We believe young people hold the empathy, power, and ingenuity to solve problems in their communities, the world, and everywhere in between. Solv[ED] sparks a sense of agency in people aged 24 and under, encouraging, inspiring, and supporting them to become problem-solvers.

We know young leaders like you are passionate about solving problems in your communities and globally. As we approach the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, essential health services are not available to all, economic inequality continues to increase, educational opportunities are interrupted or have declined, all while climate change and its effects are front and center for millions of people.

Addressing these challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when confronted with them constantly in the news and online. But digital spaces and tech tools are also powerful enablers for people to take action and ensure a more prosperous, equitable, and peaceful future. 

So, are you ready to make a dent in those challenges? Apply to the Solv[ED] Youth Innovation Challenge. We welcome submissions from anyone, anywhere aged 24 and under!

Why Apply?

The 10 most promising solutions selected by our judges become Solv[ED] Innovators, and:

• Win prize funding from a pool of over $180,000 (see 'Prizes' Tab for more details)

• Attend Solve at MIT in Spring 2023 with travel and accommodations covered 

• Get matched with expert mentors from the MIT Solve community

• Receive exposure through MIT Solve and media

Start your Application Now!

The Solv[ED] Youth Innovation Challenge is an opportunity for you to submit your tech-enabled solution that: 

• Improves learning opportunities and outcomes for learners across their lifetimes, from early childhood on (Learning) 

• Supports financial and economic opportunities for all (Economic Prosperity) 

• Accelerates healthcare access and health outcomes, reducing and, ultimately, eliminating disparities in health (Health)

• Takes action to combat climate change and its impacts (Sustainability)

• Addresses an unmet social, environmental, or economic need not covered in the four dimensions above. 

Whether your solution is a concept, a product that is being prototyped, a service that is being piloted in your local community, or a fully operational nonprofit or for-profit organization, we want to hear from you. 

See the FAQs section for more information.

Support on Your Application

We know this is a journey. As an applicant, you get support on developing your submission, as well as connections to a community of like-minded youth. 

If you weren't able to make it to one of our application clinics, you can watch a recording of our December 1, 2022 session, a recording of our January 10, 2023 session, a recording of our January 18, 2023 session, or a recording of our Application Clinic facilitated in the Spanish language.