SDGC PolyChallenges

Each year, the Stanford Center for Sustainable Development and Global Competitiveness (SDGC) works with academic, industry, governmental, and NGO partners from around the world to publish an annual set of PolyChallenges. 

At SDGC, our research finds that the numerous, interdependent challenges (PolyChallenges) of climate change, water scarcity, food security, and inequality, among other challenges, will be solved through the collective efforts of problem-solvers from around the world.  We also recognize that young people are an endless wellspring of innovation and can provide never-before-imagined solutions to our world's greatest challenges.  Therefore, SDGC PolyChallenges are announced annually in September, coinciding with the start of the academic year at Stanford University. 

2021-2022 SDGC PolyChallenges

PC21-A: Clean water for urban communities using 100% renewable energy sources

PC21-B: Homes for 1 billion people moving to cities before 2030

Interested in Working to Solve a PolyChallenge?

We don't recommend any specific tools or approaches that can be used to solve the annual SDGC PolyChallenges.  PolyChallenges are open to anyone!  If you'd like help identifying some ecosystems and tools to support young people in their quest to solve some of the world's greatest challenges, visit PolyChallenge.org

Submit Your Idea for a Future SDGC PolyChallenge

Each year, the Stanford Center for Sustainable Development and Global Competitiveness works with academic, industry, governmental, and NGO partners from around the world to publish an annual set of PolyChallenges.  If you have an idea for a future PolyChallenge, we encourage you to send it to us by clicking here!  Feel free to propose as many ideas as you like, and please share this page with others!