As an initiative of MIT, solving is core to what we do. We believe that to build a better future for all, we need new voices and ideas. We launch open calls for brilliant and bold tech-based solutions that solve big problems.

How can communities use technology to build and sustain financial and economic opportunities and resilience for all?

The rapid development of technologies like AI offers new capabilities and creates new opportunities, yet significant global disparities persist: 2.6 billion people remain offline, 1.4 billion are unbanked and two billion work in informal economies. These challenges are particularly acute for vulnerable communities and women when digital access and verifiable identification are prerequisites for modern financial services. Financial providers often lack incentives to expand services to underserved markets, while factors such as limited technological literacy, institutional mistrust, and local cultural practices can impede the adoption of digital tools. Addressing economic opportunity gaps requires a coordinated approach to overcome barriers to digital access, financial services, and labor market participation.

Technology and innovation can be powerful levers to close these gaps through targeted solutions; whether by offering targeted financial tools to unbanked populations, enabling communication across language barriers through real-time translation, and creating adaptable interfaces that accommodate diverse user needs and abilities in employment contexts. When designed and deployed responsibly, these innovations can address specific community needs while scaling to create more accessible financial systems, expand qualified workforce participation, and strengthen economic resilience against disruptions from conflict, climate change, and financial instability.

MIT Solve seeks exceptional technology-driven solutions to increase economic prosperity for all with a 2025 focus on solutions that:

• Enable universal access to financial services, including innovative fintech tools for banking, insurance, credit, instant payments, and asset ownership.
• Increase digital participation and security, including reliable connectivity and protected online spaces that safeguard civic participation, privacy, and digital identity.
• Expand workforce development, such as through skill-based training, employment matching, and career mobility programs, or worker safety and benefits, with an emphasis on underinvested populations.

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What funding is available to Solvers?

Each Solver team receives $10,000 in unrestricted funding from Solve and access to additional financing in the form of grants and investments. Last year's Solver teams received 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

• $10,000 prize from Solve
• Access to a pool of +$1.5M in prize funding at selection and additional funding opportunities throughout the program and after.

Nine-month support program

• Tailored capacity-building workshops covering 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 to build an impact measurement practice;
• A powerful network of impact-minded leaders across industries and sectors, including MIT, with dedicated spaces to meet year-round;
• Attendance at two flagship events in New York City in September and Cambridge in May;
• Exposure in the media and speaking opportunities at conferences;
• Connections with past Solver teams for peer-to-peer support, inspiration, and guidance

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 usually four days for Solve Challenge Finals in New York City (September) and four days for Solve at MIT in Cambridge (May).

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.

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