robocall.challenge.gov

About the Challenge









2 days until challenge opens
(view all dates)






The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is challenging innovators to
create solutions that will block illegal robocalls. These solutions
should block robocalls on landlines and mobile phones and can operate on
a proprietary or non-proprietary device or platform. Entries can be
proposed technical solutions or functional solutions and proofs of
concept.

The vast majority of telephone calls that deliver a prerecorded
message trying to sell something to the recipient are illegal. As
technology has advanced over the years, so have the number of illegal
robocalls.

The winning solution will win $50,000 in cash, as well as
opportunities for promotion, exposure, and recognition by the FTC.
Solvers will retain ownership of their solutions. Companies with over 10
employees will be eligible to compete for the Federal Trade Commission
Technology Achievement Award, which does not include a cash prize. For
more information about prizes please see the Official Rules.



Read more






Prizes





For more information about prizes please see the Official Rules.












Best Overall Solution

$50,000

Cash Prize + Trip to Washington, D.C. to present solution










Federal Trade Commission Technology Achievement Award

Honorary only, no cash prize















Judges













Steve Bellovin

Chief Technology Officer, Federal Trade Commission
















Henning Schulzrinne

Chief Technology Officer, Federal Communications Commission
















Kara Swisher

Co-Executive Editor, All Things Digital











Judging Criteria



Does it work? (50%)Is it easy to use? (25%)Can it be rolled out? (25%)Refer to Criteria Details page for additional information.







How to Enter

1. 
   Create an account or log in with an existing ChallengePost account.
   
2. On http://Robocall.Challenge.gov,
   click Accept this challenge to register your interest in participating.
   This step ensures that you will receive important challenge updates.
   
3. Develop a solution that will block illegal robocalls on landlines
   and/or mobile phones and can operate on a proprietary or non-proprietary
   device or platform. Entries can be proposed technical solutions or
   functional solutions and proofs of concept. Create a technical proposal
   describing how the solution works or would work if implemented and
   confirm that your proposal addresses all questions on the Criteria Details page.
   
4. Confirm that you have read and agree to the Official Rules.
   
5. Submissions must include:
   
   
   
   • a title;
     
   • one or more images representative of your solution;
     
   • indication of whether or not the contestant is a large organization and the name of the organization (if applicable);
     
   • a brief text description of how the solution functions or would function if implemented;
     
   • a file upload including the technical proposal. These materials
     should total 15 pages or less and should specifically address each of
     the three judging criteria for this challenge;
     
   • and all other required submission form fields.
     

Submissions may also include a video demonstrating a working
solution on a device or an emulator, or describing how the proposed
solution would work if implemented. Any such video shall consist of
technical content (rather than marketing material) and total no more
than 5 minutes. Videos that demonstrate usability or illustrate dynamic
processes are particularly helpful. If you choose to create a video you
must fill out a video consent form for everyone who appears in your video, regardless of age.