Registration opens for Cat’s Global Innovation Challenge
Up to $1 million in awards will be offered to ideas that attract, retain, and upskill the manufacturing and technician workforce
As advanced technologies continue to transform how work gets done, Caterpillar Inc. is expanding its commitment to the workforce behind that transformation. The company is opening registration for the Building the Future Workforce Challenge, a global innovation competition first discussed on stage at CES 2026 by Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Joe Creed during his keynote, and part of Caterpillar's five-year, $100 million pledge announced last year.
The challenge will offer up to $1 million in awards to attract, retain, and upskill the advanced manufacturing and technician workforce through innovative ideas.
Cat's Global Innovation Challenge:
The Caterpillar Building the Future Workforce Challenge is part of Caterpillar's pledge to help ensure that breakthrough innovation and human potential rise together.
As technology dramatically reshapes the way the world works, Caterpillar is reaffirming its commitment to the people at the heart of innovation. To ensure employees and customers are equipped to use advanced technologies as new roles emerge, Caterpillar is pledging $25 million over five years to launch a global innovation prize. The initiative will award up to five $1 million awards in year one for bold ideas that help workers with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and autonomous environment.
With $30 billion invested in research and development over the past 20 years and plans to increase investment in digital and technology by 2.5 times through 2030, the company is delivering advanced technology solutions to help solve its customers' toughest challenges. The innovation prize strengthens that mission, ensuring the workforce has the tools, training, and opportunities to grow alongside the technologies shaping the future.
"The future of work is here, and it's up to all of us — industry, educators, and innovators — to ensure people are ready to succeed in it," said Christy Pambianchi, chief human resources officer, Caterpillar. "This challenge is about unlocking new ideas that help individuals build durable, future-ready skills while strengthening our communities."
Operated by CARROT, the challenge welcomes bold proposals from nonprofit and for-profit organizations worldwide that can be piloted and tested in select communities. Organizations must register by 5:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on Thursday, July 30, 2026, to participate.
Caterpillar will announce the finalists in early 2027.
