Grand Challenges

The fourth Global Grand Challenges Summit (GGCS) of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Grand Challenges for Engineering was held September 12–18, 2019, in London, UK. It was jointly organized by the NAE, the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), and the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) and was hosted by the RAEng.

An important part of each GGCS is student engagement. Each summit features a student team competition of innovation, design, and business development based on themes related to a major challenge facing society and the planet. Five student teams from each participating country (China, UK, and US) will propose ways to address aspects of the theme of this year’s summit, “Engineering in an Unpredictable World.” The teams will convene in London to compete, and then will be reassigned on site to mixed country teams for the final competition. This intercountry collaboration is an exciting new aspect of this year’s summit.

To determine the five finalists that will represent the United States at the London GGCS, teams will participate in a preliminary US-only competition in May. Additional details will be announced in early March.

Deadlines for the next cycle will be announced once plans for the upcoming GGCS are finalized. All Viterbi teams that submit Letters of Intent will be invited to participate in the VSi2 educational program in conjunction with our competition programs, including the possibility of presenting to investors in spring.