The Big Ideas contest relies on a great deal of sponsorship for each of its social impact tracks (aka “categories”). In a track sponsorship, the majority of funding provided goes directly to prize funding for winners. A smaller percentage of each track sponsorship may be used to help fund operating costs. The 2018-2019 contest provided approximately $300,000 in direct award funding to the winners of the eight categories, averaging approximately $37,500 for each track.

In some cases, Big Ideas will approach prospective funders based on their interests and likelihood of financing an existing track. Other times, Big Ideas will engage with a potential track sponsor with broader interests (e.g. in student innovation) and negotiate the development of a track based on their priorities. Occasionally, a donor will have very clear expectations for a track. For instance, the Autodesk Foundation’s goal to “support the people and organizations using design for positive social impact” led to the development of the “Hardware for Good” track. Big Ideas will often assess whether these topics round out the set of focus areas for the year. As some tracks lend themselves much more readily to external sponsorships, different strategies are required of different tracks. (See the chapter on Social Impact Track Development for more information).

Social Impact track sponsors have access to a wide body of talented and diverse students and industry leaders, and the most innovative ideas emerging from some of the top universities in the world. In exchange for sponsorship, funders also receive branding and logo recognition at Big Ideas, co-design rights of the track, sponsorship of a track kick off or poster event, reserved appointments for judge and mentors, and a presentation at the annual Big Ideas Awards Celebration event.