Cisco’s Partner Innovation Challenge Returns Bigger Than Ever

Each year, Cisco’s Partner Innovation Challenge reminds me of something simple but powerful: our partners aren’t just building solutions — they’re building what’s next.

Today, I’m proud to launch the 8th Annual Global Partner Innovation Challenge — and it’s our biggest, boldest year yet. With nearly $1 million in prizes, this year’s challenge reflects the exponential pace of innovation we’ve seen across the Cisco ecosystem over the past 12 months.

Last year’s winners showed us what’s possible when vision meets execution.

Presidio took the grand prize with their SignBridge solution, delivering real-time American Sign Language interpretation in Webex meetings through a dedicated video feed. Using advanced diffusion models, this solution creates visual representations of spoken content, fostering inclusivity in workplaces, schools, and healthcare settings. SignBridge represents the kind of forward-thinking innovation that breaks down communication barriers for millions globally.

Madison Technologies won the AI Innovation Award with their “Level Crossing Safety with AI” solution, enhancing railway intersection safety through Cisco Meraki MV52 cameras, IR1101 Industrial IoT routers, and edge computing. Initially in concept stage when awarded, the funding served as a catalyst for deeper use case validation and commercialization. The solution now provides real-time monitoring and alerts for unsafe conditions, helping railway operators meet Australia’s stringent safety requirements while improving operational efficiency.

These are just two examples of what can happen when Cisco partners take our platform and run with it. And this year, we’re going even further.

2025 Award Highlights

• $250,000 Global Grand Prize — the highest ever awarded.
• The return of the AI Innovation Award ($200K), celebrating real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
• Continued focus on Partnering for Purpose, with $25K awards in different categories.

At Cisco, we’ve spent the last year accelerating our innovation across security, observability, hybrid work, and AI. But we know that scale and impact happen with our partners. The Partner Innovation Challenge exists to spark those breakthroughs, elevate our shared success, and turn ideas into global opportunities.

Submissions are open now and close September 5, 2025.

Winners will be announced live at Partner Summit 2025 in San Diego. Whether you’re already building or just getting started, this is your moment. I can’t wait to see what you create.

We’d love to hear what you think. Ask a Question, Comment Below, and Stay Connected with #CiscoPartners on social!

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