Microsoft Imagine Cup

Opening soon Microsoft United States

Prize

$100,000 for the Scale champion. $50,000 for the Launch winner.

Visit the official site

What it funds: Cash prizes for student founders building AI startups with Microsoft AI services
Who can apply: Teams of 1 to 4 enrolled students
Every team member aged 18 or older
Solution must use two Microsoft AI services
Scale track: under $5 million raised in total
When you can apply: Opening soon
How to apply: Register on the Imagine Cup site when the season opens. Submit your MVP online.
Best for: Prototype, Early revenue, Growth stage
Sectors: AI/ML
Run by: International programmes

NLDSL DigiTwin Grand Challenge 2026Grand prize ₹5 lakh per theme. Sector prizes ₹3 lakh each. Closes 14 Nov 2026
NM-ICPS Technology Innovation Hubs: Startup and Fellowship SupportSet by each hub Open all year
Support for International Patent Protection in Electronics and IT (SIP-EIT)Up to ₹15 lakh per invention (50% of cost) Open all year
TCOE India: Prototyping, PoC, Validation and Pilot SupportUp to 80% of cost, max ₹50 lakh per pilot Open all year
DRDO Technology Development Fund (TDF)Projects up to ₹50 crore; TDF funds up to 90% of cost Open now
E2E Networks Startup Program (AI Explorer credits)₹5 lakh in AI cloud credits Open all year
Claude Startups (Anthropic)Claude API credits; up to $100,000 more through a partner VC Closed

AI/ML grants for startups

Starter opens 30 grants in full. Pro opens every one.