The Cisco Innovation Grand Challenge is a cutting-edge competition designed to inspire, engage and support the next generation of entrepreneurs, startups and developers from around the globe.

Kicking off today, the Challenge gives entrepreneurs a chance to win a total of $250,000 in awards, including $150,000 to the first place winner. The Challenge focuses on the Internet of Things and will help startups capitalize on new game-changing trends and develop opportunities for potential collaboration with the industry. In addition to cash awards, winners will also receive access to Cisco IoE Innovation Centers, resources, mentors, potential partnership and investment opportunities, and an invitation to the Internet of Things World Forum in Dubai, where winners will be announced.

Cisco seeks submissions in five key focus areas of connected technology that are essential to global digitization and the advancement of the Internet of Things. These include Infrastructure, Middleware, Platform and Frameworks, Applications, Security, and Fog/Edge Computing within key verticals such as Manufacturing, Smart Cities and Energy/Utilities. The submission period runs from June 22 through September 7, 2015 with the winners announced on December 7, 2015. Those wishing to enter should visit http://cs.co/InnovationChallenge for more information and to submit their entry.