Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there any restrictions on the cash prize?
    The cash prize is intended to be used to take the winning strategy to the next stage of development. The degree to which the prize monies will make an important impact on the further development of your solution will be seriously considered. BFI will remain in contact with the prize recipient for a minimum of one year to follow the progress of development.

  • Can I enter the Challenge via mail or email?
    No. Entries to the 2009 Buckminster Fuller Challenge will only be accepted online via this website. For detailed instructions about the entry process, please visit the How to Enter section.

  • How can I view previous entries, finalists, and winners?
    Previous entries to the Buckminster Fuller Challenge are displayed in the Idea Index. To get a sense of the sort of entries that have the potential to win the Challenge, take a look at the entries of the previous finalists and the 2008 & 2009 winners.

  • How do I submit my processing fee?
    Please see the How To Enter section for detailed instructions for submitting your processing fee.

  • What is the process for selecting the finalists and the winner?
    Please see the Selection Process section for details.

  • Are there intellectual property issues I should be concerned about?
    Please review our Terms and Conditions for information about IP and other legal concerns.

  • How far along does my solution need to be in order to be considered?
    Entries at the start–up stage are acceptable as well as those at more advanced stages of development.

  • How much experience must I or my team have in order to enter The Challenge?
    As the call for proposal states your initiative must be “backed up by a solid plan and the capability to move the solution forward.” If you are entering as an individual and you conceived the initiative, more or less on your own, and are providing the primary leadership, it is essential that you demonstrate that you are not working in isolation and are fully engaged with skilled and credible people and/or strategic partners who are committed to helping you take the initiative to the next stage of development. The career stage of an applicant or team is of less importance than the overall capacity and collective experience of those engaged in bringing the proposal to the next critical stage of development. At a minimum, you and your team members need to be 18 years of age.

  • How can I learn more about the key underlying concepts which inform the call for proposals?
    We have provided a set of resource documents selected specifically to enrich your understanding of Design Science, sustainability, leverage points, etc – all of which speak directly to The Buckminster Fuller Challenge entry criteria. These resources can be found here. You can also find additional information on The Buckminster Fuller Institute website.

  • What is a "trimtab"?
    Buckminster Fuller referred to the function of a trimtab in nautical design as a metaphor for how individuals could make a difference in the world and potentially change the course of humanity.

    A large ship moving through the ocean has great momentum. Turning the rudder changes the direction of the ship but with great effort. Using a trimtab — a small flap on the trailing edge of the main rudder — creates a low pressure area next to the rudder allowing the main rudder to turn the ship with substantially less effort. In airplanes trimtabs are used in a similar fashion. They are often affixed to the wing and tail flaps to greatly reduce the control force required by the pilot to maintain position and stability.

    With respect to Buckminster Fuller Challenge, the trimtab metaphor is used to characterize a comprehensive strategy, that is conceived in such a manner and strategically placed into the prevailing system at such a time, in such a place, where its effects can be maximized, thereby creating the most advantageous change with the least amount of resources and energy on a relative basis.

    Buckminster Fuller on the Trimtab Principle
    "When I thought about steering the course of the 'Spaceship Earth' and all of humanity, I saw most people trying to turn the boat by pushing the bow around."

    "I saw that by being all the way at the tail of the ship, by just kicking my foot to one side or the other, I could create the 'low pressure' which would turn the whole ship. If ever someone wanted to write my epitaph, I would want it to say 'Call me Trimtab'." - From What's a Trimtab?

    "Something hit me very hard once, thinking about what one little man could do. Think of the Queen Mary — the whole ship goes by and then comes the rudder. And there's a tiny thing at the edge of the rudder called a trimtab."
    For more definitions please visit www.answers.com/topic/trim-tab

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