Cisco 2022 Global Problem Solver Challenge for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs (Up to $1 million USD in Prizes)

Published: 06 Dec 2021 1,147 views

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 thrive – in our increasingly digital economy. With digital technologies connecting devices and data, good ideas now have the ability to make a difference more quickly than ever before – and we’re here to help.

Our 6th annual Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge aims to recognize new business ideas that leverage technology for social impact from early-stage entrepreneurs around the world. 

$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.

Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge

Application Deadline	February 11, 2022
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Type	Entrepreneurs
Sponsor	Cisco
Gender	Men and Women

Benefits of Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge

• $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 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.
• $10,000 USD People’s Choice: The finalist entry that receives the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award.
• $15,000 USD Cisco Employees’ Choice: The finalist entry that receives the most votes will receive the Cisco Employees’ Choice Award.

Special 2022 Prizes

• $100,000 USD Climate Impact & Regeneration Prize: A single team will be designated as the winner of this prize.
• $50,000 USD Climate Impact & Regeneration Prize Runners-Up: Four teams will be designated as the winners of this prize.
• $50,000 USD HBCU Startup Prize: A single team will be designated as the winner of this prize.

Requirements for Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge

• Open to early-stage entrepreneurs around the world with new business ideas that leverage technology for social impact.
• 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”), and
  • legal business entities (“Business Entity Participant”).
• Applicants may be nonprofit or for-profit business entities, or they may not yet have formed a legal business entity.

Selection Process

The judging panel will make their selection based on the content of the submissions and using the following criteria:

• Innovative Internet of Things (IoT) or digital technology 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%)

Application Deadline

February 11, 2022

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Cisco on gps2022.skild.com to apply