Map the System

fiona winner

Overview | Registration | Prizes

Overview

Map the System is a global competition that uses systems thinking as a guiding approach to explore some of the most complex issues facing the world today. Map the System is run at a global level by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, at a national level by the Institute for Community Prosperity at Mount Royal University, and at a UWaterloo campus level by the Grebel Peace Incubator. 

What is Map the System?

View on YouTube

Key Dates and Deadlines

  1. 2025
    1. Jan
      1. Registration deadline

        January 31st, 2025.

    2. Mar
      1. Research Period

        February-March 2025.

    3. Apr
      1. Submission deadline

        April 1st, 2025.

      2. Campus Finals

        April 7th, 2025.

    4. May
      1. National Finals

        May 19-22, 2025.

    5. Jun
      1. Global Finals

        July 3-6, 2025.

Upcoming Events

All are welcome to celebrate systems thinking and social innovation at the Map the System Launch in January and Campus Finals in April. We also host additional skills based workshops for competition participations throughout the research period.

Audience listening intently at last year's campus finals
Monday, April 7, 2025 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Campus Finals 2025

Hear the five UWaterloo finalist teams present their system maps and research on compelling complex social/environmental issues.

Learn more

If you have any questions, reach out to the Map the System Campus Lead: mapthesystem@uwaterloo.ca.

How do students get involved?

An open, cartoon book

Step 1: Learn more about Map the System

  1. Review the submission guidelines on the Map the System Canada website
  2. Review frequently asked questions and/or the 2022 recording of the Map the System Information Session
  3. Form your team of up to 5 people and pick a topic!
Cartoon map with location indicator

Step 3: Map Your System

  1. Review the resources available to you
  2. Begin your research
  3. Reach out to the support team at the Centre for Peace Advancement with questions
  4. Map your system!
Two cartoon event tickets

Step 2: Register for Map the System

  1. Register for the campus finals through Map the System Canada.

Registration for the Winter 2025 competition is now closed.

A stack of cartoon coins

Step 4: Compete for Cash Prizes

  1. Submit your written submission materials.
  2. If chosen, compete at the University of Waterloo Campus Final for a chance to win up to $2,000!
  3. If chosen, compete at the Canadian Final in Banff, AB
  4. If chosen, compete at the Global Final in Oxford, UK