In an exciting development for technology-driven social impact, MIT Solve has unveiled a substantial $1.25 million funding pool for its upcoming cohort of innovative Solver teams. This groundbreaking MIT initiative, dedicated to empowering tech entrepreneurs tackling global challenges, has attracted prestigious sponsors including General Motors, Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Vodafone Americas Foundation, Schmidt Futures, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, and the Andan Foundation. These forward-thinking organizations will gather at the highly anticipated Solve at MIT event, scheduled from May 7-9 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The conference will unite the entire Solve ecosystem, featuring distinguished 2018 Solver teams, influential members, key sponsors, along with MIT's renowned faculty, staff, and students.
Calling all technology pioneers and artificial intelligence innovators! MIT Solve is actively seeking groundbreaking solutions for its 2019 Global Challenges, which encompass four critical areas: Circular Economy, Community-Driven Innovation, Early Childhood Development, and Healthy Cities. Innovators from across the globe have until July 1 to submit their AI-powered solutions and compete for the coveted $1.25 million prize funding. The most exceptional applicants will earn the opportunity to present their transformative ideas at the prestigious Solve Challenge Finals, taking place during United Nations General Assembly Week in New York City on September 22. A distinguished panel of cross-sector experts will carefully evaluate each proposal, ultimately selecting 35 of the most forward-thinking technology innovators to join the ranks of Solver teams. These chosen teams will embark on a year-long journey with MIT Solve, receiving comprehensive support including crucial funding, valuable networking opportunities, expert mentorship, strategic marketing assistance, and numerous other resources designed to amplify their impact.
The impressive lineup of 2019 MIT Solve Prizes, including specialized awards for AI innovation, available to selected Solver teams encompasses:
Solver Funding: Every team selected as a Solver during the September Challenge Finals will receive a foundational $10,000 grant, awarded by expert cross-sector judging panels representing each of Solve's four Global Challenges.
GM Prizes, generously supported by General Motors:
Community-Driven Innovation GM Prize: Recognizing solutions that create pathways to prosperity and enhance social mobility for underrepresented populations—with special consideration for projects incorporating STEM education and AI technologies—this award will grant up to $50,000 to two exceptional recipients.
Circular Economy GM Prize: Celebrating innovations that guide communities toward zero waste and zero carbon futures—including AI-enhanced STEM education for revolutionary design and manufacturing techniques—this prize will award up to $50,000 to two deserving winners.
AI Innovations Prize, made possible through the visionary support of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and Schmidt Futures: This groundbreaking category specifically targets solutions harnessing advanced computing techniques and cutting-edge artificial intelligence to address any of the four Global Challenges. With an unprecedented prize pool of up to $500,000 distributed among multiple recipients, this award represents a significant investment in the future of AI-driven social impact.
Innovation for Women Prize, championed by the Vodafone Americas Foundation: Solutions leveraging technology—including AI and machine learning applications—to empower and elevate the lives of women and girls worldwide may receive up to $75,000 across three Solver teams addressing any of Solve's Global Challenges.
Everytown for Gun Safety Prize, backed by the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund: Community-centered Healthy Cities solutions employing innovative technologies—including AI-powered predictive analytics and smart systems—to enhance urban safety may qualify for up to $100,000 in grant funding.
Innovating Together for Healthy Cities Prize, presented by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court: This $75,000 award will recognize one outstanding project focused on preventing or managing infectious diseases and vector-borne illnesses in urban environments and underserved settlements, with special interest in AI-driven surveillance and response systems.
Innovation for Refugee Inclusion Prize, supported by the Andan Foundation: Solutions utilizing innovative technologies—including AI-powered platforms—to advance economic, financial, and political inclusion of refugees within host communities may receive this prestigious prize of up to $50,000. Eligible teams will be selected from the Community-Driven Innovation Challenge.
"We are incredibly excited to collaborate with this diverse coalition of visionary organizations in securing essential funding for innovative solutions to our planet's most pressing challenges," remarked Alex Amouyel, executive director at MIT Solve. "Across the globe, brilliant innovators are developing transformative technologies, including artificial intelligence applications, to address critical issues. However, many of these pioneers lack access to the capital and expertise required to scale their solutions effectively. Through Solve, we're committed to bridging this pioneer gap in social impact innovation, creating pathways for AI-enhanced solutions to flourish and contribute meaningfully to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals."
MIT Solve extends a special invitation to the MIT community to attend "Tech for Equality," the inspiring opening plenary of Solve at MIT 2019. This thought-provoking session, exploring the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and social equity, will take place on May 7 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the historic Kresge Auditorium. Admission is complimentary, and interested attendees can reserve their seats by RSVPing here. Media representatives wishing to cover this event may apply for credentials by contacting [email protected].
Annually, Solve identifies four critical Global Challenges, seeking out the most promising Solver teams capable of driving transformational change through technology and artificial intelligence innovation. Upon selection, Solve mobilizes its extensive global network of private, public, and nonprofit leaders, forging strategic partnerships that enable Solver teams to amplify their impact at scale. Over the past two years alone, Solve has successfully facilitated over $7.5 million in direct grant funding to Solver teams, complemented by substantial in-kind support. The initiative's global reach continues to expand, with last year's challenges attracting more than 1,150 submissions from innovators across 110 countries, showcasing the worldwide commitment to leveraging AI and technology for social good.
