For the primary source on this promise — and the opportunity to make a few bucks — look no further than Challenge.gov.
The Obama administration launched the website in 2010, calling it "the first online listing of incentive prizes offered or supported by federal agencies." In September, the White House noted when the site reached a milestone: the 200th challenge posted.
Some examples of challenges include developing ways to block illegal robocalls (prize: $50,000), mobile tools for helping people plan for their financial future ($25,000, already awarded) and a broad solicitation to "build applications for the faster, smarter Internet of the future" that "take advantage of next-generation networks up to 250 times faster than today."
The challenges extend beyond the scope of consumer technology, seeking ideas for everything from reconstructing shredded documents for the Department of Defense to making aging federal office buildings energy efficient. Several challenges solicit apps, logos and online videos to raise awareness about issues such as bullying, voting and various health risks. In addition to cash, the winners receive other non-monetary incentives such as meetings with industry experts, access to federal agency resources such as data, tools and testing facilities. Winners are also featured in ads and social media.
President Barack Obama promised to expand the use of innovation prizes, and he has. The White House says more than 16,000 "citizen solvers" have participated in the competitions through Challenge.gov, and many more have done so on other platforms such as federal agency websites, stand-alone competition websites and in-person events. We rate this a Promise Kept.