Microsoft has launched the Microsoft Hackathon Program 2026 as part of the Imagine Cup, partnering with GitHub and Replit to offer student innovators a shot at $100,000 USD in prizes and global recognition. This prestigious competition challenges teams to solve real-world problems using AI, cloud, and open-source tools, with applications due by January 9, 2026—perfect for Indian students in tech hubs like Haryana.
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Program Overview
The Microsoft Hackathon Program 2026, powered by Imagine Cup, GitHub, and Replit, invites student teams worldwide to build innovative solutions addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals through technology. Participants compete in tracks like AI for Earth, Social Impact, and Innovation, submitting prototypes via GitHub repos hosted on Replit for live demos. Open to individuals or teams of up to 4 from any college (B.Tech, BCA, etc., 2026-2028 batches), it culminates in regional qualifiers, nationals, and the World Finals with mentorship from Microsoft engineers.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Microsoft Hackathon 2026 (Imagine Cup x GitHub x Replit) |
| Prize Pool | $100,000 USD + Azure credits |
| Eligibility | Students worldwide, teams of 1-4 |
| Key Tracks | AI for Good, Social Impact, Innovation |
| Submission Tech | GitHub, Replit, Azure |
| India Events | Nationals March 2026 |
| Apply Deadline | 9 Jan 2026 |
Prizes and Rewards ($100,000 USD)
The grand prize pool totals $100,000 USD, including $50,000 for the World Champion team, plus category awards, equity-free funding, and Azure credits up to $10,000 per team. Indian winners gain exclusive access to Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, GitHub sponsorships, and fast-tracked internships at Microsoft India offices in Bangalore, Hyderabad, or Noida. Past alumni secured full-time offers with packages exceeding ₹20 LPA, making this a career accelerator beyond cash prizes.
Eligibility Criteria
Designed for aspiring developers, no prior hackathon experience needed.
- Age/Status: Currently enrolled students (undergrad/postgrad) aged 16+.
- Team: Solo or 2-4 members from same/different institutions.
- Nationality: Open globally, including India—no citizenship restrictions.
- Skills: Basic coding (Python, JS, C#); AI/ML/cloud knowledge a plus.
All fields welcome—CS, ECE, design, business students encouraged to form diverse teams.
Tracks and Project Ideas
Focus on impactful tech solving global challenges.
- AI for Good: Health diagnostics, climate models using Azure AI.
- Social Impact: EdTech for rural India, accessibility tools.
- Innovation Cup: Open-source hardware/software hybrids via GitHub.
- Example Projects: AI tutor for Hindi-medium students, sustainable farming app with Replit deployment.
Projects must use Microsoft tools (Azure, GitHub Copilot, Power Platform) and be submitted as working prototypes by deadlines.
Submission Requirements
Teams build and pitch Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
- Video Demo: 3-minute pitch on Replit/GitHub (problem, solution, impact).
- Code Repo: Public GitHub with README, architecture diagram.
- Submission Form: imaginecup.microsoft.com—describe SDGs alignment.
- Tech Stack: Azure free tier, GitHub for collab, Replit for instant hosting.
Mentorship webinars start post-registration; leverage free resources like Microsoft Learn.
Timeline and Key Dates (Apply by 9 Jan 2026)
- Registration Open: Now through January 9, 2026.
- Submission Deadline: Early Feb 2026 (post-regional qualifiers).
- Local Events: India nationals in March (virtual/hybrid).
- World Finals: May 2026 (Seattle or virtual), live-streamed.
Indian teams track via Microsoft India Student Ambassadors on LinkedIn/Telegram for workshops.
Preparation Tips for Indian Teams
Stand out in a competitive field with strategic prep.
- Form Team: Pair coders with domain experts (e.g., agriculture for Haryana farmers).
- Learn Fast: Free paths on Microsoft Learn (Azure AI, GitHub Actions).
- Practice: Join mini-hackathons on Devpost; build 3 prototypes.
- Pitch Polish: Record demos, focus on India-specific impact (e.g., water scarcity solutions).
- Network: Join Imagine Cup India community for mock judging.
Top 100% of Indian submissions advance to nationals—volume wins.
How To Apply?
If you are an Interested Candidate, you can apply for the Microsoft Hackathon Program 2026 [Imagine Cup x GitHub x Replit, $100,000 USD] Apply by 9 Jan 2026 Click Here.
Why Join Microsoft Hackathon 2026
India dominates Imagine Cup with multiple finalists yearly, offering visibility to 100M+ users via Microsoft channels. Unlike college fests, this provides global exposure, investor pitches, and startup funding—ideal for Narnaund creators eyeing tech entrepreneurship. [user-information] Build portfolio projects leading to Microsoft internships (₹1L+/month stipend) or ventures like ZS Associates alumni.