How to Apply
SIPA Annual Global Policy Challenge
Applications for the AY27 (2026–2027) Challenge will be open from October 1 to October 31, 2026.
Eligibility
- The AY27 Challenge is open to teams of Columbia University students or recent alumni (within the past five years). At least one member on each team must be a current student at SIPA.
Timeline & Deadlines
SIPA’s Annual Global Policy Challenge consists of three rounds of increasingly demanding competition. The rounds correspond approximately with the “concept,” “design” and “prototype and pilot” phases of enterprise development.
Round One Application due October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Teams should submit an application describing an innovative idea that leverages technology and/or data to advance a public policy.
Information to submit for round one: startup competition
1. Team Composition
- Team members
- Short bio per member (max 600 characters)
2. Startup Idea
- Problem you are solving, data on the problem (max 1,500 characters)
- Initial idea for solving the problem (max 1,500 characters)
- The country or region where your solution will be implemented.
- Potential outcomes and impact (max 1,200 characters)
- How solution is innovative and leveraging tech and/or data (max 1,200 characters)
- Next steps and why you want to join the Challenge and what you will work on ((max 1,200 characters)
- Attachment (if applicable) to include photos, charts, and diagrams
3. 1-Minute Video/Pitch Describing the Problem You are Solving and Your Innovative Solution
- Include a hyperlink to your video in your PDF.
- The video should only contain team members talking.
Judging Criteria
Winners of Round One will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Significance of the problem, both in its severity and those affected.
- Innovative idea and leverages tech and/or data.
- Potential impact of the solution.
- Clear plan for testing your idea.