Mayor Eric Garcetti is challenging residents to help him find creative solutions to L.A.’s most pressing challenges.

The mayor announced last week his first annual Mayor’s Cup competition, which will solicit proposals from student entrepreneurs and local academics to support local economic growth and encourage civic engagement — on issues ranging from beautifying vacant and blighted spaces to building affordable housing.

“Los Angeles is full of dynamic thinkers who work to improve our quality of life through everything from entertainment and transportation, to clean tech and manufacturing,” Garcetti said. “The Mayor’s Cup will incentivize the creativity of young entrepreneurs across our city. Whether you have a great plan that will help us build more affordable housing, or a brilliant strategy to increase employment opportunities for low-income Angelenos, we want to put your ideas to work.”

Garcetti and the city of Los Angeles invite college students, faculty members and staff from Los Angeles colleges and universities to enter the competition. Finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of business and government leaders, including Garcetti. The grand prize winner will receive $25,000 and the opportunity to work with City Hall for eight weeks to bring their idea to life. Technical development, mentorship and collaboration with city leadership will be guided by the Mayor’s Operations Innovation Team (O-Team).

Additional information, guidelines and entry forms can be found at lamayorscup.org. The competition will culminate at a live presentation for Garcetti and select city and business leaders at USC in March.

Applications are due October 15. Finalists will be announced November 1. Finalists will pitch the mayor, deputy mayors and local business leaders in a live competition on November 16.