Applications are now open for the MIT Solve 10th Anniversary Global Challenge. This global contest seeks 10 tech-based social impact solutions that are already growing or operating at scale.
MIT Solve is looking for solutions addressing urgent global problems. These may span health, climate, learning, economic prosperity, and Indigenous communities. In addition, selected winners will be featured in New York City in September 2026.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: May 21, 2026 12:00pm EDT
Eligible Countries: Global
Contest Type: Global social impact innovation contest
Prize / Benefits: at least $100,000 in unrestricted prize funding
About the Contest
The MIT Solve 10th Anniversary Global Challenge will select 10 solutions with credible pathways to scale over the next decade. The focus is on tech-based social impact work that is already reaching people through regular use, not only through testing.
Winners will be featured at the Solve Challenge Finals in New York City during UN General Assembly and NY Climate Week in September 2026. MIT Solve states that travel costs will be covered for winners.
Beyond prize funding, winners gain access to MIT’s innovation ecosystem. This includes mentorship, pro-bono legal support, discounted access to technology, network connections, skills training, media exposure, speaking engagements, and additional funding opportunities.
Additional named prizes are also listed on the official page. These include prizes of up to $150,000 for selected teams.
Eligibility
- Open to tech-based social impact solutions that are already growing or operating at scale.
- Scale means the solution is available for regular use and focused on reaching more people.
- Applicants should typically show unit economics, a clear plan for finding customers, and real results.
- Scale-ready solutions may be eligible if the product or service is stable and showing early signs of success.
- Pilot-stage solutions can apply, but those that do not meet the eligibility requirements will be screened out.
- Solutions on any topic that improve social or environmental outcomes are welcome.
- Solutions working with Indigenous communities anywhere in the world are eligible if they meet the other eligibility requirements.
- Previous Solve challenge winners or selected innovators are eligible if they meet the requirements.
Number of Awards: 10 winners
Value of Award: at least $100,000 in unrestricted prize funding
Additional Benefits:
- Featured at the Solve Challenge Finals in New York City in September 2026
- Travel costs covered for winners
- Access to MIT’s innovation ecosystem
- Specialized mentorship
- Pro-bono legal support
- Discounted access to technology
- Connections to the network of past Solver teams
- More funding opportunities
- Skills training
- Media exposure
- Speaking engagements
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their solutions through the official MIT Solve application portal. Before you apply, review the challenge criteria carefully to confirm that your solution meets the scale and impact expectations.
You can start your application here: MIT Solve application portal.
👉 Visit the official contest page for details
