On February 25, MIT Solve officially launched its revolutionary 2020 Global Challenges, an initiative designed to harness cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to tackle some of the world's most pressing issues. This year's challenges focus on four critical areas: Good Jobs and Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Learning for Girls and Women, Maternal and Newborn Health, and Sustainable Food Systems, with an impressive prize pool exceeding $1 million available to the most innovative solutions.
MIT Solve is actively seeking technology-driven solutions from innovative social entrepreneurs worldwide who can address these complex challenges. The application window remains open until June 18, providing ample opportunity for visionaries to submit their proposals. To support potential applicants, MIT has collaborated with MITx to develop a comprehensive course titled “Business and Impact Planning for Social Enterprises.” This educational offering introduces early-stage entrepreneurs to essential business-model frameworks and theory-of-change concepts, with special emphasis on how AI and emerging technologies can amplify social impact.
The most promising submissions will earn finalists an invitation to the prestigious Solve Challenge Finals on September 20 in New York City, strategically timed during U.N. General Assembly week. At this high-profile event, entrepreneurs will present their innovative solutions to Solve's Challenge Leadership Groups—distinguished panels comprising industry leaders and MIT faculty experts. These judges will evaluate each proposal based on innovation potential, scalability, and impact, selecting the most promising solutions to join the elite ranks of Solver teams.
“Our Solver teams represent a remarkable diversity of backgrounds and approaches, developing AI-enhanced solutions that transform environmental pollutants into valuable products, revolutionize textile recycling through smart technology, leverage crowdsourcing and machine learning to map accessibility in public spaces, and much more,” explains Solve Executive Director Alex Amouyel. “Breakthrough innovations can emerge from anywhere in the world, and we're committed to identifying and supporting technologies that demonstrate the potential to create meaningful change at scale.”
Selected Solver teams embark on an intensive nine-month acceleration program that connects them with the resources, expertise, and networks necessary to scale their solutions effectively. Since its inception, Solve has successfully facilitated more than 175 strategic partnerships, providing critical resources such as mentorship from industry experts, technical guidance from MIT specialists, and comprehensive impact planning support. Over the past three years alone, Solve has brokered over $14 million in funding commitments directly to Solver teams and entrepreneurs, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in bringing innovative solutions to market.
The development of Solve's challenge framework incorporates valuable insights from a diverse array of stakeholders, including industry pioneers, MIT faculty members, and voices from local communities directly affected by these global issues. To craft the 2020 Global Challenges, Solve engaged with more than 500 subject matter experts and conducted 14 Challenge Design Workshops across eight countries—from technology hubs in Silicon Valley and London to innovation centers in Lagos and Ho Chi Minh City. Furthermore, Solve's open innovation platform received substantial community engagement, garnering over 26,000 online votes that helped shape the final challenge themes.
Good Jobs and Inclusive Entrepreneurship: How can AI-powered technologies and innovative business models help marginalized populations access and create quality employment opportunities and entrepreneurial pathways?
Learning for Girls and Women: How can artificial intelligence and digital learning platforms be leveraged to provide marginalized girls and young women with access to quality educational opportunities that enable success in today's rapidly evolving economy?
Maternal and Newborn Health: How can technology and data-driven solutions ensure that every pregnant woman, new mother, and newborn has access to the care they need not only to survive but to thrive in communities worldwide?
Sustainable Food Systems: How can we harness emerging technologies and AI-driven agricultural innovations to produce and consume low-carbon, resilient, and nutritious food for a growing global population?
Functioning as a dynamic marketplace for social impact innovation, Solve's core mission is to address complex global challenges through technological innovation. The organization identifies promising technology-based social entrepreneurs from around the world, then leverages MIT's unparalleled innovation ecosystem and a vibrant community of members to provide funding and comprehensive support that helps these entrepreneurs scale their impact exponentially. Organizations interested in joining this transformative community can learn more about membership benefits and apply for membership here.
