About this opportunity
Global health systems are under compounding strain. Declining international aid, severe healthcare worker shortages and fragmented services still recovering from the pandemic have slowed hard won progress, with routine childhood vaccinations falling and tuberculosis and malaria cases rising. MIT Solve is looking for the community driven innovations that can route resources to the people who need them most.
The 2027 Global Health Challenge asks a simple question: how can technology make good health and quality care more equitable for all? Solve wants human centred, tech based solutions, and it defines technology broadly, from apps, SMS and AI to robots, drones and traditional knowledge systems. Solutions can sit at prototype, pilot, growth or scale stage, and teams from any background and geography are encouraged to apply.
For 2027 there is particular interest in three directions. Solutions that keep care running through outbreaks, climate shocks, conflicts or financing disruptions, including early warnings, interoperability, reliable supply chains or local production. Solutions that improve prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases, mental health conditions and the care needs that come with ageing. And solutions that expand quality primary care for vulnerable communities by supporting frontline health workers or cutting cost, distance and administrative barriers.
Selected teams join the Solver programme, which opens with a $10,000 grant for every Solver team, an average of $40,000 in funding following selection, and access to a prize pool of more than $1 million. Nine months of coaching, workshops, in kind and pro bono resources and MIT network connections follow, with roughly 25 hours of team time expected. 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
- Media exposure, pitching events and connections across the MIT and Solver networks
Who can apply
- Innovators and organisations of any nationality and background
- Human centred, technology driven solutions aligned to global health
- 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 solution and the population it serves
- Evidence of stage, traction and users or direct beneficiaries
- A plan for implementation, financial viability and scaling
- Background of the team and its experience in the communities served
How to apply
- Open the challenge page on the MIT Solve website and read the 2027 areas of interest
- Download the reference PDF of the application questions to prepare your answers
- Start the online application through the official MIT Solve application link and complete it in one sitting
- Submit before 2 November 2026 at 12:00pm EST
Selection process
- Solve staff and community conduct an initial screening
- Expert reviewers score solutions against judging criteria and the highest scorers reach the semifinalist round
- 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
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Questions applicants ask
Can African health startups apply?
Yes. Solve looks for a diverse portfolio across geography and stage and encourages applicants of all backgrounds, with no country restriction on the Global Challenges.
How much time does the programme take?
Selected Solver teams should expect to commit about 25 hours over nine months, plus four days at Solver Orientation and four days at Solve Challenge Finals.
Can one team apply to several Solve challenges?
Yes. A team lead, solution or organisation can apply to multiple Global Challenges, but if you advance past initial judging in more than one you will be asked to pick a single challenge to continue with.
Important disclaimer
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