The Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI) has recently opened applications for the 2016 Fuller Challenge. The Fuller Challenge is a competition that urges students, entrepreneurs, and activists to submit “innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing problems.” It has been attracting bold creators and their ideas for solving large social and environmental problems since 2007.
Grand prize winners are awarded $100,000 to implement their ideas, but BFI also provides resources for applicants who make it to the semi-finalist and finalist levels. Through BFI’s Catalyst Program, top-performing applicants may be offered pro-bono legal support, opportunities to present their work at top environmental conferences, and publication in BFI’s newsletter and other media.
All applicants submit a project proposal that successfully addresses the Fuller Challenge criteria, which includes: being visionary, comprehensive, anticipatory, ecologically responsible, feasible, verifiable and replicable. For the first time, student applicants will also be recognized in the special Student Award Category, although they will not be eligible for the $100,000 grand prize.
Past winners have gone on to start non-profits to restore ocean ecosystems and preserve desert landscapes. Applications are due March 12th, 2016, but early-bird applications submitted before February 17th, 2016 are offered at a 25 percent discount. Details about the challenge are available here.
