MIT IDEAS Global Challenge, a program of the Public Service Center, is an annual invention and entrepreneurship competition that awards up to $10,000 per team for innovative service projects that positively impact underserved communities. Through IDEAS - which stands for Innovation, Development, Enterprise, Action, and Service - teams of MIT students and their collaborators work with a community partner to design and implement innovative projects that improve the quality of life in communities around the world. Since its founding in 2001, IDEAS has awarded nearly $500,000 to more than 90 teams to make their ideas a reality. Learn more about past winners here.

How to get started

The IDEAS Global Challenge is open to everyone. Eligibility is determined by the team structure, which must be built around MIT students. Full-time MIT students must lead the team and significantly contribute to the innovation. Throughout the year, teams should work with a community partner to define a problem and develop an appropriate solution. Development grants are available to teams to help them develop their prototypes.

For details about entering, visit our dedicated IDEAS Global Challenge website at http://globalchallenge.mit.edu/competition/how-to-enter. Teams are encouraged to enter early for more opportunities to hone their ideas, find mentors, and get feedback and guidance on early proposals. Winning teams participate in a planning retreat and have up to one year to implement their awards in partnership with a community or beneficiary.

To be a part of the IDEAS Global Challenge, register here.

Volunteer opportunities

We rely on our amazing volunteers to help us organize events, provide proposal feedback to teams, reach out to new audiences, and more! It's a great opportunity to work closely with MIT students and gain experience in event support, communication, and much more. To learn about volunteer opportunities with IDEAS Global Challenge, click here.

Calendar

There are many activities throughout the year starting as early as September. Stay up to date on all the latest events and opportunities at globalchallenge.mit.edu.