The Microsoft Imagine Cup, the world’s premier student technology competition, brings the brightest young minds together to take on the world’s toughest problems using technology. Over the past ten years, more than 1.65 million students from more than 190 countries have participated in the Imagine Cup. Registration for the 2013 Imagine Cup is now open and Worldwide Finals will be held in July of 2013 in St. Petersburg, Russia.

This year, the Imagine Cup offers three challenges on the latest Microsoft technologies:

• The Windows Azure Challenge is about getting teams started on the “next big thing” by leveraging Windows Azure features to build a great web application.
• The Windows 8 App Challenge will test a team’s ability to design and build a Windows Store app that takes advantage of Windows 8 features and design principles to deliver an exceptional experience on the platform.
• The Windows Phone Challenge is seeking the best apps that feature startling functionality and device-focused utility, combined with a delightful Windows Phone user experience.

To get started with the Windows Azure Challenge, register and take the Windows Azure Challenge Quiz.  Once you pass the quiz, you’ll be eligible to register your team.  Deadline to register is January 15, 2013. The deadline for online finals submission for all countries is April 15, 2013 and finalists will be announced May 15, 2013. Every finalist team and their mentor will get a free trip to St. Petersburg, Russia, to compete in the Worldwide Finals.

First place winners of each of these three Challenges will receive $10,000 (USD); second place will get $5,000 (USD); and third place will take home $3,000 (USD).

The Imagine Cup invites students from around the world to learn, collaborate and change the world by applying their imagination, passion and creativity to technology innovations. This year, there are also competitions for best Games, World Citizenship focused apps, and solutions demonstrating the most Innovation.

To get the latest news, please register on the Microsoft Imagine Cup site to get the email newsletter, like Microsoft Imagine Cup on Facebook, and follow on Twitter. And check out Resources for Competitors and FAQ to learn more about the Imagine Cup.