Category Archives: competition

2026 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: UNESCO-EQUATORIAL GUINEA INTERNATIONAL PRIZE FOR RESEARCH IN THE LIFE SCIENCES

Application Deadline: 31 March 2026

LOCATION: Equatorial Guinea

The call for nominations for the ninth edition of the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences is now open.

The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences aims to reward the projects and activities of individuals, groups of individuals, institutions, and non-governmental organizations for their outstanding contribution to the improvement of human life.  

ELIGIBILITY:

Applications can only be submitted by the following designated authorities: 

UNESCO Member States through their National Commissions;

Non-governmental organizations in official partnership with UNESCO that are active in relevant fields covered by the Prize;

Please note that each Member State or Non-governmental Organization may submit up to five nominations.

Applications may be submitted in two ways:

Designated authorities can invite candidates who they wish to endorse to apply.

Candidates must submit their application to a National Commission through the online process.

Only applications that have been officially endorsed are received by the UNESCO Secretariat.

After registration, candidates must fill in the online application form in English or French. The application should include the following:

Background information

Outline of the candidate’s contribution to the Prize’s objectives

Summary of the research work

List of major scientific publications

Please note that self-nominations shall not be considered, as well as incomplete applications.

BENEFIT:

Funded by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, the prize, which has a monetary value of US$ 300,000, is divided equally among up to three laureates. The laureate(s) also receive(s) a certificate and an “Integración Tribal” statuette by Equatorial Guinean artist Leandro Mbomio.

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2026 MICROSOFT IMAGINE CUP COMPETITION (STUDENT STARTUP COMPETITION)

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

LOCATION: USA

Imagine Cup is where student founders turn bold ideas into solutions trusted by organizations worldwide. At every step, you’ll have access to Microsoft’s AI technologies, tailored guidance, and connections that help you refine your product and grow as a founder. Focus on a challenge aligned with one of the five Imagine Cup categories, or tackle a different one altogether. Join the next generation of startup founders solving real problems through technology, powered by Microsoft tools, mentorship, and a global community.

ELIGIBILITY:

Two Paths. One Goal: Build What Matters: Imagine Cup offers two tailored paths, Scale and Launch, to meet student founders where they are. Whether you’re gaining traction or just starting to grow, you’ll build with Microsoft AI technologies and advance with expert mentorship, resources, and a global community.

Scale: For student-led startups with traction. If you’ve already secured users, revenue, or capital—whether through any amount of dilutive funding or no more than $5,000,000 USD in combined dilutive or external, non-dilutive funding—the Scale track is for you. You’ll focus on refining product-market fit and preparing to scale your solution into leading organizations. The top 3 Scale teams will secure their spot at the World Championship.

Launch: For early-stage student teams building with potential. If you’re developing an AI-powered solution but not yet ready for Scale, the Launch track helps you take the next step. Whether you’ve built a prototype, tested an MVP, or are validating your market fit, this track gives you the support to grow with clarity and confidence. Eligible teams have not received any amount of dilutive funding or have secured no more than $100,000 USD in external, non-dilutive funding. The winner is announced after the semifinals.

After you register, what’s next?

Unlock up to $5,000 USD in Azure credits to experiment, test, and refine your Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Build your team. Up to four (4) students are allowed per team, and everyone must register on the Imagine Cup website.

Join the Sprint to Imagine Cup, a learning experience designed to explore what’s possible with Microsoft’s platforms and help you prepare a strong submission.

Follow them on social media to stay up-to-date on tips and competition deadlines:

LinkedIn

Instagram

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Facebook

YouTube

Looking for inspiration for your startup idea? Learn about past competitors and find resources below!

Self-paced learning on using Microsoft AI for your startup

Student Developer Blog

Microsoft for Startups Blog

Students aged 18+ are eligible to participate. Some restrictions apply, please see the full requirements in the official rules.

You can create any solution you are passionate about, but it must include at least two (2) Microsoft AI services and consider diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Details about the requirements can be found in the official rules.

Each team can have a maximum of four (4) members. All must be students. Create and manage your team.

Submissions should include a pitch deck, recorded pitch, and demo video, all addressing the judging criteria outlined in the official rules.

BENEFIT:

Scale Prizing: $100,000 USD

Private mentorship session with Microsoft Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella

Opportunities for deeper partnership with Microsoft for Startups.

Launch Prizing: $50,000 USD

Continued visibility and support from Microsoft

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