How can Indigenous innovators in the US and Canada build upon traditional knowledge and technology to meet the social, environmental, and economic goals of their communities?

Challenge Overview

Indigenous innovation is as diverse and expansive as Indigenous communities, with entrepreneurs harnessing traditional knowledge systems, values, and teachings to reimagine and renew what is possible in their communities and beyond. The Tohono O’odham Nation, a sovereign tribe with the landmass of Connecticut, has recently deployed affordable wireless internet service across its citizens. In Canada, the Sanyakola Foundation is working directly with First Nations and Métis elders to develop language revitalization technologies for dying or presumed extinct Indigenous languages. Indigenous innovators across the US and Canada are committed to creating bright and prosperous futures for all. 

Solve continues to hear from Indigenous leaders about the essential role culture and traditional knowledge systems must play in any business, nonprofit, or social enterprise designed by and for their communities. Moreover, there is an ever-increasing callfrom Indigenous peoples to generate, modify, and control their own technologies for the sake of their communities. Whether working with data banks, financial institutions, agriculture, energy, and more, the time is past due for local control of the services and technologies serving Indigenous peoples. 

MIT Solve seeks exceptional innovators supporting community-based solutions by and for Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada. While we are excited to select and support innovators with any focal area, we have a particular interest for 2024 in solutions that: 

• Strengthen sustainable energy sovereignty and support climate resilience initiatives by and for Indigenous peoples.

• Drive positive outcomes for Indigenous learners of any age and context through culturally grounded educational opportunities.

• Promote culturally informed mental and physical health and wellness services for Indigenous community members.

• Advance community-driven digital sovereignty initiatives in Indigenous communities, including the ethical use of AI, machine learning, and data technologies.

Eligibility Clarifications:

• Solve welcomes applications focused on people Indigenous to anywhere within the United States and Canada, including territories.

• Solutions do not need to be cross-border or international in scope and can focus on specific Indigenous communities in either country.

• Unlike the Global Challenges, the Indigenous Communities Fellowship considers concept-stage solutions for potential selection as Fellows.

Prizes

MIT Solve - Solver Award

All Solver teams selected for Solve’s Global Challenges and the Indigenous Communities Fellowship will receive a $10,000 grant funded by Solve.

The GM Prize

The GM Prize is open to solutions that help create smart, safe, and sustainable communities around the world. The Prize is funded by General Motors, which is working toward becoming the most inclusive company in the world and is dedicated to making STEM education more accessible and equitable. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across up to six Solver teams from the 2024 Global Learning Challenge, the 2024 Global Climate Challenge, and the 2024 Indigenous Communities Fellowship.

The GSR Foundation Prize

GSR Foundation will award a prize to solutions that use technology in an innovative way to address pressing issues in their communities, which have the potential to scale globally. Preference will be given to solutions that remove barriers to financial inclusion, and that place a strong emphasis on learning. The prize is funded by the GSR Foundation, an independent charity founded by GSR, a leading cryptocurrency trading firm. The Foundation seeks to advance education, promote equality of opportunity, and contribute to a sustainable world, emphasizing blockchain and innovative technology-powered solutions. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across several Solver teams from any of Solve's 2024 Global Challenges.

Morgridge Family Foundation AI Innovation Prize

Solutions that use AI to boldly spark change through innovation, disruption, and transformation are eligible for the Morgridge Family Foundation AI Innovation Prize. The Morgridge Family Foundation invests in leaders and organizations who are reimagining solutions to some of today's biggest challenges. Up to $50,000 will be granted across up to two Solver teams from Solve’s 2024 Global Challenges or from Solve's portfolio of Solver teams.

The AI for Humanity Prize

The AI for Humanity Prize is open to solutions leveraging data science, artificial intelligence, and/or machine learning to benefit humanity. The prize is made possible by The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, a philanthropy committed to advancing AI and data solutions to create a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. Up to $150,000 will be awarded across several Solver teams from any of the 2024 Global Challenges.