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

Challenge Overview

Recent years have shown what is possible when the world commits to good health and well-being. Over 130 countries have met global targets for reducing under-five mortality, effective treatment has cut AIDS-related deaths in half since 2010, and nearly 60 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. But momentum has slowed, and global health systems now face compounding strain: declining international aid, severe healthcare worker shortages, and fragmented systems still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic. Recent crises have further highlighted these gaps, leading to a drop in routine childhood vaccinations and rising cases of tuberculosis and malaria.

This moment calls for community-driven innovation to help health systems run more efficiently and route resources directly to those most in need. In addition, AI has the potential to rapidly reshape healthcare by streamlining decision-making and scaling services, but it also carries real risks like algorithmic bias, data privacy breaches, and widening health disparities. Where innovators deploy these tools, solutions must anchor in local realities and strengthen community trust, enabling equitable care models that empower healthcare workers and reach the individuals who need them most.

MIT Solve seeks exceptional technology-driven solutions that increase access to good health and healthcare for all, with a particular interest in 2027 for solutions that:

• Strengthen continuity of care in the face of outbreaks, climate shocks, conflicts or financing disruptions, including through improved early warnings, interoperability, reliable supply chains or local production

• Improve prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases, mental health conditions, or the growing care needs associated with aging

• Expand quality primary care to vulnerable communities by supporting frontline health workers or reducing cost, distance, and administrative barriers

Every person deserves to experience good health and well-being. Let’s make that a reality, together.

FAQ

Solutions

What type of solutions is Solve looking for?

Solve seeks innovative, human-centered, tech-based solutions to our Global Challenges. Through open innovation, Solve is looking for a diverse portfolio of solutions across geography and stage of development. We encourage people of all backgrounds to submit applications. MIT Solve adheres to the principles of nondiscrimination with respect to its programmatic activities and does not make any decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What stage should my solution be to be accepted?

You can submit applications at the stages listed below.

Concept: An idea being explored and researched for its feasibility to build a product, service, or business model, including prototypes under development. Until the solution has a functioning prototype, we would still consider it a Concept. Concept-stage ideas are only reviewed under the Indigenous Communities Fellowship.

Prototype: An initial working version of a solution that may be in the process of getting initial feedback or testing with users (i.e. running a pilot). If for-profit, a solution that has raised little or no investment capital. Until the solution transitions from testing to consistent availability, we would still consider it a Prototype. (Often 0 users/direct beneficiaries)

Pilot: The solution has been launched in at least one community, but is still iterating on design or business model. If for-profit, is generally working to gain traction and may have completed a fundraising round with investment capital. (Often 10+ users/direct beneficiaries)

Growth: An established solution available in one or more communities with a consistent design and approach, ready for further growth in multiple communities or countries. If for-profit, has generally completed at least one formal investment round (Seed stage or later). If nonprofit, has an established set of donors and/or revenue streams.

Scale: A standard solution operating in many communities or multiple countries and is prepared to scale significantly by improving efficiency. If for-profit, has likely raised at least a Series A investment round.

How does Solve define technology?

We define technology broadly as the application of science and evidence-based knowledge to the practical aims of human life. We welcome solutions that are using apps, SMS technology, software, AI, robots, drones, blockchain, and virtual reality.! We also welcome solutions that leverage traditional, ancestral, and natural technologies and knowledge systems. Tech-based innovations across our Solver portfolio include plant-based solutions that reduce the effects of climate change, machine-learning platforms that improve the delivery of justice and governance, biodegradable sanitary pads, and solutions that leverage centuries-old irrigation or building techniques, to name a few. Learn about all our Solver teams' diverse technologies.

My solution was already selected for a previous Solve challenge. Am I eligible?

If you or your organization has been selected as a Solver for a Global or Custom Challenge in the past, including as an Indigenous Communities Fellow, you may still apply, but your solution must be new. It cannot be the same solution that was previously selected by Solve. Reach out to help@solve.mit.edu if you have any questions about your eligibility.

Selection Process

How do I apply?

Review our How to Apply to a Challenge webpage for tips and tutorials to get you started.

Can I submit multiple solutions or apply to multiple Challenges?

One team lead, solution, or organization can apply to multiple Global Challenges if there is alignment. However, if you advance beyond the initial judging rounds in multiple Global Challenges, you will be asked to select one challenge in which to advance.

A team lead cannot submit multiple solutions to the same Global Challenge. However, we encourage you to look at other open custom challenges on our site. You can apply to as many of these as you fit the application criteria for! Note that the resources offered to winners of Custom Challenges vary from the Solver program associated with the Global Challenges.

How will my solution be evaluated?

First, Solve's staff and community will conduct an initial screening. Secondly, expert reviewers will evaluate and score the solutions according to Solve’s judging criteria, and the solutions with the highest scores will pass to the semifinalist round. Challenge Leadership Group judges (experts and leaders from across industries and sectors) will evaluate and score the solutions. The highest-scoring solutions will become finalists. They will be notified in February and invited to a virtual live pitch and Q&A session, after which the judges will deliberate and select the Solver class.

Solutions will be evaluated along the following criteria:

• Alignment: The solution uses technology to address one of Solve's Global Challenges.
• Potential for Impact: The planned solution implementation has the potential to impact the intended population.
• Feasibility: The team has a realistic, practical plan for implementing the solution, and it is feasible in the given context.
• Innovative Approach: The solution includes a new technology, a new application of technology, a new business model, or a new process for solving the Challenge.
• Human-Centered Design: The solution is designed with and for underserved communities, and the solution team demonstrates that they have the experience, relationships, data, and knowledge to develop and deliver a successful solution.
• Scalability*: The solution has a plan for financial viability and the potential to be scaled to affect the lives of more people.
• Partnership Potential*: The applicant clearly explains how the solution would benefit from the broad range of resources that the Solve community is positioned to provide.
• Technical Feasibility*: If the underlying technology is novel, the applicant has provided convincing evidence that it has been built and functions as they claim it does.

