Win $100,000 for Solving Humanity's Most Pressing Problems

On August 17, 2009, The Buckminster Fuller Institute announced "the call for entries to the 2010 Buckminster Fuller Challenge, an annual $100,000 prize program to support the development and implementation of a solution that has significant potential to solve humanity's most pressing problems." The Brooklyn, New York-based nonprofit organization explains, "Winning the Buckminster Fuller Challenge will require more than a great stand-alone innovation. If for example, your solution emphasizes a new design, material, process, service, tool, technology, or any combination, it is essential that it be part of an integrated strategy dealing with key social, economic, environmental, policy and cultural issues."

Founded in 1983, "The Buckminster Fuller Institute is dedicated to accelerating the development and deployment of solutions which radically advance human well being and the health of our planet's ecosystems." Their objective is "to deeply influence the ascendance of a new generation of design-science pioneers who are leading the creation of an abundant and restorative world economy that benefits all humanity."

Regarding the 2010 challenge, "The winning solution should exemplify the trimtab principle. Trimtabs are small steering devices used on ships and airplanes which demonstrate how relatively small amounts of leverage, energy, and resources strategically applied at the right time and place can produce maximum advantageous change. Entrants must put forward a bold, visionary, tangible initiative that is focused on a well-defined need of critical importance. Proposed solutions must represent a preferred state model – one that aims to optimize conditions from inception in order to create the most desirable, sustainable, future outcome. Entries should be regionally specific yet globally applicable, and backed up by a solid plan and the capability to move the solution forward."

Entries must be:

• Comprehensive — applies a whole systems approach to all facets of the design and development process; aims to simultaneously address multiple goals, requirements, conditions and issues;
• Anticipatory — factoring in critical future trends and needs as well as projected impacts of implementation in the short and long term;
• Ecologically responsible — reflecting nature's underlying principles while enhancing the Earth’s life-support systems;
• Feasible — relying on current know-how, technology and existing resources;
• Verifiable — able to withstand rigorous empirical testing;
• Replicable — able to scale and adapt to a broad range of conditions.

The winning strategy will integrate all these criteria into a powerful catalyst having the potential to play a significant role in the transition to an equitable and sustainable future for all. Here is a video about the Buckminster Fuller Challenge:

The Buckminster Fuller Challenge from Buckminster Fuller Institute on Vimeo.