Every person has the right to access the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they’re needed. While there has been some progress towards these goals over the last few decades, much of that progress has now slowed or reversed. Currently, half the world lacks access to comprehensive health services. Two billion people face financial hardship due to out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Under-resourced communities (including but not limited to women and girls, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and older adults) are often disproportionately affected and experience systematically worse health outcomes. 

Technology and innovation have an important role to play in improving health and well-being for all. New technologies can improve health outcomes and access, but only when utilized effectively. Innovation can help these technologies be more affordable, scalable, sustainable, and community-focused. Opportunities for positive change exist across many areas of care including primary care, mental health, and infectious diseases. 

MIT Solve seeks exceptional solutions—rooted in and driven by communities—that leverage technology to increase access to quality care and good health. While we are excited to select and support innovators across any health area, we have a particular interest in solutions that: 

• Ensure health-related data is collected ethically and effectively, and that AI and other insights are accurate, targeted, and actionable.

• Increase capacity and resilience of health systems, including workforce, supply chains, and other infrastructure. 

• Increase access to and quality of health services for medically underserved groups around the world (such as refugees and other displaced people, women and children, older adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals).

Special Call: Black & Brown Innovators in the US Program

Systemic inequities and institutional failures contribute to Black and Brown communities in the US having less access to care and worse health outcomes. Shocks and stresses (such as climate change, disasters, and pandemics) can worsen these disparities. As part of Solve’s ongoing work on US racial equity, we encourage those working to address racial disparities in US communities to apply for the Challenge and receive additional support through our Black & Brown Innovators in the US Program.