About this opportunity
Three foundations of economic security remain out of reach for billions of people: the ability to withstand a financial shock, access to quality work, and safe, adequate housing. Four in five adults now hold a bank account, yet since 2021 only 56 per cent can reliably access extra money when something unexpected happens. Global unemployment sits at a steady 4.9 per cent, but progress in job quality has stalled and access remains deeply unequal, with one in five young people aged 15 to 24 neither working nor in education or training.
The 2027 Global Economic Prosperity Challenge asks how to expand access to quality work, affordable housing and financial resilience so more people can build lasting prosperity. Solve seeks human centred, tech based solutions and encourages applicants from every background and geography, at prototype, pilot, growth or scale stage.
For 2027 the priority directions are clear. Solutions that help individuals, families and small businesses build financial health and resilience so they can manage obligations and shocks. Pathways to quality employment and economic opportunity, particularly for young people and for workers excluded from formal labour markets as AI and other technologies reshape entry level work. And expanded access to safe, affordable and climate resilient housing, especially for vulnerable, informally settled or displaced populations.
Selected teams join the Solver programme, which begins with a $10,000 grant for every Solver team and averages $40,000 in funding per team, with access to a prize pool of more than $1 million and nine months of coaching, workshops and in kind support. Applications opened on 22 September 2026 and close on 2 November 2026 at 12:00pm EST.
What you receive
- A $10,000 grant for every Solver team
- Access to a pool of more than $1 million in prize funding
- An average of $40,000 in funding following selection
- Nine month support programme with coaching and capacity building workshops
- In kind and pro bono resources including software licences and legal services
- Connections with current and past Solver teams for peer support and learning
Who can apply
- Innovators and organisations of any nationality and background
- Technology driven solutions that expand economic security and opportunity
- Solutions at prototype, pilot, growth or scale stage
- Previously selected teams may apply only with a new solution
Who should not apply
- Concept stage ideas, which Solve reviews only under the Indigenous Communities Fellowship
- A repeat submission of a solution previously selected by Solve
- Multiple solutions from one team lead to the same Global Challenge
Documents to prepare
- A description of the economic barrier the solution addresses
- Evidence of users or beneficiaries reached so far
- A plan for financial viability and scaling across communities
- Background of the team and its relationships with the population served
How to apply
- Read the three 2027 areas of interest on the challenge page at MIT Solve
- Download the reference version of the application questions to prepare your answers
- Start the online application through the official MIT Solve application link
- Submit before 2 November 2026 at 12:00pm EST
Selection process
- Solve staff and community conduct an initial screening
- Expert reviewers score solutions and advance the highest scorers
- The Challenge Leadership Group evaluates semifinalists and names finalists, who are notified in February and pitch live
- Judges deliberate after the pitch and select the Solver class
Sources and verification
Related opportunities
- Jobtech Alliance Founder Call in Mombasa
Startups in Mombasa that help people find work can access up to US$20,000 plus technical support and a pan-African founder network.
Questions applicants ask
Is housing really part of an economic challenge?
Yes. Safe, affordable and climate resilient housing is one of the three pillars of this challenge, alongside financial resilience and quality work.
Does the solution have to be a fintech product?
No. Solve accepts technology driven solutions across financial health, employment pathways and housing, from apps and software to engineering and data tools.
Can a Nigerian startup apply?
Yes. The Global Challenges are open worldwide, and Solve looks for a diverse portfolio across geography and stage of development.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
