Current Competition
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.
Timeline for Academic Year 2025 Competition (October 2024 - April 2025)
Round One Deadline: Applications Due at 11:59AM
Teams submit an application describing an innovative idea that leverages technology and/or data to advance a public policy objective focused on the themes of: (1) Geopolitical Stability; (2) Democratic Resilience; (3) Climate and Sustainable Development; (4) Inclusive Prosperity and Macroeconomics Stability. Note: one team will be selected to focus one of these areas on Brazil. Other teams may focus on geographies across the globe.
Semi-finalists Announced
Semi-finalists selected by a committee of Columbia faculty and technology entrepreneurs.
Semi-finalists Bootcamps
Bootcamp sessions in rapid prototyping and MVP development, and Business Model Canvas.
Round Two: Semi-Finalist Pitches and Finalists Announcement
This stage includes semifinalist pitches (January 31, 2025) and announcement of finalists by a committee of CU faculty and technology entrepreneurs (February 7, 2025).
Round Three: Finalists Bootcamp and Final Pitches
Bootcamp sessions on financial planning, and pitching/storytelling (March, 2025)
Final Pitches and Winners Announcement
Winners will be announced on April 24, 2025 at StartUp Columbia Festival