MIT Solve Global Challenge 2026

Applications are now open for the MIT Solve 10th Anniversary Global Challenge 2026. The challenge is designed to support innovative, tech-driven solutions addressing some of the world’s most urgent social and environmental problems.

Selected innovators will receive funding, mentorship, networking opportunities, exposure to global investors, and access to MIT’s innovation ecosystem to help scale their impact globally. 

About the MIT Solve Global Challenge 2026

The MIT Solve 10th Anniversary Global Challenge is a global innovation competition launched to identify and support impactful technology-based solutions capable of solving major global challenges at scale.

According to MIT Solve, the programme is seeking “10 exceptional solutions built for the next decade” that demonstrate innovation, scalability, and sustainable impact. Over the years, MIT Solve has supported hundreds of innovators worldwide, helping selected teams raise funding and expand their solutions to reach millions of lives globally.

The challenge is focused on solutions addressing areas such as:

• Climate adaptation and sustainability
• Financial inclusion and economic opportunity
• Healthcare access and resilience
• Education and learning innovation
• Indigenous community empowerment
• Food systems and agriculture
• Artificial intelligence for social good

• Ocean and marine protection.

   

  Benefits

   

  Selected winners will receive:

   

• At least $100,000 in unrestricted funding
• Opportunity to pitch at the Solve Challenge Finals in New York City
• Travel support to attend the event during the UN General Assembly and Climate Week
• Access to MIT’s innovation ecosystem
• Specialized mentorship and coaching
• Investor and funder exposure
• Pro-bono legal support
• Media visibility and speaking opportunities
• Long-term support from the MIT Solve network

• Access to additional prize opportunities worth up to $150,000

   

  Additional Prize Opportunities

   

Participants may also qualify for additional sponsored prizes, including:

• AI for Humanity Prize
• E Ink Innovation Prize
• Citizens Workforce Innovation Prize
• Collegium Prize for Innovation
• Heifer Prize for Agricultural Transformation
• Philips Foundation Social Impact Award
• Schmidt Marine Wavemaker’s Prize

• Climate-Positive Food Systems Prize.

   

  Eligibility Criteria

   

To be eligible for the MIT Solve Global Challenge 2026, applicants must:

• Have a tech-based social impact solution
• Demonstrate that the solution is already operating or growing at scale
• Show measurable impact and clear plans for expansion
• Have a consistent and accessible product or service
• Be solving social or environmental challenges
• Be aligned with at least one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)

• Be individuals, startups, nonprofits, or organizations from anywhere in the world.

  MIT Solve also welcomes applications from previous Solve participants and innovators working with Indigenous communities globally.

   

  Why You Should Apply

  Read AlsoPZ CUSSONS REGIONAL COMMERCIAL MANAGER RECRUITMENT 2026

   

  The MIT Solve Global Challenge offers innovators a rare opportunity to receive global recognition, funding, mentorship, and access to one of the world’s leading innovation ecosystems.

   

  Beyond funding, selected innovators gain credibility, investor exposure, partnership opportunities, and long-term support that can help scale their solutions internationally. The programme is especially valuable for founders and organizations building scalable solutions with measurable social impact

   

  Application Timeline

   

  Applications Open: March 16, 2026

  Application Deadline: May 21, 2026

   

  How to Apply

   

  Interested applicants should complete the online application form through the official MIT Solve portal. Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed information about their solution, impact, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

  Click Apply Now to Begin