Think-a-Thon 2022

Advancing human welfare and confronting the great challenges of our time

groups

Teams of
3 - 5 people

Join the UNICC Think-a-Thon

To help advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals

In collaboration with the United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC) and Columbia University School of Professional Studies, this Think-a-Thon Challenge invites students and alumni of Columbia University, along with their teammates from all over the world to take action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The United Nations 17 SDGs address the major global challenges we face and serve as the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

To participate in the UNICC Think-a-Thon teams are invited to select ONE of two challenge prompts, I. Gender Equality or II. Climate Change and propose a solution that makes a positive impact in these areas.

Finalists will receive mentorship from the United Nations (UN) Women and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to work on real-world solutions for two challenge prompts above, have a chance to win cash prizes to advance their projects, and the opportunity to present to UNICC delegates, while working on a real-world solution to a global issue.

Form your diverse team today and submit your proposal by September 2nd, 2022. Judges will then select up to 10 finalist teams who will receive mentorship and present their solutions at the live competition on September 29th.

Challenge Prompts

Gender Equality

Sustainable Development Goal #5

Climate Change

Sustainable Development Goal #13

Award Prizes

Winner - Gender Equality

$10,000 USD

to split between the team members

Winner - Climate Action

$10,000 USD

to split between the team members

Audience Choice

$5,000 USD

to split between the team members

Timeline

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

June 1 - Sept 2 at 5 pm ET

Register on the platform and submit your proposal!
JUDGES REVIEW

Sept 2 at 5pm - Sept 9 at 5pm ET

Final teams will be announced on Monday, September 12 at 10 am ET
MENTORSHIP FOR FINALISTS

Sept 13 - Sept 23

The deadline to submit final presentation is Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 at 5 pm ET
JUDGES PREVIEW FINAL PRESENTATION

Sept 23 at 5pm ET - Sept 29

For 1 week, judges will evaluate the finalists' presentations.
LIVE COMPETITION

Thursday, Sept 29, 2022

Finalists will be pitching their submissions!