Current Competition
Academic Year 2027 Competition
Applications Open October 1, 2026
Round One Deadline: October 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Apply here
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.
Competition Timeline and Key Deadlines
Round One Deadline: Applications Due at 11:59PM
Teams submit an application describing an innovative idea that leverages technology and/or data to advance a public policy.
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 and announcement of finalists by a committee of CU faculty and technology entrepreneurs.
Round Three: Finalists Bootcamp and Final Pitches
Bootcamp sessions on financial planning, and pitching/storytelling (March 2027).
Final Pitches and Winners Announcement
Winners will be announced on April 2027 at StartUp Columbia Festival.