- Press Release -
September 23, 2024 (Cambridge, MA)— In New York City, amidst global leaders convening for the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week, MIT Solve awarded over $1 million in funding to scale 30 world-changing solutions to intractable global challenges.
Delegates from each winning ‘Solver team’ traveled from 13 countries to share tech-based solutions that address inequities within health, learning, climate, and economic prosperity globally, as well as ways to build upon traditional knowledge and technology to meet the needs of Indigenous Communities in the U.S. and Canada. The winners were selected from a pool of over 2,200 applications from 130 countries by Solve’s panels of judges.
This year, $1.3 million in prize pool funding was distributed to the Solver teams, including $10,000 in unrestricted funding from Solve to each team. Additionally, each Solver team enters a nine-month support program to scale their work and impact and is eligible for additional investment from Solve Innovation Future, Solve’s solution to persisting funding gaps.
“We are in a race against time to solve the most pressing issues of our era—from the climate crisis to inequities in health and learning outcomes. The 2024 Solver Class offers hope and actionable change,” said Hala Hanna, Executive Director of MIT Solve. “What sets Solve apart is our commitment to supporting innovators at the critical early stages of their journey so we can make a transformative impact together. We’ve already made significant strides as our Solver classes have collectively touched over 280 million people and raised over $1 billion in capital to drive action in their communities and the world.”
The prize funding announced at the event includes:
- Solver award to all 30 teams supported by MIT Solve ($300,000)
- Health Equity Innovation Award supported by Johnson & Johnson Foundation ($100,000) as part of its larger commitment as the Global Health Equity Anchor Supporter
- Recipients: NiADA, SAANS, OpenFlexure Microscope, ThriveLink, MediBot, AmarDoctor
- The GM Prize supported by General Motors ($150,000):
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- Climate-Positive and Equitable Food Systems Prize supported by Seeding the Future Van Lengerich Foundation ($150,000):
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- The GSR Foundation Prize supported by GSR Foundation ($150,000):
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- The AI for Humanity Prize supported by Patrick J. McGovern Foundation ($150,000):
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- Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Ocean Innovation Prize supported by the Prince of Monaco ($100,000):
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- Schmidt Marine Wavemaker’s Prize supported by Schmidt Marine Technology Partners ($100,000):
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- Morgridge Family Foundation AI Innovation Prize supported by Morgridge Family Foundation ($50,000):
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- Habitat for Humanity Sheltertech Prize supported by Habitat for Humanity ($50,000):
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- The Experian Prize supported by Experian ($50,000):
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Learn more about the 2024 Solver Class and their solutions.
Learn about collaborating with MIT Solve to drive impact.
About MIT Solve:
Solve is an initiative of MIT. We believe that to achieve a more sustainable and prosperous future for all, we need new voices and ideas. We launch open calls for exceptional and diverse solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from anyone, anywhere in the world. Selected innovators get the backing of MIT and our community of supporters to scale their impact and drive lasting change. Join us on this mission. solve.mit.edu
Media Contact
Bridget Weiler
Director, Marketing & Communications
bridget.weiler@solve.mit.edu