MIT SOLVE: Global Health Challenge

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 we use technology to make good health and quality care more accessible for all?

Every person deserves to experience good health and well-being. While there has been some progress towards these goals over the last two decades, much of that progress has now slowed or reversed. Currently, half the world lacks access to comprehensive health services. Two billion people face financial hardship due to out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Inequalities are increasing worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Technology and innovation have an important role to play in improving health and well-being for all. New technologies can improve health outcomes and access when deployed effectively. Innovation provides the business models, decreased costs, and community-focused design necessary for lasting change and efficient scale. These changes can appear across healthcare systems and affect many areas of care including primary care, mental health, or infectious diseases.

MIT Solve seeks exceptional solutions that leverage technology to increase access to good health and healthcare with a particular interest for 2025 in solutions that:

• Ensure health-related data is collected ethically and effectively and that AI and other insights are accurate, targeted, and actionable in the real world.
• Increase capacity and resilience of health systems, including workforce, supply chains, and other infrastructure.
• Increase access to and quality of health services for all communities.

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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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