Applications call for Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2021. This fifth annual Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge aims to recognize new business ideas that leverage technology for social impact from entrepreneurs around the world. Our 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.

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. 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. The program look for projects with a dedicated team and that have completed a proof of concept for the core functionality of the product/service at a minimum.

Prizes

• $250,000 USD Grand Prize: A single team will be designated the grand prize winner.
• $75,000 USD Regional First Runners-Up: Three teams from the Americas, EMEAR, and APJC will be designated the regional first runners-up and will receive $75,000 USD each.
• $50,000 USD Second Runners-Up: Three teams will be designated the second runners-up and will receive $50,000 USD each.
• $25,000 USD Third Runners-Up: Three teams will be designated the third runners-up and will receive $25,000 USD each.
• $10,000 USD Fourth Runners-Up: Three teams will be designated the fourth runners-up and will receive $10,000 USD each.
• $10,000 USD People’s Choice: 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 designated as the winner of this prize.
• $50,000 USD Ethical AI Prize: A single team will be designated as the winner of this prize.
• $50,000 USD Digital Inclusivity Prize: A single team will be designated as the winner of this prize.
• $50,000 USD HBCU Startup Prize: A single team will be designated as the winner of this prize.
• $50,000 USD Pandemic Response Prize: A single team will be designated as the winner of this prize.

Eligibility 

This Contest is open and offered only to

• Individuals age eighteen (18) years or older at the time of registration (“Individual Participant”).
• Teams of up to five individuals age eighteen (18) years or older at the time of registration (“Team Participant”).
• Legal business entities (“Business Entity Participant”).

Apply Now