*This criterion will only be considered during finalist selection and beyond.

How long will it take to complete the application?

Once you decide you would like to apply to Solve’s 2027 Global Challenges, begin your application as soon as you can. In post-application surveys, most applicants reported that they spent several hours completing the application. Be sure to budget enough time to submit your application before the deadline.

To help you prepare, download a PDF version of the application here. The PDF version is only for reference; you must submit your application online here.

Solver Program

What funding is available to Solvers?

Solver teams receive an average of $40k each following selection and because once a Solver, always a Solver, they will continue to be eligible for funding opportunities during their program year and beyond.

What resources does the Solve program provide?

Funding

• Access to a pool of +$1M in prize funding at selection and additional funding opportunities throughout the program and after.

Nine-month support program

• Tailored capacity-building workshops that may cover marketing, public relations, monitoring and evaluation, business model, and more;
• Leadership coaching;
• Access to in-kind and pro bono resources such as software licenses and legal services;
• Monitoring and evaluation support;
• A powerful network of impact-minded leaders across industries and sectors, including MIT
• Attendance at events throughout the year for opportunities to pitch and connect;
• Exposure in the media and potential speaking opportunities at conferences;
• Connections with current and past Solver teams for peer-to-peer support, inspiration, and learning

What is the time commitment?

Selected Solver teams should expect to commit ~25 hours to the program over the course of nine months, inclusive of coaching sessions, workshops, virtual events, etc. Additionally, attendance to MIT Solve flagship events is four days for Solver Orientation in Cambridge, MA (April) and four days for Solve Challenge Finals in New York City (September).

What happens after completion of the program?

Once a Solver, always a Solver! You will continue to have access to funding opportunities, in-kind and pro bono resources, exposure in the media, and speaking engagements, and you will receive invitations to join Solve in selected virtual and in-person events. 

Have more questions?

If you have any additional questions, please review our events calendar to find application clinic sessions, where you can learn more about MIT Solve, the Solver program, commonly asked questions, and Solve's selection criteria. 

You can also email your questions to help@solve.mit.edu. Please allow 3-5 business days for a response.

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 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 to at least one Solver team from the 2027 Global Challenges.

The Citizens Workforce Innovation Prize

The Citizens Workforce Innovation Prize seeks to accelerate the development of solutions that will prepare people for today’s opportunities and the workplace of future, advance new ways of working, and drive economic impact within communities. Funded by Citizens, the prize furthers the company’s commitment to helping communities meet today’s demands while positioning themselves well for the future. A $100,000 prize will be awarded to at least one US-based Solver team selected for the 2027 Global Challenges.

The Collegium Prize for Innovation

More details coming soon

The Crescent Enterprises AI for Social Innovation Prize

The Crescent Enterprises ‘AI for Social Innovation’ Prize supports groundbreaking solutions that leverage data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to tackle critical global social challenges. Sponsored by Crescent Enterprises - a diversified conglomerate spanning industries such as ports and logistics, power and engineering, food and beverage, life sciences and business aviation - the prize reflects the company’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and meaningful global impact.

Up to $100,000 will be awarded to as many as four Solver teams addressing the 2027 Global Challenges or selected from Solve’s portfolio of alumni teams. This prize aims to recognise and accelerate the growth of transformative solutions, driving positive change for a better future.

The E Ink Innovation Prize

The E Ink Innovation Prize is open to solutions that address problems of global importance in any of Solve’s areas of impact, with particular interest in sustainability, education, or intercultural understanding. The prize is funded by E Ink, a corporation that advances healthy solutions and a sustainable future using ultra-low power, daylight readable displays. $100,000 will be awarded to one Solver team selected for the 2027 Global Challenges. E Ink may also opt to provide materials and technical support to its prize recipients if they plan to use ePaper materials.

The Morgridge Family Foundation Innovation Prize

More details coming soon

Philips Foundation Social Impact Award

The Philips Foundation Social Impact Award is open to scalable solutions that improve access to quality healthcare in maternal and child health and cardiovascular disease for underserved communities. The award reflects Philips Foundation's mission to enable equitable healthcare access globally through meaningful innovation, strategic partnerships, and catalytic funding. $100,000 will be awarded to one scale-ready solution selected for the 2027 Global Challenge or from Solve's portfolio of alumni teams.

The Seeding the Future Prize for Climate-Positive and Equitable Food Systems

The Climate-Positive and Equitable Food Systems Prize, sponsored by the Seeding the Future Van Lengerich Foundation, recognizes high-impact innovations that advance equitable, resilient, and climate-positive food systems worldwide. The Seeding the Future Foundation is a nonprofit organization that seeds and supports scalable, high-impact initiatives that advance sustainable food systems and equitable access to safe, nutritious, and trusted food globally. A prize of $150,000 will be awarded to at least one Solver team selected for MIT Solve's 2027 Global Challenges.

Application Clinics

Join one of our application clinics to get your questions answered and learn more about MIT Solve, the Solver program, commonly asked questions, and Solve's selection criteria. You can find the links to all upcoming clinics below.

If a clinic date has already passed, you can watch the recording by clicking the link for that session.

• September 29 -10am ET - English
• October 6 - 9am ET - French
• October 6 - 2pm ET - English (focused on Indigenous Communities Fellowship)
• October 8 - 10am ET - Spanish
• October 14 - 11am ET - English
• October 21 - 3pm ET - English (focused on Indigenous Communities Fellowship)
• October 26 - 11am ET - English
• October 27 - 7am ET - Arabic