$10,000 2025 MIT Solve Global Learning Challenge

Deadline: Apr 17

Eligibility: Global

Description:  

The world faces persistent and intersecting gaps in learning and educational opportunities. Globally, 250 million children have no access to formal learning, and too many learners who are in school are not gaining the knowledge and skills needed for their futures. Only half of primary schools globally have disability-adapted infrastructure, and there is not adequate global financing for accessible education. Foundational and durable skills development—reasoning and social-emotional alongside literacy and numeracy—is least available to poorer communities.

Technology in education can help solve key challenges—especially those related to universal access and efficiency—but innovations must be centered on the needs of communities and enable relevant learning outcomes for learners. While technology is not a replacement for human interaction, it can offer new assistive devices, help cross language barriers, and support educators, caregivers, and mentors in creating more personalized learning experiences. Deploying high-impact educational ideas at scale can also benefit from technology through networks and efficiencies, even as the end goal remains learner success.

MIT Solve seeks exceptional solutions that leverage technology to improve learning outcomes for all, with a particular interest for 2025 in solutions that:

• Increase access to quality learning experiences and materials, especially for those living in emergency and conflict-affected areas or with limited internet.

• Improve engagement and enable better learning outcomes for those with disabilities and learning differences, while benefiting all learners.

• Provide the skills that people need to thrive in a complex world, from problem-solving to AI literacy, with adequate training and support for educators.

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. 

Application Link: Apply here