St. Petersburg, Russia, where the worldwide finals will take place from July 8 to 11 2013

Microsoft  invites all eligible students to use their imagination and passion to create a technology solution in one of six competitions and challenges.

Over the past ten years, more than 1.65 million students from more than 190 countries have participated in the Imagine Cup. When you join the Imagine Cup community, you’ll connect with other whip-smart creatives from all over the world to share ideas, have fun, and be there when the next big thing is unveiled.

. To help the finalists commercialize their ideas, Microsoft also allows them to apply for its three-year, $3 million Imagine Cup Grants.

Here is Microsoft’s description of the new core competitions:

• World Citizenship: Honors the software application developed on Microsoft platforms with the greatest potential to make a positive impact on humanity. For example, a project might address education-, social- or healthcare-related problems.

• Games: Honors the most engaging and entertaining games targeting teens and youth, built on Microsoft platforms (Windows 8, Windows Phone, Kinect for Windows Software Development Kit, and Xbox Indie Games).
• Innovation: Honors apps that give consumers inspiration and innovation at their fingertips, whether it be a new spin on social networks, online shopping or search, built with Microsoft tools and technology.In addition to the core competitions, students can also compete in a number of online challenges focused on specific technologies and platforms, including Windows 8, Windows Azure and Windows Phone.

Official Rules

The 2013 Imagine Cup Official Rules

2013 Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals Prizes

1st Place: $50,000 (USD)

2nd Place: $10,000 (USD)

3rd Place: $5,000 (USD)

And a free trip to St. Petersburg for all finalist teams & mentors!

Calendar

August 30, 2012
Competition begins!

March 15, 2013
Deadline to register your team

April 15, 2013
Local Finals conclude in participating countries

Online Finals submission deadline for all countries

May 15, 2013
Finalist teams announced at ImagineCup.com

July 8-12, 2013
Worldwide Finals in St. Petersburg, Russia

The world is waiting for you. Are you ready to dream it, build it, live it and win it?

Register Now for the 2013 Microsoft Imagine Cup  competition