About

solve_052224_141308-2-(1).jpg

Our Mission

Solve is an initiative of MIT. We believe that to build a better 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.

Download the annual report

How it started

Solve was started in 2015, a natural offshoot of MIT’s mission, as a collaborative global problem-solving platform. Our work serves the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the ultimate aim to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

How it's going

To date, we’ve run over 85 challenges, supported over 400 innovators, and mobilized over $70 million in funding. In turn, our innovator community is reaching over 280 million lives and has raised over $1 billion in funding.

Where we're going

At Solve, we continue to be motivated and inspired by the thousands of solutions we receive each year to our challenges. While there will never be a shortage of intractable global problems, we are steadfast in our optimism that through partnership, human-centered design, and innovation—there’s nothing we can’t solve together.

solve_052324_171903.jpg

Steering committee and advisors

Solve is a natural offshoot of MIT's mission and guided by the Institute's ethos to work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind. None of this can happen alone.

Our Steering Committee represents the Institute's commitment to innovation and solving global problems. Our advisors represent a wide breadth of industries, expertise, and experiences. These individuals are our sounding board and (cheer)leaders.

Solve staff

The Solve team is united in our passion for solving towards a better world.  We’re unflappable, scrappy, glass-half full kinda people.

As an initiative of MIT, we follow the principles set forth by the Institute that welcome and support people of varying backgrounds and different viewpoints, experiences, talents, and ideas. Approaches to problem-solving and decision-making are multi-dimensional, leading to success and empowering staff to thrive and do their best work.


Steering Committee

Solve's Steering Committee guides Solve’s mission and anchors it to MIT’s resources, expertise, and commitment to global impact.

Headshot of Alfred Ironside

Alfred Ironside

Vice President for Communications
Headshot of Cynthia Barnhart

Cynthia Barnhart

Provost
Headshot of Eric Grimson

Eric Grimson

Chancellor for Academic Advancement
Headshot of Glen Shor

Glen Shor

Executive Vice President and Treasurer

Advisors

Colin M. Angle

Colin M. Angle

Chairman, CEO & Founder
David Moinina  Sengeh

David Moinina Sengeh

Chief Innovation Officer
Elizabeth McGovern

Elizabeth McGovern

Trustee
Eric Schmidt

Eric Schmidt

Technical Advisor and Board Member
H.S.H. the Prince Henri  d’Arenberg

H.S.H. the Prince Henri d’Arenberg

Founder & Chairman
Henrietta Holsman Fore

Henrietta Holsman Fore

Managing Partner; Chairman & CEO
Laurene Powell Jobs

Laurene Powell Jobs

Founder and President
Lubna Olayan

Lubna Olayan

CEO and Deputy Chairman
Marjorie  Yang

Marjorie Yang

Chairman
Megan Smith

Megan Smith

CEO and Founder
Neela Montgomery

Neela Montgomery

Board Partner
Noubar Afeyan

Noubar Afeyan

Co-Founder and Chairman
Ray A. Rothrock

Ray A. Rothrock

Executive Chairman
Ursula M. Burns

Ursula M. Burns

Founding Partner
Vilas Dhar

Vilas Dhar

President & Trustee