Help Us Change the World!

Now in its seventh year, the Imagine Cup is a global student technology competition focused on finding solutions to real-world issues. The competition encourages the world's most talented software designers, programmers, game developers, photographers and filmmakers to tackle the toughest problems facing the world today.

Over 200,000 technology students around the world competed in the 2008 competition.

Do you want:

• To contribute your talents to tackling some of the toughest problems facing us today-and maybe even turn your ideas into a business one day?
• To learn new technology skills and test yourself against the brightest students on the planet?
• To make new friends from around the world?
• The chance to win cash prizes, internships at Microsoft, and even a free trip to Cairo, Egypt this July for the Worldwide Finals?

Since 2002, the Imagine Cup has been challenging the world's brightest students to step up and make a difference.

We're the world's premier student technology competition and we invite you to join us!

Your First Steps

Getting started can sometimes be the hardest step.  Follow these instructions to get started competing in the Imagine Cup!

• Register to sign up to compete in one of the categories and gain access to the forums and e-learning resources. Start here!
• Decide on which competition fits your talents and motivations: Explore the 2009 competitions to find just the one you want to compete in!
• Be the best competitor (and add some new lines to your resume): Microsoft Learning is proud to partner with this year's Imagine Cup to help you prepare for the competition. With over 25 years of technical training expertise, Microsoft Learning provides tools and services to master the latest products and technologies. We're excited to help make your experience with Imagine Cup 2009 a great success. Start learning now!
• Think about the theme! If you are choosing a competition that requires you to create a theme-based project (all except for IT Challenge and Robotics & Algorithm), read about the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals and start thinking about which goal(s) you want to make an impact on. 
• Stay connected: Subscribe to our e-newsletter when you register. You can also configure your Profile to accept newsletters.
• Read about what we're up to and meet our past winners in our News, Success Stories and Explore pages. You can also learn more about each of the competition captains: here.
• Experience the excitement of the 2008 Worldwide Finals in Paris on Channel 8.
• Visit our forums to start meeting other students like you right away.