$10,000 MIT Solve Economic Prosperity Challenge
- Organization: MIT Solve
- Type: Competition
- Location: Global
- Deadline: November 2, 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded
MIT Solve, an initiative of MIT, is looking for technology-based solutions that help more people build lasting economic security. This year it is especially interested in financial resilience for households and small businesses, pathways into quality work for young people and others shut out of formal labour markets as AI reshapes entry-level jobs, and safe, affordable, climate-resilient housing. Teams selected as Solvers get a $10,000 grant, a nine-month support programme and a place in Solve's network of funders and partners. **What you get:** - A $10,000 grant from Solve for every team selected as a Solver - A shot at more than $1M in extra prize funding at selection, including the Community Catalyst Prize (up to $200,000, US-based solutions only), the Citizens Workforce Innovation Prize ($100,000, US-based teams only) and the AI for Humanity Prize (up to $150,000) - A nine-month support programme with capacity-building workshops, leadership coaching and monitoring and evaluation support - In-kind and pro bono resources such as software licences and legal services - Travel assistance to attend Solver Orientation at MIT in Cambridge, MA - A network of funders and partners across sectors, including MIT, plus media exposure and speaking opportunities - Continued access to Solve funding opportunities and events after the programme ends **What you'll do:** - Submit an online application in English, which most applicants say takes several hours, with an optional two-minute video pitch - Pick the dimension of the challenge your solution addresses: financial health and resilience for individuals, families or small businesses; pathways to quality employment, particularly for young people; or safe, affordable and climate-resilient housing - If you reach the finals, pitch and interview with the judges over Zoom in February 2027 - If selected, commit about 25 hours over nine months, plus four days at Solver Orientation in Cambridge, MA in April and four days at Solve Challenge Finals in New York City in September **Key dates:** - Applications opened 22 September 2026 - Applications close 2 November 2026 at 12:00 noon Eastern Time - Judging runs from November 2026 to March 2027 - Finalists are contacted in early February 2027 and pitch to judges over Zoom - Solver Orientation in Cambridge, MA on 14 to 15 April 2027 - Solve Challenge Finals in New York City in September, near the end of the programme year **More information:** - Full list of application questions (PDF): https://5593819.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5593819/2027%20Global%20Challenges_%20Application%20Questions.pdf - How to apply guide: https://solve.mit.edu/how-to-apply - Questions go to help@solve.mit.edu, with replies in 3 to 5 business days - Solve runs online application clinics during the application period; see https://solve.mit.edu/events
