01
Applications
Submit your idea.
Anyone over the age of 18 can apply.
if you already have an idea, answer a short series of questions about it: what is your idea, who is it for, what problem does it address, and how do you envision it coming to life.
If you're still in the process of finding a direction, our AI application tool can help you come up with an idea that matches 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 jury of local industry leaders and experts will review the submissions and select the best teams, who will be invited to record a one-minute video about their idea and then move on to the next phase.
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 on 20 March 2026 at Innovation City in Cape Town under the same conditions. You present your idea to a jury of local industry experts, who evaluate the presentations and select a team to represent their country at the World Final.
Further details about the preparation phase, available resources, and presentation format will be shared 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 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 Silicon Valley.
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
