Mastercard Foundation Alumni Scholars (only) are invited to submit a 3-4 page pre-proposal by Wednesday, December 2, 2026 at 1 pm (PT). All applicants will receive detailed judging feedback and will be notified of their status for the final round of the competition in late-January. 

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for this program, please contact the Big Ideas Contest, at bigideas@berkeley.edu.