One World. Unlimited Possibilities.

Everything that the world may become "someday" lies in the hands of young people today. As they look at the road ahead, their close relationship with technology enables them to dream in ways we never have before. Put the two together, and you have young minds holding the tools that can make their vision a reality.

This is the recipe that inspired Microsoft to create the Imagine Cup. What begins with a burst of inspiration and a lot of hard work can become a future software breakthrough, a future career, or a flourishing new industry. The Imagine Cup encourages young people to apply their imagination, their passion and their creativity to technology innovations that can make a difference in the world – today. Now in its sixth year, the Imagine Cup has grown to be a truly global competition focused on finding solutions to real world issues.

Attention Technology Students! Want to Compete in Imagine Cup 2009?

People are starving. Diseases ravage communities. Basic education is out of reach for too many people. Dangerous shifts in the environment affect millions as countries struggle to develop in sustainable ways. It seems overwhelming - but we can't throw up our hands and give up. The answers are all around us in thousands of ideas that happen every day. Solutions might be in the next few lines of code, a compelling photo or even a simple game that can teach the world a lesson. These small sparks set the world's imagination on fire and lead to change that really matters. Technology can be the force multiplier that transforms these great ideas into real world solutions. And that's the point of the Imagine Cup every year - to use technology to make a difference.

The Imagine Cup brings together more than 200,000 students from over 100 countries around the world where they compete to help find the answers. And no matter who comes up with the best solutions - everybody wins.

We’re looking for the world’s most talented student software designers, programmers, game developers, photographers and filmmakers to tackle the biggest problems facing the world today. Registration for the 2009 competition is now open! Explore the new categories, the 2009 theme, and of course—the new city that will host the finals next summer. Join us!

Who Won Imagine Cup 2008?

The finalists met in Paris, France July 3-8 to compete before a prestigious judging panel of internationally renowned technology and environmental experts. Who won Imagine Cup 2008? What new and exciting software solutions emerged from the competition that will help protect our planet? Find out now!

What's at Stake?

Each invitational offers unique prizes including cash awards and Microsoft internship opportunities. But the Imagine Cup is bigger than the story of who wins first, second, or third place: We believe that when everyone comes together to help solve the planet's most urgent problems, we all win.