During Peer-to-Peer Review, each applicant will score and comment on five other applications using the four criteria included in the scoring rubric: future-proof, sustainable impact, feasible, and scalable. This is the same scoring rubric that the Evaluation Panel will use in their review.
Scores will be calculated using an algorithm that ensures a level playing field for all applicants. In addition to scoring each application on the four criteria in the scoring rubric, Peer-to-Peer reviewers will also provide a final numerical score, ranging between 0-100, representing an overall impression of the entire application. We ask that each Peer-to-Peer reviewer carefully read the applications given to them and provide meaningful feedback.
Completion of Peer Review in October 2026 is required to remain eligible for the challenge and to receive your anonymized peer feedback.
Peer-to-Peer Review will result in a rank order of all valid submissions. Based on the rank order of scores, along with additional considerations (e.g. variety of solution types, geographic balance, and feasibility), a subset of top-scoring applications will move forward to the Evaluation Panel. Note: Scores and feedback from Peer Review will not be shared with the Evaluation Panel or publicly—only the Building the Future Workforce Challenge team and applicants will have access to their anonymized scores and feedback.
Evaluation Panel judges will score and provide feedback on the applications assigned to them using the scoring rubric, and each valid application will receive five sets of anonymized reviews with scores that have been statistically normalized to ensure a level playing field.
Informed by the resulting rank order of applications after Evaluation Panel review, a selection of top-scoring applicants will be considered by the Selection Committee.
The Building the Future Workforce Challenge Selection Committee will review a selection of top-scoring submissions. Based on the Evaluation Panel resulting rank order, along with additional considerations (e.g., variety of solution types, geographic balance, and feasibility), up to 10 finalists may be selected and featured at CES® between January 6-9, 2027, as part of Caterpillar’s ongoing commitment to advancing and showcasing innovative, tech-forward approaches to strengthening the advanced manufacturing and industry technician workforce.
While finalist attendance in-person at CES® is currently not anticipated, finalists should expect to collaborate with Caterpillar and its communications agencies, from mid-December 2026 to January 5, 2027, to potentially develop videos, demonstrations, marketing materials, and/or other content needed to feature solutions at CES®.
Additional details regarding the showcase format, expectations and timelines will be shared as they become available. Please note that CES®-related activities may be considered as one of several factors used to assess readiness, solution fit and implementation potential when making award decisions.
The Selection Committee is comprised of Caterpillar team members responsible for recommending up to five winners to receive $1 million each. Winners will be announced by Spring 2027.
