The Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge is an online competition that awards cash prizes to early-stage tech entrepreneurs solving the world’s toughest problems. We are passionate about inspiring a generation that wants to use technology for social good.
The need to support entrepreneurship has never been greater, which is why we have increased the total prize pool to $1M USD. The grand prize winner receives $250,000 USD.
Savanna Circuit Tech won the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2020 Grand Prize of $100,000 USD. Their solar chilling in-transit system helps dairy businesses in Africa cut post-harvest losses.
OmniVis is developing handheld devices to rapidly detect for dangerous pathogens, like cholera in water samples.
The Jara Unit will provide emergency education in disaster-stricken areas through the power of IoT.
Oorja finances, installs, and operates pay-as-you-go community solar pumps. Farmers access year-round affordable irrigation as a service—known as Oonnati—with no upfront cost.
Delivering life-saving fetal health monitoring in remote areas of India through mobile technology.
CURE creates customizable 3D-printed bionic arms for people with limb differences.
Gramhal empowers farmers and enables them to access better prices for their produce.
INFIUSS is a blood sourcing and delivery platform that connects blood donations to patients.
Respira Labs is developing a device for continuous, at-home monitoring of lung function.
Sensegrass created a smart farming solution that combines IoT sensors and AI software.
Intelligent Hives offers an apiary management system that reduces bee extinction.
Majicom is developing a water kiosk that purifies and dispenses clean, affordable water in a sustainable way.
Neurafarm developed an AI-powered crop protection and management app to increase harvests.
Preemar makes an IoT device, Pro-viden, that reduces aquaculture losses by monitoring water quality data.
Caeli is developing an anti-pollution mask that continuously monitors air quality in real time.
Cisco is putting people, technology, and resources to work in service of an inclusive future where technology gives everyone the tools to thrive. Visit our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Hub.