MIT Solve is inviting applications for its 2027 Global Learning Challenge, which seeks innovative, technology-based solutions that help close global education gaps and improve learning outcomes.
The challenge focuses on how technology can strengthen teaching, support learners in underserved communities and improve access to quality education. Solutions may use artificial intelligence (AI), software, mobile technology, assistive tools, multilingual learning systems and other appropriate technologies.
The opportunity may interest NGOs, social enterprises, education innovators and technology teams developing solutions that can demonstrate meaningful benefits for learners and educators.
About the MIT Solve Global Learning Challenge
MIT Solve is an initiative that identifies and supports innovative solutions to global challenges. Through its Global Learning Challenge, it seeks approaches that use technology to address educational inequality while preserving the essential roles of teachers, learners and communities.
For the 2027 challenge, particular attention is given to solutions that demonstrate real educational value, work in low-resource settings, support diverse learners and help educators make informed decisions.
Grant and Programme Details
Programme: MIT Solve Global Learning Challenge 2027
Application deadline: 6 November 2026, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, as specified on the official challenge page
Challenge focus: Closing global education gaps and improving learning outcomes
Eligible solutions: Technology-based innovations addressing education challenges
Solver grant: US$10,000 for each team selected as a Solver through the Global Challenges
Additional funding: Access to a prize funding pool exceeding US$1 million, along with further funding opportunities
AI for Humanity Prize: Up to US$150,000 for at least one eligible Solver team across the 2027 Global Challenges
Important: Additional prizes are competitive and have their own eligibility conditions. Applicants should not assume that every selected team will receive the larger prize awards.
What Types of Solutions Are Sought?
MIT Solve is particularly interested in solutions that:
- Strengthen teachers’ instructional practice and support professional judgement rather than simply automate teaching.
- Improve learning in low-resource or emergency settings, including through low-cost, offline or low-bandwidth technology.
- Support learners with disabilities through assistive technology and accessible educational tools.
- Help learners who use languages that are underrepresented in mainstream educational technology.
- Improve assessment of actual learning, including tools that help teachers identify learning difficulties and intervene early.
- Use AI and other technologies to deepen understanding rather than encourage shortcuts that undermine learning.
- Strengthen relationships among learners, teachers and communities.
- Support public education systems and integrate with existing or evolving curricula.
These priorities are intended to guide applicants. A solution should demonstrate a clear educational problem, a credible approach and measurable potential for impact.
Who Can Apply?
MIT Solve welcomes applications from people and organisations developing innovative, human-centred, technology-based solutions. Applicants may be at different stages of development, including prototype, pilot, growth or scale, subject to the challenge’s specific conditions.
Potential applicants may include:
- NGOs and nonprofit organisations developing education solutions.
- Social enterprises working to improve access to learning.
- Education technology developers.
- Teams developing accessible or multilingual learning tools.
- Organisations supporting teachers and underserved learners.
- Innovators using AI or other technologies to improve educational outcomes.
An idea without a functioning prototype may have limited eligibility under the general challenge selection process. Applicants should check the official guidance carefully, including any special provisions for specific fellowships.
What Funding Is Available?
The Solver programme offers several funding opportunities, but they should be understood separately.
US$10,000 Solver grant: Every team selected as a Solver through the Global Challenges receives a grant funded by MIT Solve.
Prize funding: Solver teams can access a pool exceeding US$1 million in prize funding at selection and additional funding opportunities during and after the programme year.
AI for Humanity Prize: Up to US$150,000 will be awarded to at least one Solver team across the 2027 Global Challenges for eligible solutions leveraging data science, artificial intelligence or machine learning to benefit humanity.
Other prizes may apply to specific types of solutions or geographical requirements. Their availability depends on the relevant prize rules.
How to Apply
- Visit the official MIT Solve Global Learning Challenge 2027 page.
- Read the challenge description, eligibility information and evaluation criteria.
- Identify the education gap your solution addresses and the learners who will benefit.
- Explain how your technology works and why it is appropriate for the problem.
- Describe the evidence of impact, implementation plan, feasibility and potential for scaling.
- Explain how the solution is designed with and for the communities it serves.
- Review the application carefully and submit it through the official online application process before the deadline.
Applications are assessed on factors including alignment with the challenge, potential impact, feasibility, innovation, human-centred design and scalability.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit a solution for the MIT Solve Global Learning Challenge 2027 is 6 November 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Applicants should consult the official page for the applicable time zone and submission requirements and should not wait until the final hours to submit.
Official Application Link
https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/2027-global-learning-challenge
Important Note :MIT Solve is a competitive innovation programme, not a general-purpose NGO grant. Applicants should have a clearly defined education solution and verify the current eligibility and funding conditions before applying. The US$10,000 Solver grant and additional prize opportunities are distinct funding components; larger prizes are not guaranteed to every applicant.