Big Ideas Contest

Big Ideas Contest is an annual competition that aims to provide funding, support, and encouragement to interdisciplinary teams of students with big ideas. Founded in 2006, Big Ideas has inspired innovative and impactful student-led projects that tackle the problems that matter to this generation. Thanks to the generous support of the Andrew and Virginia Rudd Family Foundation, the contest has been able to make a significant global impact.

Big Ideas Contest is a community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. It recognizes that social innovation thrives when it embraces the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds. By fostering a diverse and inclusive community, Big Ideas aims to create an environment that inspires innovation, empowers underrepresented voices, and drives positive change to address the world's most pressing challenges.

The contest supports students in the early stages of developing their ideas, especially those who have never participated in an innovation contest or written a real-world proposal. Through a year-long process, students receive training, mentoring, and resources to turn their ideas into concrete and scalable projects. Big Ideas promotes autonomy, initiative, and teamwork, broadening students' understanding of how they can use their education and interests to improve society.

By leveraging the creativity of students and the power of competition, Big Ideas empowers a new generation of social innovators who create lasting, positive, and impactful social change