Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge Quarterly Report: October 1, 2016 – December 31, 2016

The challenge aims to source innovative science and technology solutions to combat wildlife trafficking, with a focus on detecting transit routes, strengthening forensic evidence and data sharing, reducing consumer demand, and tackling corruption. The initial call for Concept Notes was made in April 2015, and the Challenge received 300 submissions. From the Concept Note stage, 82 submissions advanced to judging, and 44 Finalists were invited in September 2015 to submit a Prize Application. In Year Two, following a final technical review and judging process, 16 Prize Winners were awarded Prize Packages of $10,000 and technical assistance, among other elements designed to scale their solutions, in November 2015. The Challenge used an open competition platform to source innovative science and technology solutions to combat wildlife trafficking. The Challenge encouraged applicants to produce potential solutions that address four specific issues related to the illegal trade. The Challenge Implementation Team (CIT) executed four Fixed Amount Award (FAA) agreements, finalizing the award of Grand Prizes worth a total of $902,962 in October 2016. The Challenge exceeded the life-of-project target of securing $100,000 in leveraged funds for scaling, with Prize Winners having received over $600,000 in funds from a variety of private donors, foundations, and national parks that can be attributed to Prize Winner involvement in the Challenge. The Challenge also generated 10 new partnerships for Prize Winners, including for New York University, the National Whistleblower Center, the University of Washington, and the Zoological Society of London. The Challenge Implementation Team provided technical assistance agreements to Prize Winners, including For the Fishes, the University of Texas, and the University of Washington, to provide scaling expertise. The Challenge also hosted Winners and Showcase Events, which gave Prize Winners the opportunity to participate in a scaling "bootcamp" and present their solutions to an audience of potential partners, funders, and investors. The Challenge's focus on scaling activities, including partnership development, has been a key area of emphasis. The Challenge has worked to promote the Prize Winners through communications activities and events, and has encouraged them to attend the Winners and Showcase Events. The Challenge has also designed and prepared for the Grand Prize competition, which aims to recognize and reward the most innovative and effective solutions to combat wildlife trafficking. The Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge has made significant progress in addressing the complex issue of wildlife trafficking. The Challenge's innovative approach to sourcing and scaling solutions has the potential to make a meaningful impact in the fight against wildlife trafficking.