How can we use technology to make good health and access to quality care more equitable for all?

Challenge Overview

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.

Prizes

MIT Solve - Solver Award

All Solver teams selected for Solve’s Global Challenges and the Indigenous Communities Fellowship will receive a $10,000 grant funded by Solve.

The GSR Foundation Prize

GSR Foundation will award a prize to solutions that use technology in an innovative way to address pressing issues in their communities, which have the potential to scale globally. Preference will be given to solutions that remove barriers to financial inclusion, and that place a strong emphasis on learning. The prize is funded by the GSR Foundation, an independent charity founded by GSR, a leading cryptocurrency trading firm. The Foundation seeks to advance education, promote equality of opportunity, and contribute to a sustainable world, emphasizing blockchain and innovative technology-powered solutions. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across several Solver teams from any of Solve's 2024 Global Challenges.

Morgridge Family Foundation AI Innovation Prize

Solutions that use AI to boldly spark change through innovation, disruption, and transformation are eligible for the Morgridge Family Foundation AI Innovation Prize. The Morgridge Family Foundation invests in leaders and organizations who are reimagining solutions to some of today's biggest challenges. Up to $50,000 will be granted across up to two Solver teams from Solve’s 2024 Global Challenges or from Solve's portfolio of Solver teams.

The AI for Humanity Prize

The AI for Humanity Prize is open to solutions leveraging data science, artificial intelligence, and/or machine learning to benefit humanity. The prize is made possible by The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, a philanthropy committed to advancing AI and data solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across several Solver teams from any of the 2024 Global Challenges.

Climate-Positive and Equitable Food Systems Prize 2024

The Climate-Positive and Equitable Food Systems Prize is open to high-impact solutions from emerging for-profit or non-profit entities, and is focused on transforming food systems to be more sustainable and equitable, leading to safe and nutritious food that is accessible, affordable, attractive, and trusted.The Seeding The Future Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that seeds and supports innovative solutions to help improve the global food system. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across two or more Solver teams from the 2024 Global Challenges.