Challenge Overview

MIT IDEAS Social Innovation Challenge Virtual Innovation Showcase

Since 2001, the MIT Priscilla King Gray Public Service Center has housed the IDEAS Social Innovation Challenge, an annual innovation and social entrepreneurship program. IDEAS supports MIT’s social entrepreneurs and innovators via its tailored programming, advising and mentorship. Additionally, the program awards grants of up to $21,000 to teams working on projects domestically and globally. MIT students recruit team members from all over the world and submit projects in areas, such as Water & Sanitation, Agriculture, Health & Medical, Emergency & Disaster Relief, and Energy & Environment. Over the past 22 years, the IDEAS Challenge has awarded more than $1M to over 200 teams that have implemented innovative service projects in 44 countries, serving the needs of tens of thousands of people. These teams have secured over $69 million in follow-on funding for their social projects and ventures.

The public is invited to explore the finalists’ projects and vote for their favorites for consideration of two $2,500 crowd favorite awards! Each finalist is receiving a seed grant of $1,000 to further their efforts and will be considered for an additional juried grant, ranging from $7,500-$20,000, on Sunday, April 23. Teams that are not awarded a juried grant will be considered for the crowd favorites awards. Please vote and share your favorite teams during our virtual showcase through Saturday, April 22 at 2pm ET. 

Join the live stream IDEAS Award Ceremony on Sunday, April 23 at 1 PM eastern: https://lu.ma/IDEASAwards

For questions about the MIT IDEAS Challenge, please email: mitpkgideas@mit.edu