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Published: 25 Mar 2022 703 views
This Challenge is looking for Native innovators from within the United States and its territories.
As we start the third year of the Covid-19 pandemic, Native communities in the US have remained some of the most resilient despite being some of the most vulnerable due to historical and present-day institutionalized injustices. The pandemic not only created new challenges in tribal communities, as it did around the world, but it also exacerbated existing inequities ranging from health services to schooling, infrastructure, and beyond. In addition to unbroken generations of tribal leadership, there is still a great need for continued innovation and the revitalization of traditional practices to heal and strengthen communities.
Disruptions in services for youth and the elderly, coupled with crippling global supply chain shortages, have left family caregivers with little support trying to feed, educate, and nurture their families while maintaining their income. Moreover, the unprecedented levels of isolation and the inability to gather for traditional practices have increased the need for innovative mental health interventions and culturally-informed services for individuals of all ages. The food shortages and grid failures sweeping the country underscore the importance of sovereign food and energy for tribal communities. Finally, while not a solution itself, new and long overdue streams of government relief funding, including the American Rescue Plan Act, offer Indigenous entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to shape one of the largest investments in tribal communities in American history through innovative pursuits and community action.
Solve is an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a mission to drive innovation to solve world challenges. Solve is a marketplace for social impact innovation. Through open innovation Challenges, Solve finds incredible tech-based social entrepreneurs all around the world. Solve then brings together MIT’s innovation ecosystem and a community of Members to fund and support these entrepreneurs to help them drive lasting, transformational impact. Join Solve on this journey at solve.mit.edu.... continue reading
| Application Deadline | 31 Mar 2022 |
| Type | Fellowship |
| Sponsor | Solve |
| Gender | Men and Women |
All solutions selected for Solve’s Global Challenges and the Indigenous Communities Fellowship will receive a $10,000 grant funded by Solve.
GSR will award a prize to solutions that use innovative technology and, in particular, blockchain solutions to address pressing issues in their communities and the world. As a leading cryptocurrency trading firm, GSR seeks to advance education, promote equality of opportunity, and contribute to a sustainable world, emphasizing blockchain and innovative technology-powered solutions. Up to $200,000 will be awarded across solutions from the 2022 Global Challenges.
The Living Proof Prize is open to women-led teams that are using innovative approaches to solve challenges across economic prosperity, health, learning, and sustainability. The prize is funded by Living Proof, a haircare company at the crossroads of innovation and real-world results that is committed to social impact. Up to $100,000 will be granted across up to four teams from the 2022 Global Challenges.
The GM Prize is open to solutions that help create smart, safe, and sustainable communities around the world. The Prize is funded by General Motors, which is working toward becoming the most inclusive company in the world and is dedicated to making STEM education more accessible and equitable. Up to $150,000 will be granted to up to six recipients from the Re-engaging Learners and Climate: Ecosystems + Housing Challenges, and the 2022 Indigenous Communities Fellowship.
The MIT Solve community is looking for eight technology-based solutions that help Native communities in the US thrive. To that end, Solve seeks solutions that:
Drive positive outcomes for Native learners of any or all ages while supporting culturally grounded educational opportunities on and/or off reservations.
Promote holistic and culturally informed mental or physical health programming for Native youth, elders, or families, including but not limited to, foster youth, veterans, and families with members who are disabled.
Strengthen sustainable energy sovereignty and support climate resilience initiatives by and for Indigenous peoples.
Support the creation, growth, and success of Native-owned businesses and promote workforce programs in tribal communities.
For more details, visit Solve website.