Global Climate Change. Poverty. AIDS. Slavery. War. Water. Nukes.

What if there was a way to really go after these issues? Might it be possible to leverage the internet fueled changes in human connectivity to help? Is there a way to tap into the global creative mind? Might we be able use the newfound interest in improving innovation skills as a way to create innovative solutions to these difficult to solve global issues?

There just might be.  And it’s possible that the Global Challenge Institute will be an organization that energizes some real solutions. “But how?” you ask.

We’ve been chatting with Terry Waghorn, the Founder of GCI, over the last year about this project. He’s attracted a real “who’s who” of globally known leaders and talent to help move the Institute forward. (Terry’s the guy who interviewed Bob Eckert for Forbes.) We want to potentiate his efforts by letting you know about the project. We recently received the following letter:

I wanted to let you know about a new opportunity: The World Innovation Challenge.  Throughout 2010, individuals from the world’s most innovative and socially conscious organizations will form five-member teams dedicated to discovering ways to positively impact climate change–now recognized as perhaps the most pressing environmental problem of our age.  The winning team will be chosen by a combination of expert opinion and public voting.  But all qualifying teams and companies involved will be showcased and recognized for their innovation, breakthroughs and commitment to creating a healthier world.

This will be the World Innovation Challenge’s inaugural year.  In future years, the problem and teams will change, but the mission will be the same—to shape a better world through competition and innovation.

We encourage collaborations and diversity in teams.  Early registration is occurring now through January 15, 2010 and will allow teams to be involved in the global launch campaign.  Regular registration begins February 1, 2010.  The expert-crafted challenge, including the criteria and judging guidelines, will be issued May 1, 2010.

If you would like more information, please contact the Global Challenge Institute’s Director of Marketing, Klaus Kneale, at klaus.kneale@worldinnovationchallenge.com.