MIT Solve Awards $1 Million to Ten Innovators

On September 22, 2026, during the Solve Challenge Finals held in New York City, MIT Solve awarded $1 million to ten innovative teams addressing critical global challenges. This event coincided with Climate Week and the United Nations General Assembly, underscoring the role of innovation in tackling pressing issues. Each of the selected teams received $100,000 in funding along with access to resources and support within the Solve ecosystem, which is designed to help scale their impactful solutions. The 2026 Solver Class was part of a special 10th Anniversary Global Challenge, celebrating a decade of MIT Solve's commitment to fostering open innovation.

The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation by panels of judges who reviewed over 1,000 applications from 110 countries. This year’s winners showcase a diverse range of solutions, including projects focused on AI for humanity, health access, and climate-positive food systems, reflecting a global commitment to addressing various societal challenges. Among the notable awards, the AI for Humanity Prize, supported by The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, was given to Karya and Rocket Learning. The Citizens Workforce Innovation Prize, backed by Citizens, recognized Making Space, while the Heifer Prize for Smallholder Agricultural Transformation honored Lersha: Easy Agriculture.

Each winning team not only received funding but also gained access to a network that will facilitate the implementation and scaling of their solutions, enhancing their potential for lasting impact. The significance of these awards lies not only in the financial support but also in the dedication to fostering innovation that can lead to systemic change. Hala Hanna, Executive Director of MIT Solve, emphasized that for innovation to create a lasting impact, it must be trusted, funded, and integrated into existing systems. This philosophy reinforces MIT Solve's mission to support bold solutions capable of transforming lives and improving futures for billions of people worldwide.

As MIT Solve prepares for its 2027 Global Challenges, applications are now open, inviting innovators from around the world to submit their ideas. The upcoming challenges will offer over $1 million in funding, along with ongoing support from the MIT community. This initiative continues to cultivate a culture of innovation and collaboration, aiming to identify and amplify solutions that can address humanity's most pressing challenges for years to come.