Solve Challenge Finals 2018

Big Bold Optimism for Progress

Headlines portray a world of ever-increasing disaster, war, poverty, and division. Yet, the trendlines tell a different story—the world has made tremendous progress in the last decades, whether that is lifting billions out of poverty, significantly reducing infant mortality, or bringing primary education to millions of girls and boys. As Steven Pinker notes, we are now living in the most peaceful era in the history of our species. This is not to say that there is nothing more to be done; we must mitigate and adapt to climate change, reverse increasing income inequality, and address many other big, complex challenges. But we must approach these issues with optimism and a strong-held belief that talented social entrepreneurs can—and will—solve these problems. Optimism is more than a state of mind—optimistic people live longer, are healthier, and are more productive. Optimism also enables social entrepreneurs to approach problems with the motivation and risk-taking needed to drive innovation and change.

Join Solve to hear from global leaders on the importance of optimism and innovation for social and environmental impact.

How can communities invest in frontline health workers and services to improve their access to effective and affordable care? Read more about our Frontlines of Health Challenge.

How can teachers and educators provide accessible, personalized, and creative learning experiences for all? Read more about our Teachers & Educators Challenge. 

How can coastal communities mitigate and adapt to climate change while developing and prospering? Read more about our Coastal Communities Challenge.

How can those most affected by the technology-driven transformations of work create productive and prosperous livelihoods for themselves?  Read more about our Work of the Future Challenge.

Bridging the Pioneer Gap

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and solve the world’s most complex challenges, we need to close the vast funding gap we face—US $2.5 trillion according to the UN. For that, we must unlock more grant capital from governments and philanthropists, and more investment capital from the private sector. We also require far more innovation—both in terms of financing mechanisms and in terms of solutions to these global challenges. The latest innovation and technologies, be they around renewable energy, artificial intelligence and machine learning, or robots, hold the potential to significantly improve the lives of the billions of people who still live in poverty without affordable energy, sanitation, or proper nutrition. However, most early-stage world-changing ideas—particularly those addressing the needs of the poor—are stalled in their tracks due to capital starvation and lack of mentors, experts, and networks. Bridging this pioneer gap in capital and support is critical to building a promising pipeline of transformational innovations.

Join Solve to hear from impact investors, philanthropists, and social entrepreneurs on how we might invest in early-stage innovators developing solutions to the SDGs.