Anyone can submit an idea, from students to budding entrepreneurs to small business owners. Winners will receive a cash prize between $10,000 and $300,000, as well as technical and organizational support to execute plans. The contest has already begun taking applications this month with a Nov. 30 final submission deadline.
The Forbes Funds is joined BNY Mellon in debuting the competition last year. This year, the competition expanded eligibility beyond Allegheny County and launched a second, non-technology challenge funded by Bridgeway Capital.
The two 2016 UpPrize challenges include: technology solutions to help nonprofits serve vulnerable populations and products or services that increase vulnerable populations' access to healthy food.