The Public Policy Grant Program of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) invites students to form teams to propose student-designed projects and prototypes that use ICTs and/or data analytics to solve global policy problems. Solutions may be market-based, public/philanthropic supported, or a mix. The Program encourages the formation of teams that integrate students of public policy, computer science, engineering and other fields across Columbia University. All teams must include at least one SIPA student in a substantive role.
The Program will run one competition per academic year. Each competition is composed of 3 rounds with the same process, focus, and judging criteria. A total of $50,000 will be awarded to two or three winning teams from each competition. Teams must be set up as a legal entity to receive the prize money.
The SIPA Public Policy Challenge Grant Program consists of three rounds of increasingly demanding competition. The rounds correspond approximately with the “concept,” “design” and “pilot” phases of enterprise development. Winners of each round will receive progressively more robust and targeted support and mentorship.
Eligibility
- The competition 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.
- At least 3 students per team, and no more than 10. We suggest about 6 students per team. (If there is a reason why your team does not yet have three members, but you will add the remainder later, please explain in your proposal.)
- The Program encourages cross-disciplinary teams that unite students in public policy and other fields, such as computer science, engineering, architecture, business, etc.