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people using vr

Workforce Innovation Challenge

Together, let’s transform the way the workforce is shaped for the future—in Caterpillar communities and beyond.

 

About the Caterpillar Building the Future Workforce Initiative

 

The Caterpillar Building the Future Workforce Challenge is part of Caterpillar’s pledge to help ensure that breakthrough innovation and human potential rise together.

As technology dramatically reshapes the way the world works, Caterpillar is reaffirming its commitment to the people at the heart of innovation. To ensure employees and customers are equipped to use advanced technologies as new roles emerge, Caterpillar is pledging $25 million over five years to launch a global innovation prize. The initiative will identify, test and scale solutions that help workers with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and autonomous environment.

With $30 billion invested in research and development over the past 20 years and plans to increase investment in digital and technology by 2.5 times through 2030, the company is delivering advanced technology solutions to help solve its customers’ toughest challenges. The $25 million innovation prize strengthens that mission, ensuring the workforce has the tools, training and opportunities to grow alongside the technologies shaping the future.

Caterpillar's $100 Million Commitment

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two people at a computer

Caterpillar Unveils AI-Powered Future and Invests in the Workforce Building It

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three people looking at a computer

Launching Spring 2026

 

The Caterpillar Building the Future Workforce Challenge will award $5 million in year one to identify, test and scale adaptive, scalable and tech-forward solutions that will upskill the manufacturing workforce—ensuring that breakthrough innovation and human potential rise together.

More information will be available on this website in late Spring 2026. 

Interested in the Program?

Caterpillar is partnering with CARROT to launch a five-year, $25 million global innovation prize. This effort will help identify, test and scale new solutions that strengthen the talent pipeline in the communities where we operate.

CARROT will manage the application process, etc.

A sign up link will be available on this page soon. Please check back later.

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person typing on a computer

Building the Future Workforce Challenge Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

In April 2025, Caterpillar celebrated its centennial and made a bold pledge to invest $100 million over the next five years to ensure that breakthrough innovation and human potential rise together. In an era of rapid technological change, Caterpillar recognizes the importance of supporting communities to keep pace with the changing face of the manufacturing industry. The $100 million pledge reflects Caterpillar’s belief that preparing the workforce for the future is not just necessary—it’s urgent for our communities and for our industry.

As a part of the pledge, Caterpillar has allocated $25 million to be distributed over the next five years for the Caterpillar Building the Future Workforce Challenge, with an initial investment of $5 million in year one to support training for individuals who make and service manufacturing equipment.

Through the Caterpillar Building the Future Workforce Challenge, Caterpillar is looking to source fresh perspectives on training from various sectors and geographies.

CARROT will process Caterpillar’s grant funding to winners of the Caterpillar Building the Future Workforce Challenge—this funding is intended to be used in line with the project budget that will be submitted as part of the submission.

Caterpillar has selected a number of its facilities and communities to test the innovations and will work hand-in-hand with winners to facilitate implementation.

More information about the Caterpillar Building the Future Workforce Challenge will be available on this website in late Spring 2026.