Challenge definition

here's a detailed breakdown of the methodology, process, and phases of the initiative, incorporating design thinking, a multidisciplinary approach, the virtual hub provided by solved, and access to its expert database, impact communities and external channels challenge definition (define) objective clearly define the scope and objectives of each challenge, ensuring it addresses a specific ecological problem within one of the 11 identified domains for each challenge, the key will be the involvement of the challenge backer and/or challenge partner, as they will provide the strategic insight into the challenge, i e key details, factors and drivers, stakeholder mapping, expected outcomes, the evaluation criteria or potential involvement of the mentors (experts) and jury members as challenge owners will be the key beneficiaries of the solutions, their involvement will be crucial in the challenge definition phase process challenge owner/backer consultation define the challenge together with the experts from their expert circles to understand the effects the challenge poses to the environment and society, how potentially it could be averted and what are the expected outcomes stakeholder consultation engage with key stakeholders (e g , sustainability experts, ngos, industry leaders) to identify the most pressing issues within the challenge research and analysis conduct thorough research to ensure the challenge aligns with current ecological priorities and is feasible within the given timeframe design thinking application use empathy mapping to understand the needs of affected communities and stakeholders define the problem statement with clear, measurable outcomes outcomes the outcomes of the challenge definition phase are crucial as they set the foundation for the entire initiative here are some key outcomes that solvers will be able to expect 1\ clearly defined challenge statement outcome a well articulated challenge statement that specifies the ecological problem to be addressed, including its scope, objectives, and desired outcomes purpose this statement will guide all participants, ensuring that everyone is aligned on the goals and expectations of the challenge 2\ specific criteria for solutions outcome a detailed list of criteria that solutions must meet, including parameters such as innovation, feasibility, scalability, and impact (mentioned previously) purpose these criteria will be used to evaluate the proposed solutions by the jury members and so ensure they are aligned with the challenge’s objectives 3\ target audience identification outcome identification of the target audience for the challenge, including the types of participants (e g , startups, academic teams, individual innovators) and the stakeholders who will benefit from the solutions purpose understanding the target audience helps in designing the challenge format and promotional strategies, ensuring maximum participation and relevance 4\ problem context and background outcome a comprehensive background document that provides participants with context about the ecological problem, including current challenges, scientific data, and existing solutions (benchmarks and best available technologies) or gaps purpose this background information equips participants with the knowledge they need to develop informed and effective solutions 5\ timeline and milestones outcome a clear timeline outlining key milestones, deadlines, and phases of the challenge, from the application period to final evaluation purpose this timeline ensures that participants and organizers are aware of important dates and can plan their activities accordingly 6\ stakeholder engagement plan outcome a plan for engaging relevant stakeholders, including (potential) mentors, investors, industry partners, and governmental organizations purpose early engagement with stakeholders helps in gathering support, resources, and visibility for the challenge, as well as ensuring that the solutions developed are relevant and implementable 7\ challenge communication and outreach plan outcome a communication strategy outlining how the challenge will be promoted, including key messages, channels, and tactics to attract participants and partners purpose effective communication ensures that the challenge reaches the right audience and generates interest and participation 8\ ethical and legal considerations outcome a set of guidelines addressing any ethical and legal considerations related to the challenge, such as intellectual property rights, data privacy, and participant’s code of conduct purpose addressing these considerations upfront helps in preventing potential issues and ensures a fair and transparent challenge process 9\ initial list of potential jury members and mentors outcome a preliminary list of potential jury members and mentors, based on the expected focus areas of the challenge however, the jury members will be selected and announced only after the application process has been concluded in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest purpose having an initial list of the mentors allows for early engagement with them and helps in ensuring that the right expertise is available throughout the competition 10\ risk assessment and mitigation plan outcome identification of potential risks to the challenge, such as low participation or technological challenges, along with strategies to mitigate these risks purpose a risk assessment ensures that the challenge can proceed smoothly and that contingencies are in place for unforeseen issues these outcomes collectively ensure that the challenge is well structured, focused, and poised for success, setting the stage for meaningful solutions to emerge