How To Apply For The Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge

Cisco is committed to positively impacting 1 billion people by 2025. As part of its work, Cisco seeks to inspire and empower a generation of global problem solvers who will not only survive but drive and thrive in our increasingly digital economy. With the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital technologies connecting devices and data, good ideas now have the ability to make a difference more quickly than ever before. This is why the company is launching the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge.

About The Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge

The fifth annual Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge aims to recognize new business ideas that leverage technology for social impact from entrepreneurs around the world. The goal is to advance early-stage projects that are beyond the concept or idea formation stage, but which have not yet generated over $1M USD in funding and/or revenue.

$1,000,000 USD in prize money will help accelerate the adoption of breakthrough technology, products, and services that drive economic development and/or solve social or environmental problems.

Challenge Requirements

If your solution uses digital technology to positively impact society or the environment, consider entering. Other requirements are below:

Areas of impact include, but are not limited to, critical human needs like water or food security, healthcare, financial inclusion, education, accessibility, and the environment. The goal is to advance early-stage projects that are beyond the concept or idea formation stage, but which have not yet generated over $1M USD in funding and/or revenue.
Your projects must have a dedicated team and have a proof of concept for the core functionality of the product/service at a minimum. For detailed eligibility requirements, please review the rules.

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Prizes for the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge:

Below are the prizes the participants can win:

$250,000 USD Grand Prize: A single team will win the grand prize winner.
$75,000 USD Regional First Runners Up: Three teams from Americas, EMEAR and APJC will be the regional first runners-up and will receive $75,000 USD each.
$50,000 USD Second Runners up: Three teams will be the second runners-up and will receive $50,000 USD each.
$25,000 USD Third Runners up: Three teams will be the third runners-up and will receive $25,000 USD each.
$10,000 USD Fourth Runners-Up: Three teams will be the fourth runners-up and will receive $10,000 USD each.
People’s Choice of $10,000 USD: The finalist entry that receives the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award.
$10,000 USD Cisco Employees’ Choice: The finalist entry that receives the most votes will receive the Cisco Employees’ Choice Award.

Special Prizes

$50,000 USD Greenhouse Gas Solutions Prize: A single team will be the winner of this prize.
$50,000 USD Ethical AI Prize: A single team will win this prize.
Digital Inclusivity Prize of $50,000 USD: A single team will win this prize.
$50,000 USD HBCU Startup Prize: A single team will win of this prize.
$50,000 USD Pandemic Response Prize: A single team will win this prize.

In addition to a cash infusion to develop your solution, it will be reviewed by Cisco technology experts and high-profile judges. Also, you will receive peer and industry validation for your solution, as well as have a great opportunity for global recognition and publicity.