Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2019 is now open. Cisco is committed to positively impacting 1 billion people by 2025. As part of our work, we seek 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 more devices and data than ever before, good ideas now have the ability to make a difference more quickly than ever before – and we’re here to help.

The third annual Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge aims to recognize new business ideas that leverage technology for social impact from student entrepreneurs around the world. The Challenge is open to students and recent alumni from any college or university.

Award

$300,000 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.

• A single team will be designated the grand prize winner of $100,000 USD
• A single team will be designated the first runner-up of $75,000 USD
• Three teams will be designated the Second Runners Up and will receive $25,000 USD each
• Four teams will be designated the Third Runners Up and will receive $10,000 USD each.
• The finalist entry that receives the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award and $10,000 UDS

Eligibility

• If your solution uses digital technology to positively impact society or the environment, consider entering.
  • 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.
• This Contest is open and offered only to:
  • individuals age eighteen (18) years or older at the time of registration
  • teams of up to five individuals age eighteen (18) years or older at the time of registration
  • legal business entities satisfying the requirements below.

Requirements

• Individual Participant. Individuals must be either (a) current students at any post-secondary institution, or (b) recent graduates who completed a post-secondary degree after March 1, 2017.
• Team Participant. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the individual members comprising a team must be either (a) current students at any post-secondary institution, or (b) recent graduates who completed a post-secondary degree after March 1, 2017.
• Business Entity Participant. Business entities must be at least 25 percent (25%) owned by (a) current students at any post-secondary institution, and/or (b) recent graduates who completed a post-secondary degree after March 1, 2017. Business Participants may be required, in Sponsor’s sole discretion, to provide proof of business ownership for verification purposes.

Judging Criteria

For Judging Round One, Judging Round Two, and Judging Round Three, the Judging Panel will make their selection based on the content of the Entries and using the following criteria:

• Innovative Internet of Things (IoT) or digital technology aspect of the solution: How innovative is the solution in its use of new or existing technology to solve a local or global problem? Are there other solutions available and if so, how does this differentiate from them? (33%)
• Feasibility: How feasible is the solution to put into practice? Does the solution make sense financially? Will the solution be sustainable over the long term? (24%)
• Impact: What is the scale of potential social impact? How broad is the impact? How many people will your solution reach? How significant is the impact? (33%)
• Clarity: How well do you articulate your solution and the potential impact it will have on society? (10%)