Shaping the Future: Announcing the U.S. Fast Future Innovation Awards

In a world where the transformative power of artificial intelligence is at your fingertips, you now have the chance to shape the future by creating solutions that not only drive business success but also address pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges.

Announcing the U.S. Fast Future Innovation Awards (FFIA)—the hunt for groundbreaking ideas that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to make a tangible impact. Whether your passion lies in education, sustainability, hybrid work, cybersecurity, healthcare, or critical infrastructure, your innovation could be the game-changer that revolutionizes how we live and work.

The United States, renowned for its innovative economy, thrives on research and development, access to cutting-edge technology, and a culture of entrepreneurship, with startups spreading across the country. At Cisco, we recognize that collaboration fuels innovation, and our Fast Future Innovation Awards are integral to this ecosystem.

So, what does this mean for you?

• Empowering Your Innovation: By leveraging Cisco’s capabilities and technology, we transform promising ideas into impactful, innovative solutions, driving progress beyond the conceptual stage.
  
• Resources and Reputation: Unlock $300K in seed funding and expert guidance to elevate your brand image and influence the industry. Utilize CDA funds for resources, products, services, training, and marketing, with additional joint marketing and PR opportunities available.
  
• Strategic Relationships: Forge strategic industry partnerships to unlock new revenue opportunities, tap into untapped markets, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth through meaningful collaborations.

What are the Fast Future Innovation Awards?

The Fast Future Innovation Awards are an exciting opportunity for organizations to tackle their most pressing business challenges with the support of funding and Cisco’s unparalleled resources and expertise. Launched three years ago in Canada, this program was a call to action for our customers and a chance to ignite the spark of innovation across North America. As businesses navigate complex problems that impact real people, innovation stands as the key enabler of economic, social, and environmental change.

However, innovation needs nurturing to thrive. Recognizing this, Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration program introduced the Fast Future Innovation Awards to transition organizations from merely responding and adapting to actively exploring, growing, and innovating. By bringing together a robust ecosystem, Cisco aims to support companies in overcoming their greatest challenges and transforming their ideas into reality. Through seed funding, we provide the necessary technology, training, resources, and expertise to bring winning submissions to life. It’s our way of encouraging customers to bring us their wildest ideas and watch them flourish.

Celebrating excellence in our past winners

In the spirit of innovation and collaboration, the Fast Future Innovation Awards have consistently recognized the groundbreaking achievements of our past winners. These trailblazers have not only demonstrated exceptional ingenuity but have also set new benchmarks in their respective fields.

From Honeywell’s commitment to sustainability through smart building solutions to Morgan Solar’s innovative project to power collaboration and meeting spaces with solar energy, each winner exemplifies the transformative power of technology. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable stories of these innovators who are driving a more inclusive and forward-thinking future.

Be a part of the AI innovation revolution

Whether you’re a seasoned innovator or a newcomer with a fresh perspective, this is your opportunity to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence and create solutions that drive business outcomes while addressing economic, social, or environmental challenges. Read on to learn how you can participate, submit your ideas, and join a community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

• Who can participate? This challenge is open to all U.S. Cisco customers and partners across various segments. If you’re passionate about using AI to solve significant challenges, this is the competition for you.
  
• How do I Participate? Head over to the U.S. Fast Future Innovations Awards platform to get all the details including resources, submission details, FAQs, and more!
  
• When is the submission deadline? Submissions must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on January 10, 2025. Submissions received after this date and time will not be considered.
  
• Submission Details: Win up to $300,000 of in-kind funding towards the resources, services, and equipment needed to make your innovation project a reality. There will be up to three (3) winners in total.
  
• What is CDA? The Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program is Cisco’s strategic initiative to drive global digital transformation. Active in 50 countries, CDA unites government and private sector leaders to build sustainable, secure, and inclusive communities using ethical and innovative technology. Click here to learn more. 

Are you ready to shape the future?

We invite you to join us in shaping the future through the U.S. Fast Future Innovation Awards. This is your chance to be part of a transformative journey, where your innovative ideas can drive significant economic, social, and environmental change. Whether you’re an established organization or a budding startup, your creativity and vision can make a lasting impact. Share your groundbreaking solutions, celebrate the spirit of innovation, and collaborate with industry leaders to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Together, let’s create a more inclusive and forward-thinking future.

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