Launched in 2007, the Fuller Challenge has defined an emerging field of practice: the whole systems approach to understanding and intervening in complex and interrelated crises for wide-scale social and environmental impact. The entry criteria have established a new framework through which to identify and measure effective, enduring solutions to global sustainability’s most entrenched challenges. The rigorous selection process has set a unique standard, gaining renown as “Socially-Responsible Design’s Highest Award.”

Each year, The Buckminster Fuller Institute invites scientists, students, designers, architects, activists, entrepreneurs, artists and planners from all over the world to submit their innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing problems. A $100,000 prize is awarded to support the development and implementation of one outstanding strategy.

CRITERIA

Entries must meet the following criteria:

• Visionary – put forth an original idea or synthesize existing ideas into a new strategy that creatively addresses a critical need
• Comprehensive – apply a whole-systems approach to the design and implementation process and aim to address multiple goals, requirements and conditions in a holistic way
• Anticipatory – factor in critical future trends and needs as well as the projected impacts of implementation in the short and long term
• Ecologically Responsible – enhance the ability of natural systems to regenerate
• Feasible – rely on current technology, existing resources and a solid team capable of implementing the project
• Verifiable – able to demonstrate authentic claims backed by empirical data
• Replicable – able to be adapted to similar conditions elsewhere

SCHEDULE

February 14, 2014: Begin Accepting Online Applications
April 11, 2014: 5pm EST Deadline for Submissions
May-July: General Review, Second Round Review
August: Interviews
September: Semi-Finalists Announced
October: Finalists Announced
November: Winner Announced and Conferring Ceremony in New York City

APPLY

Applications for the 2014 Fuller Challenge are now open! Before you put in your application though, we would recommend looking through the criteria and taking a look at some of the previous winners of the Challenge. We would also recommend reading through our background materials on Design Science.

When you’re ready, click here to go through to the application! You can download this PDF file if you’d like to work on your application locally before submitting it – just remember that we will only accept applications through the online form.