Contests & Competition

Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2026 | $1,000,000 USD in Prize

By James Kase 3 min read

Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2026: Cisco is accepting entries from early-stage entrepreneurs around the world for its 2026 Global Problem Solver Challenge. The deadline for submission of entries for the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge is 11th February 2026.

Cisco is committed to positively impacting 1 billion people by 2026. As part of their work, they 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 they’re here to help.

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Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge 2026.

The 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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”).

PLEASE NOTE: Individual Participants, Team Participants, and/or Business Entity Participants that have previously received monetary awards in the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge or a Cisco prize at the Rice Business Plan Competition are not eligible for this Contest.

Prizes

In 2026, for their 6th annual Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge, they are offering a prize pool of $1 million USD, spread across 15 different awards. These prizes are intended to recognize new business ideas that leverage technology for social impact from early-stage entrepreneurs around the world.

Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge Prizes
Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge Prizes
Cisco Global Problem Solver Contest Prizes

For 2026, in addition to the general prizes above they are offering $350,000 USD in special prizes to support important solutions and focus areas. Additional detail regarding these special prizes is provided below. To be considered for one of these prizes, complete the prize-specific question(s) within the application and ensure you submit your solution by February 11, 2026, at 5 pm PT. Note that these Special 2026 Prizes are offered in addition to the general prizes listed above, and winning one of these Special 2026 Prizes does not preclude winning any of the other prizes.

Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge Special Prizes
Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge Special Prizes
Cisco Global Problem Solver Contest Special Prizes

How to Participate in Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge.

Follow the link below to enter the contest. Accurately and truthfully complete the online registration form.

SUBMIT ENTRY (opens in a new tab)

Accept the Terms and Conditions and follow the instructions for submitting an “Entry” as described on the Site. An “Entry” must be an original idea for an early stage technology-enabled solution that drives economic development and/or solves social or environmental problems as described above.

 

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