Rules and Expectations
Phase I SUBMISSION IS NOW OPEN!
Phase I SUBMISSION CLOSE MAY 16, 2025
Phase II submission open July 2025*
Phase II submission close August 2025*
Phase III submission open September 2025**
Phase III submission close October 2025**
*Date to be announced at Phase 1 closure
**Date to be announced at Phase II closure
IEEE recognizes that the Digital Divide is not merely a technical problem. For this reason, the Connecting the Unconnected Challenge will reward submissions across three different categories:
- Technology Applications (TA) – innovative use of technology to increase Internet access or otherwise enable connectivity.
- Business Models (BM) – innovative approaches to a business model that result in increased affordability for Internet access.
- Community Enablement (CE) – innovative programs that increase the likelihood that populations choose to start using the Internet where previously they did not. (In this category, supply and affordability may not be a problem, but people still don’t use the internet.)
The Challenge competitors fall into two primary tracks:
Concept-Only Track
For this challenge, we’re looking for submissions from individuals or groups who are proposing novel and innovative ideas in the TA, BM or CE categories. Every new and innovative product, service or program started with a brilliant idea that was sparked in someone’s mind. Do you have one of those brilliant ideas that no one has tried before?
Proof-of-Concept Track
This challenge track invites submissions from individuals or groups who have already demonstrated their innovation with a basic proof-of-concept implementation, or a pilot program, and can show preliminary results, or successful field deployment(s). The programs/projects should be early-stage in their lifecycle and can fall within TA, BM or CE categories.
Submissions should include a description of the general design and proposed functionality — including implementation of specific features. This track is only for early-stage projects/programs, not well-established programs with a multi-year track-record.
The Challenge competition
will be executed in three stages.
In the first stage (Phase 1) participants are expected to submit a short, initial submission that includes a 500-word abstract describing their solution. Those who advance to Phase 2 will be asked to complete a second, more detailed online submission, which may require additional supporting materials. In Phase 3, a select number of applicants will be invited to present to our Selection Committee in a private, live/virtual session with Q&A. The whole process is expected to last approximately 3 months from start to finish. Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony during the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Summit which takes place November 2025. Some winners may be invited to present their solution live at one of the Regional Summits, and all winners will be invited to present at the Winners Summit occurring December 2025.
All finalists will be required to present their solution online to the Selection Committee. All finalists will be required to undergo a due diligence procedure to verify submitted information before final ranking is determined. All awardees will be required to produce and submit a video of their solution which will be posted publicly by IEEE. All awardees will be required to provide updated information about their solution one year following the award date. IEEE will not conduct a follow-up audit and participants will not be required to indicate how the award money was used. Winners are invited to participate in the CTU Mentoring Program as well as other opportunities in podcasts, webinars, and articles.
See the SUBMISSION FLOW DIAGRAM to aid with this process (coming soon)
The IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Summit
The Connecting the Unconnected Challenge will culminate in an IEEE Future Networks event, the Connecting the Unconnected Summit. During this event, experts and thought- leaders will convene to discuss the issue of internet connectivity. Regulators, standards setting bodies, non-profits, international companies, and other experts will be there to share current thinking on critical topics of innovation and connectivity. It’s during this Summit that the winners of the Challenge will have an opportunity to present their solutions in front of a global audience and receive public recognition for their IEEE awards.
Click the above link to find out more information