Frequently Asked Questions

The Challenge is open to current SIPA students. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged, and students from other Columbia schools may participate if at least one team member is enrolled at SIPA.

For the first round of proposal submissions, we accept individual applications. However, by the second round, teams typically consist of 3–5 members. Exceptions can be made, but teams must demonstrate the capacity to execute their project effectively.

Projects must address one of the Challenge’s core themes—Geopolitical Stability, Democratic Resilience, Climate and Sustainable Development, Inclusive Prosperity and Macroeconomic Stability, or Technology and Innovation—and should propose entrepreneurial solutions that leverage technology and/or data for the public good.

For Round One, yes—you may resubmit your proposal as long as it is within the submission deadline. However, we strongly encourage teams to refine their work and submit only when they are ready.

Beyond funding, teams receive mentorship, access to expert-led bootcamps, and exposure to a dynamic ecosystem of practitioners. Finalist teams also gain access to the William V. Campbell Center for Entrepreneurship and may be eligible for a seat at the Columbia Startup Lab (CSL).

Judges evaluate projects based on the significance of the problem, innovation and use of technology/data, potential impact and scalability, clarity of testing plan, and overall feasibility.

No. The Challenge is designed as a learning journey. Bootcamps and mentorship will guide you through skills like prototyping, business model development, financial planning, and pitching.

Winning teams must create a legal entity (LLC, corporation, nonprofit) or work with a fiscal sponsor in order to receive the prize money. Once proof of legal status is provided, SIPA’s Business Office will process the award payment.