MIT Solve runs open, challenge-driven competitions to identify and scale tech-enabled social ventures addressing climate resilience, health access, learning, economic opportunity, and Indigenous community priorities around the world. They fund early-stage teams (Solvers) with modest base awards, partner-funded prizes, fellowship supports, and connections to mentors and corporate/philanthropic partners — prioritizing scalable, technology-forward solutions and inclusive approaches (including Indigenous representation).
Prize- and challenge-based funding model: annual open challenges with a common ~$10,000 base award for selected Solvers, plus additional partner-funded prizes (up to ~$300,000 in some cases), fellowship supports, mentorship, and in-kind network connections. Global, time-bound application cycles (challenge rounds) rather than accepting unsolicited rolling proposals.
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Apply to the relevant annual challenge during its open cycle (typically announced in late summer/fall); proposals should be tech-forward, scalable, and clearly demonstrate impact and fit with the specific challenge theme. Expect a competitive selection process — highlight evidence of scalability, partnerships, and readiness for mentorship; review partner prize criteria (some awards include additional funding up to six figures). Unsolicited proposals outside challenge cycles are unlikely to be accepted.
Current and upcoming funding from MIT Solve that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Open to innovators worldwide with transformative, tech-driven solutions to pressing global challenges; selected through Solve challenge competitions.
Deadline: Varies by challenge; annual challenge cycle.
Who can apply: Organizations or teams providing solutions to improve learning access and quality. Open to nonprofits, for-profits, and hybrids.
Deadline: Closed for 2025 (was part of Solve's annual challenge cycle).
Who can apply: Open to for-profit, nonprofit, hybrid, and social impact teams worldwide. Solutions must align to the Challenge theme. Some challenges may have additional demographic or geographic priorities (e.g., youth-led, Indigenous-led).
Deadline: Global Challenges open annually (typically September–November).
Who can apply: Organizations or teams offering solutions (programs, technologies, services) aimed at improving AI-era skills and opportunities for youth aged 18–24. Open to nonprofits, for-profits, hybrids.
Deadline: Currently accepting solutions (check challenge page for specific deadline).
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.