The applications for the CISCO Global Problem Solver Challenge have opened. This is the 4th Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge which aims to acknowledge new business ideas that leverage technology for social impact from student entrepreneurs around the world. Interested students and recent alumni from any college or university can join the challenge. The event will take place online.

Cisco is committed to positively impacting 1 billion people by 2025. As part of their work, they seek to inspire and empower a generation of global problem solvers who will not only survive – but drive and thrive – in their increasingly digital economy.$350,000 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.

Prizes

• One team will be the grand prize winner of $100,000.
• Similarly, the first runner up will receive $ 75000
• Also, three teams will be the second runners-up and will receive $25,000 USD each
• Four teams will receive the third runners-up prizes and get $10,000 USD each.
• Along with that, the finalist entry that receives the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award -$10,000
  
• One team will receive the India Impact Grant Prize of $25,000 USD
• Furthermore, CISCO will award two teams as India Impact Runners Up of $10,000 USD
• Finally, One team will be given the India Impact People’s Choice Award of $5,000 USD

Eligibility Criteria 

The  CISCO Global Problem Solver Challenge requires the applicants to meet the following criteria

• They must be 18 or older
• At least half of the team’s members must be students currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution or they must have a degree.
• Additionally, if entering as a business entity, the individuals must own at least 25% of the business. Individual students and recent grads may also apply.
  Judging Criteria 

• All Entries that meet the eligibility criteria for the Contest and do not otherwise violate any terms and conditions of the Contest, as solely determined by Sponsor, will advance to Judging Round One. Additionally, 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 certain criteria.

For further details, follow the official link.