Innovation is one of the most valuable skills anyone can have today, and the sooner you start learning it, the greater expertise you can develop. This is what makes innovation competitions like Microsoft’s Imagine Cup Junior, the subject of our blog today, a potential asset for college applications. 

In a competitive college admissions landscape, contests like these can help you highlight your creativity and problem-solving skills and give you the chance to obtain tangible proof of your abilities in a competitive environment. Admissions officers look for students who have taken on unique challenges and gained real-world experience. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience in areas like coding, AI, and environmental sustainability—all rapidly growing fields.

What is Imagine Cup Junior?

Imagine Cup Junior is part of Microsoft’s broader Imagine Cup competition but is designed specifically for younger students (ages 13-18) who want to dive into the world of technology. Launched in 2019, its goal is to provide a platform to explore tech-based solutions to real-world problems as part of Microsoft’s AI for Good initiative. 

Imagine Cup Junior focuses on cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and machine learning. Microsoft supports you with resources such as curriculum materials, mentoring, and guidance to help you develop your skills and ideas. The competition encourages teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. The experience itself is rewarding, whether or not you win, because it gives you a practical look into how technology can make an impact on the world.

Is it prestigious?

Yes, participating in Imagine Cup Junior is definitely prestigious. Students from more than 100 countries across the globe compete, making it an international platform for young innovators. Past winning entries are a clear demonstration of the advanced level and broad, practical scope of the competition, with winners tackling such challenging issues as coral reef restoration, rehabilitation of stroke patients, early-stage cancer diagnostics, and water waste treatment. 

Since only 10 teams take home winning prizes, the competition is extremely selective. Finalists gain international recognition, which can be a big deal for your future college applications and career prospects. The depth of learning and involvement in the competition makes it stand out from other student events, as it provides hands-on experience with technology and opportunities to network with experts.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible to participate in Imagine Cup Junior, you need to:

• Be a student aged 13-18

• Either enter as an individual or form a team with up to 6 other students

• Have an adult educator or mentor act as Team Lead, who will be the one in communication with Microsoft

How is the competition structured?

The Imagine Cup Junior competition involves several stages, each of which helps Microsoft assess your team's creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge. Your submission will need to incorporate the following:

• Submission title slide: A simple introductory two-minute slide that showcases your team name, country, the category chosen (more on that below), and the problem you’re trying to solve.

• Problem statement: You’ll have to identify a specific, targeted problem your team is trying to solve from the available AI for Good categories:

  • AI for Earth

  • AI for Accessibility

  • AI for Cultural Heritage

  • AI for Humanitarian Action

  • AI for Health

• Describing the concept in detail: Your submission needs to explain your idea thoroughly. You need to describe the AI concept, what it does, how it will be used, and the impact it may have. More importantly, it needs to explain the AI itself—the cognitive services used, the APIs utilized, and why your solution is the best solution.

Registration for the competition runs from January 10 through May 10 and concludes on June 13 with the winners announcement on the Microsoft Education blog. 

It is important to note that Imagine Cup Junior is completely free to apply and participate in!

6 tips to help you win Imagine Cup Junior

1. Use Microsoft’s official resources to your advantage: Microsoft provides free learning materials and resources in the form of the AI for Good Resources Pack. These include six 45-minute lessons, submission templates, hackathons, deep learning modules, as well as a full explanation of the judging criteria. Take full advantage of these materials, as they are tailored specifically for the competition and will help you understand the tech better. Go through every resource thoroughly and try to apply what you learn directly to your project.

2. Study past winners' entries: One of the best ways to understand what makes a winning project is by studying the projects of past winners. Microsoft often showcases the top entries from previous years, so take time to analyze what made them stand out. Look for common themes, such as how they identified a real-world problem and provided a unique solution. Pay attention to the level of detail in their proposals, how they explained the impact of their solutions, and how innovative their ideas were.

3. Focus on real-world impact: The judges want to see solutions that have the potential to make a significant difference in the real world. When brainstorming your project, think about how your idea can help solve a major global problem, like climate change, education inequality, or health care access. Make sure your solution is practical and feasible, even if it’s based on cutting-edge technology. Explain in your submission how your idea can be implemented in the real world and why it matters.

4. Collaborate effectively with your team: Working in a team can be challenging, but it’s one of the keys to success in Imagine Cup Junior. Good teamwork allows you to combine different strengths and ideas. Assign clear roles to each team member, like who will handle the technical aspects, who will focus on research, and who will handle the presentation. Regular communication is important—set aside time to meet with your team frequently and stay on track with deadlines.

5. Refine your presentation skills: It's not just about having a great idea—it's about how well you can communicate it. The presentation or video you submit is crucial, as it’s the first impression the judges will have of your project. Make sure your presentation is clear, concise, and visually appealing. Practice delivering your pitch in a way that’s easy to understand, even for people who might not be familiar with the technology you’re using. Break down complex concepts into simpler terms, and show your passion for the solution you're proposing.

6. Pay attention to feedback: Throughout the competition, you might receive feedback from mentors, educators, or even your peers. Take this feedback seriously and use it to improve your project. Sometimes, small adjustments based on outside perspectives can make a big difference in how your project is perceived. Be open to constructive criticism, and make sure you continually refine your idea up until the submission deadline.

Our review—is it worth it?

Participating in Imagine Cup Junior is definitely worth it if you’re interested in technology and want to develop real-world skills. Whether you win or not, you’ll gain knowledge in areas like AI, problem-solving, and teamwork. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talents on an international stage. While the competition can be challenging, the experience and connections you’ll make are valuable, especially if you're aiming for a career in tech or looking to impress college admissions officers. Imagine Cup Junior is ideal for students who love problem-solving and are passionate about making a positive impact on the world through technology.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.