MIT Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is accepting applications for its 2027 Global Health Challenge. It is looking for technology-based solutions that keep health care going through crises, improve care for chronic and mental health conditions, and bring good primary care to underserved communities. Every team selected receives a US$10,000 grant. It suits health-tech start-ups, NGOs and research teams in our network that already have a working prototype. The deadline is Friday 6 November 2026, 8:00 PM (EAT).
At a glance
- Funder: MIT Solve
- Funding: a US$10,000 grant for every selected Solver team, plus access to a prize pool of over US$1 million; Solve says teams receive about US$40,000 each on average
- Who can apply: for-profit and nonprofit teams with a technology-based solution at prototype, pilot, growth or scale stage
- Deadline: Friday 6 November 2026, 8:00 PM (EAT); MIT Solve gives 12:00 noon EST
What it funds
The challenge backs solutions in three areas:
- Keeping care going during outbreaks, climate shocks, conflict or funding cuts
- Better prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, mental health conditions and the care needs of ageing
- Quality primary care for vulnerable communities, by supporting frontline health workers or cutting the cost, distance and paperwork that keep people from care
Technology is meant broadly: apps, SMS, software, AI, robotics, drones and other tools all count, as do traditional knowledge systems. Beyond the base grant, selected teams can compete for sponsored prizes, including the Collegium Prize (at least US$25,000 for each selected health team), the Philips Foundation Social Impact Award (US$100,000 for one solution on maternal and child health or cardiovascular disease) and AI-focused prizes of up to US$150,000.
Who can apply
- For-profit and nonprofit teams with a solution at prototype stage or later (concept-stage ideas are considered only for Solve’s Indigenous Communities Fellowship)
- A solution Solve has already selected cannot apply again, but past Solvers may enter a new solution
- Each team lead may submit only one solution to this challenge
How to apply
Start your application on the MIT Solve challenge page and submit it by Friday 6 November 2026, 8:00 PM (EAT). Solve’s how-to-apply guide explains the process, and questions go to help@solve.mit.edu.
Source: MIT Solve 2027 Global Health Challenge. MIT Solve is a marketplace for social impact innovation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.