Challenge Cup Competition Prizes Include:

• $50,000 cash prize
• All-expenses paid trip for two (2) representative(s) to SHRM’s Annual Conference and Exposition
• Complimentary booth space in the Workplace Innovation Zone on the Exposition Hall Floor
• Exposure to 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries who impact the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally

Judging Criteria:

• Is this a business that will be able to grow to positively affect the lives and work of millions of employees?
• Is this a business that will create better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together?
• Is this a business that will provide value to SHRM members and their companies by helping HR professionals become more efficient and strategic?

Eligibility Criteria:

• Company must be an early-stage startup in the workplace tech, HR tech, Future of Work, or Human Capital Services market.
• Company must be a for-profit company established with a management team and public-facing website.
• Company must be able to convey a business model and demonstrate traction, engagement, and adoption metrics.
• Company cannot have raised more than $5 million in total outside funding at the time of the application.
• Company cannot have earned more than $5 million in revenue at the time of the application.
• Company must have a prototype or minimum viable product.
• Workplace solution must directly contribute to better workplaces. In particular, we will be looking for solutions in the following workplace market segments, though others are encouraged to apply:
  • Business process improvement
  • Communication & engagement
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Employee benefits
  • Employee experience
  • Employee recognition & reward
  • Health & wellness
  • HRIS & payroll
  • Leadership development
  • Learning management
  • Onboarding & knowledge management
  • Performance management
  • Project management
  • Team enhancement
  • Upskilling & reskilling
  • Workforce planning & succession planning
• Each company is only eligible to present at one of the first-round events.