Big Ideas Challenge

Do you have a big idea that can help our Navy solve a problem?

The Navy’s IBoss Vice Adm. Mike Vernazza is launching the Big Ideas Challenge, a “Shark Tank” style competition for IW Sailors and government civilians to propose innovative solutions to current and future Naval challenges.

Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) is the Navy’s Information Warfare (IW) Type Command (TYCOM) responsible for manning, training, equipping, and certifying combat-ready IW forces to fight and win our Nation’s wars. The IW domain extends from seabed to space; is critical to our Navy’s success in competition, crisis and conflict; and underpins all Naval warfighting capabilities!

Our 60,000+ IW professionals are our asymmetric advantage – IW warriors “think, act, and operate differently.” This Challenge is an opportunity to unlock new ideas and bring fresh perspectives to meet current and future challenges through optimization, modernization and transformation.

Program Overview:

The Big Ideas Challenge creates a direct line to the IBoss for any IW Sailor or government civilian to propose and / or demonstrate their solution, big or small, for the IW enterprise. Selected winners will have a chance to implement their idea at-scale and a potential partnership with private industry and academia.

There are four submission categories:

IW Readiness
IW Training
Advancing IW Warfighting Capabilities
IW Alignment and Integration (includes business processes and process improvements)

Submission deadline is 17 January 2025. Following the deadline, a group of Phase I judges will select the top 10 percent to move forward into Phase II.

Phase II judges will select the top 2 candidates per category (8 total) to move onto the final stage: Pitch Day.

IBoss will judge the finalists during Pitch Day and award one winner per category. Winners will be awarded a cash prize and honorary recognition.

Participants can access the Big Ideas Challenge submission portal here

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our team at IWBigIdeasChallenge@us.navy.mil

Downloadable Products

IW BIC Digital Poster (pdf)

IW BIC Print Poster (pdf)

FAQs

Does the idea need to be routed through a chain of command?
No. You do not have to route the idea through the Sailor’s or civilian’s chain of command. The intent of this program is to provide deck-plate Sailors and civilians a unique opportunity to present their ideas. Sometimes, the best ideas come from the front lines.
Who can apply?
The Big Ideas Challenge is open to all IW Sailors and civilians regardless of their parent command (i.e. NAVIFOR HQ, Direct Reports, ADCON commands/units, IW Community).
Where can I submit a classified idea?
Please email IWBigIdeasChallenge@us.navy.mil on NIPR for more information on this process.
Where do I apply?
Simply click the link below! If you would like to submit point papers, photos, videos, test results, or other support artifacts, please email them to our team at: IWBigIdeasChallenge@us.navy.mil
Big Ideas Challenge Submission Form

Naval Information Forces | 115 Lake View Parkway | Suffolk, VA 23435

Official U.S. Navy Website