Oh yeah, bring it on!

Do you consider yourself a gaming entrepreneur? Or maybe a software design aficionado? Or perhaps creating viral videos are more your thing? Well, at Imagine Cup 2012 we've got it all — and more!

This is the competition of competitions. The opportunity to share your creativity with the world. Oh yeah, and the chance to win some pretty amazing prizes. Now, if you're ready, let's compete!

Software Design

Real applications for the real world.

Here's your mission (if you choose to accept it). Create real-world software applications using Microsoft technologies. Just remember, they must address the Imagine Cup 2012 theme: Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems.

Need some inspiration? Check out the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals — then challenge yourself to create something incredible.This competition is where legends are born. Where lives are changed. And where an application that starts as a simple idea can end up making a global difference.

Game Design

Become the ultimate superhero.

Who says saving the world can't be fun? First of all, it's thrilling to make a difference. And with the power of gaming, people can have fun while fighting global issues.

Needs some ideas? Check out the eight United Nations Millennium Development Goals — then blow us away! Build a full game from scratch. And make it something truly unique. Think of this competition as an important step in your budding career as a game developer or an entrepreneur in the game business.

IT Challenge

Put hackers in their place.

Think you can develop, deploy, and maintain a rock-solid IT system that's efficient, functional, robust, and secure? The kind that even the savviest hacker can't break through? We know you can! It all starts with a few quizzes to check your book-smarts. Then the Challenge moves on to a hands-on lab where you'll put your practical IT knowledge to the test.

The IT Challenge is all about preparing students like you to be IT professionals — testing your ability to interpret customer needs and manage configurations that require an intimate understanding of how all the pieces fit together. Sign up for the Imagine Cup Worldwide IT Challenge and get real-world experience, right now!

Windows Azure Challenge

Build the Future in the Cloud.

The Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 Windows Azure Challenge is about leveraging Windows Azure platform features to build a web application in the cloud. Be a contributor to the "next big thing" in the technology industry and solve one of the world’s toughest problems at the same time. Get your smartest friends together, or work on your own and show how one idea can impact the lives of people around the world. Interested? Check out the full list of Windows Azure features and get started on your web application today. To participate in the Windows Azure Challenge you will need to register at the Imagine Cup WW site.

Windows Phone Challenge sponsored by Nokia

Get Involved and Make a Difference.

Answer the call. Enter to compete in the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012 Windows Phone Challenge and create software that can really make a broad impact in the world. Now is your chance to experiment and make your work available on a mobile device used by millions. Great apps start with strong functionality, add device-focused utility, and finish with an outstanding Windows Phone user experience. Plus you will be able to install the Windows Phone SDK which includes Expression Blend 4 for Windows Phone, Visual Studio Express for Windows Phone and the Windows Phone Emulator. Your ideas combined with great tools - which one of the world's toughest problems will you solve? Get started on your solution today.

To participate in the Windows Phone Challenge you will need to register at the Imagine Cup WW site.

Kinect Fun Labs Challenge Sponsored by Microsoft Studios

Join the Kinect Effect

The Imagine Cup 2012 Kinect Fun Labs Challenge asks students to think about entertainment with a social conscience and brings the Imagine Cup into the living room. It is a unique opportunity for students to develop applications that change the world with the Fun Labs area of Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE. The Imagine Cup Kinect Fun Labs Challenge will test your Team’s ability to build a prototype which leverages natural user interface (NUI) features such as skeletal tracking, speech recognition, face recognition, and gestures. For this Challenge, we will provide you with state-of-the-art tools to develop Kinect Fun Labs style applications on your PC. And… the top 100 Teams that advance to Round 2 will receive a free Kinect for Windows sensor! Get started building your solution today.

Windows Metro Style App Challenge Sponsored by Microsoft Windows

We're Bringing the Platform. You Bring the Idea!

“Windows 8” is coming and, with the Windows Metro Style App Challenge, we are asking students to be at the forefront of those creating applications for this new platform. Apps are the center of the Windows 8 experience and great apps start with you. This Challenge will test your Team’s ability to design and build a Metro style app that takes advantage of Windows 8 features and design principles to deliver an experience that solves one of the world’s toughest problems and wows not only us but those across the globe. Sign up and get ready to take your first quiz!