01
Applications
Submit your idea.
Anyone over 18 can apply.
- If you already have an idea, you will answer a short set of questions about what it is, who it is for, the problem it addresses, and how you imagine it coming to life.
- If you are still finding your direction, our AI application tool can help you brainstorm and shape an idea based on your interests.
After you submit your idea, you’ll receive info on how to access free Microsoft Azure credits. These credits give you access to powerful tools and industry-leading technology like Azure OpenAI, so you can build, test, and scale your ideas-even if coding isn’t your superpower!
A panel of local industry leaders and experts will review submissions and select the top teams that will be invited to record a 1-minute video pitch of their idea to be then selected to the next phase.
The application period ends April 27, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. ET
As part of your founder journey, Microsoft is offering real solutions with AI and wants to level up your project with limited-time offers on 12 months of free AI-powered Microsoft 365 with Copilot for Students. Eligible students will receive more information via your e-mail after you apply.
Red Bull Basement Application
© Red Bull
02
National Finals
Congratulations. You’ve been selected as a National Finalist. This is where your idea starts to feel real.
In the days leading up to the National Final, you will enter a short preparation period designed to help you bring your idea into a clear, presentable format for the stage.
During this time, you may get an opportunity to access selected resources and tools intended to support the way you think about, shape, and express your idea.
By the end of this preparation period, you will be expected to present:
- A tangible representation of your idea, and
- A concise pitch that explains what your idea is, why it matters, and the impact it aims to create.
No technical background or prior experience is required at any stage.
All teams will present at the National Final between May 14 and 15, 2026, in Toronto (location to be confirmed). You will pitch your idea to a panel of local industry experts, who will evaluate the presentations and select one team to represent their country at the World Final.
More details about the preparation phase, available resources, and presentation format will be announced closer to the National Final.
Red Bull Basement Finals
© Red Bull
03
Development phase
You are in! You were selected to represent your country at the World Final. And this is where your idea becomes reality.
Welcome to the Development Phase! This will be a focused period designed to help you turn your app prototype into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
During this phase, teams will receive:
- An AMD AI Laptop
- Up to $5K in Microsoft Azure credits to further develop and refine their product
- Access to world-class mentors offering guidance on app, business, and impact
- Ongoing support and a global peer community to help you push your idea further
As you move into development, continue using Microsoft Copilot as your AI companion—alongside Azure credits and the GitHub Student Developer Pack—to build, test, and iterate early MVPs using real data and cloud infrastructure in ways that simply weren’t possible a few years ago.
The goal? Arriving at the Global Final with the strongest possible app and a clear, confident story behind it.
Red Bull Basement Development
© Red Bull
04
World Final
Welcome to San Francisco, California.
This is where ideas born step onto the global stage. The World Final is a three-day immersive experience where you bring what you have built to life before an international audience. You will pitch your MVP to a panel of global judges, venture capitalists, investors, and industry leaders.
Beyond the pitch, you will have access to:
- Networking with founders, investors, and partners
- Expert mentoring and hands-on feedback
- Storytelling training by Red Bull experts
- Global visibility and exposure for you and your idea
An at the end, one team is selected as the Global Winner and receives an incredible prize.
Red Bull Basement World final
© Red Bull
Partners
