Does Your Startup Have What it Takes?

The Better Workplaces Challenge Cup Startup Track is a three-round hybrid pitch competition to identify startups that are innovating the way we work. Startups will present their solutions in front of HR experts, business leaders, and SHRM members with a chance to win $50,000 and take their business to the next level.

100+
STARTUPS

3
rounds

1
champion

$50k
cash prize

Benefits

Get exposure in front of the largest HR network in the world, SHRM’s 325,000 + members across 165 countries that impact the lives of 235 Million global workers and their families.

Win a fully sponsored branded booth space in SHRMLabs Workplace Innovation Zone at SHRM’s Annual Conference Expo

Win a $50,000 cash prize.

Get access to the SHRMLabs network of HRTech enthusiasts.

Receive feedback from HR Practitioners and business leaders.

Receive recognition as the “Best in Category” among 5 top HR categories.

ELIGIBILITY

Your company must meet the following requirements:

Your solution directly contributes to better workplaces.

Must have a prototype or minimum viable product.

Is an early-stage startup in the workplace tech, HR tech, Future of Work, or Human Capital Services market.

Is a for-profit company established with a management team and public-facing website.

Has less than $5 million in total outside funding raised at the time of the application.

Has less than $5 million in total revenue at the time of the application.

OFFICIAL RULES

FAQS

Apply Now

HOW IT WORKS

APPLY

By January 15, 2024

ROUND 1

March 5 - May 7, 2024 (virtual)

SEMI-FINALS

May 21, 2024 (virtual)

FINAL

In-person on June 24, 2024

Adriana Cisneros Basulto

Co-Founder and CEO, Maxwell 2023 BWCC Champion

"SHRM is the utmost subject matter expert on anything to do with HR, so we knew if we could showcase and get the seal of approval from SHRM and from SHRMLabs, that happens to focus on innovation, it would be very meaningful. Beyond being able to win the cup or being first place is the fact that you're getting that recognition, it's incredible."

Robin Van Dalen

Founder & CEO, Inuka 2023 BWCC Finalist

“For us it's really been a learning journey because you get all the feedback from the experts and the jury, learn how they look at your solution, and what the main doubts and questions are. So, for us it's been great to really learn and honestly the team is just fun to work with.”

Lissy M Giacomán Colyer

Co-Founder and CEO, Vinco 2022 BWCC Champion

"The BWCC has not only helped us gain more exposure in the media - we were just on CNN! But, by being recognized by the largest HR organization in the world, we have also gained credibility with potential clients."

Amy Spurling

Co-Founder and CEO, Compt 2021 BWCC Champion

"We grew by nearly 500 percent the year we won"

SHRMLabs, powered by SHRM, is inspiring innovation to create better workplace technologies that solve today’s most pressing workplace challenges.

To learn more about SHRMLabs, visit www.shrmlabs.com

SHRMLabs supports SHRM in:

Elevating HR as a thought leader on the future of work and workplace technology.

Leveraging the collective expertise of SHRM members and staff to help tech innovators create technologies catered to the needs of workers and the workplace

Identifying, evaluating, and enabling the success of startup companies in the workplace technology industry

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