Announcing the 2019 Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge Winners

Today, in our third year of the Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge, we are proud to be recognizing a new group of young entrepreneurs who are creating cutting-edge, technology-based solutions capable of solving some of the world’s toughest challenges. With each year, I’m continually impressed by the ideas and solutions developed by these young entrepreneurs and inspired by their drive to make a difference. It’s with much excitement that I introduce you to the winners of this year’s competition.

Arrow Electronics and Posner Center for International Development Collaborate on Innovation in Technology Award

Arrow Electronics and The Posner Center for International Development have awarded the 2019 Arrow Innovation in Technology Award to Moving Up the Coffee Chain via Blockchain, a project that will tap technology to connect Honduran coffee farmers with roasters in the United States. A collaboration between iDE and Bext360, the project’s goal is to show how blockchain can be applied to market-based interventions in global development.

HARC Joins Forces With Green Mountain Energy Sun Club to Support Sustainability Research and Regional Green Building Leadership

HARC and Green Mountain Energy Sun Club leaders celebrated the completion of a sustainability project signifying a major step towards the organization’s goal of achieving a highly regarded net zero energy (NZE) status, which would make the HARC headquarters in The Woodlands the first commercial building in Texas to accomplish the feat.

Partners in Purpose: My Special Aflac Duck is Helping Kids With Cancer

On average, children with cancer will spend 1,000 days undergoing treatment. Knowing this can be a scary and difficult time for young patients, Aflac partnered with Sproutel to develop "My Special Aflac Duck." The duck is designed to be a comfort and help children share their emotions. The robotic companion recently earned SXSW's People Choice Award in the Robotics & Hardware category in addition to previous accolades from TIME Magazine and Engadget.

Cisco Connects to the Conservation Cause

In partnership with Dimension Data, Cisco launched Connected Conservation, our joint initiative, in 2015. This was the first solution of its kind to proactively protect rhinos while leaving them to roam freely. While we also look to explore and implement other solutions that track the animal in conjunction with a rich ecosystem of partners, Connected Conservation eliminates human interference.

My Special Aflac Duck® Testimonial: Child Life Specialist Bethany Fisackerly

This is what health care professionals are saying about My Special Aflac Duck™: "The Aflac ducks are a game-changer, and honestly have made me fall in love with Child Life all over again. It reinforces to me the value of play, and the importance of empowering children to retain control over their environments. As of today, we have distributed 33 ducks (with another dozen or so slated to go out this week), and they have been universally adored across the ages.” - Child Life Specialist Bethany Fisackerly, MS, CCLS; Child Life Specialist: Hematology/Oncology, Rheumatology, Bone Marrow Transplant

Taking Steps to Protect Our Planet on Earth Day and Beyond

On Monday, April 22, more than 1 billion people in more than 190 countries are expected to take part in Earth Day—a day dedicated to environmental awareness, engagement, and action. It is also a day for personal reflection. A day for each of us to take stock of what we can do to help reduce our own environmental footprint in 2019 and beyond. It’s also a time for companies to embrace the role that they can play in creating a healthier planet. HP is one of those companies.

A Sao Paulo Factory Is Pioneering Zero-Waste Manufacturing and Closing the Loop with Plastics

The manufacturing, recycling and research buildings at the São Paulo site for form a literal — if rectangular — loop. It’s a shift away from a traditional linear supply chain, which takes resources from the Earth to make products that are ultimately discarded. Instead, the goal is to adopt a circular model that uses and reuses materials with minimal waste. HP’s operations in Brazil take the idea one step further, creating a closed-loop system that turns waste directly into new products. “It’s all about keeping materials in motion for as long as possible,” says Randi Braunwalder, HP’s manager of social & environmental responsibility in the Americas. “Continuous life cycles instead of limited lifespans.”

Video | Leveraging Technology for Authentic Social Purpose: My Special Aflac Duck

What does Aflac’s iconic duck have to do with kids facing cancer? Knowing the power of companionship, Aflac paired its brand icon with the latest in social robotics to evolve the company's impact on pediatric cancer. In this panel discussion from the BRITE ’19 Conference, the creators behind My Special Aflac Duck discuss how insights from this initiative can help any brand leverage existing assets, rethink long-term commitments, and boldly embrace innovation to advance purpose.

PepsiCo Goes Beyond the Bottle with New, Mobile-Enabled Hydration Platform

Built to reflect how people drink water today, the new hydration platform from PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEP) is a connected ecosystem that responds to the rise in consumption of low-and-no-sugar drinks as well as heightened focus on plastic's effect on the environment. As part of PepsiCo's Beyond the Bottle efforts, the new system makes it easier for people to stay hydrated with great-tasting beverages, digitally track their hydration, and help meet the growing consumer demand for more sustainable packaging.

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