Peace and stability serve as fundamental prerequisites for economic prosperity and the flourishing of society. However, both are jeopardized by escalating conflicts and economic upheavals. Instability and conflict have the potential to significantly diminish economic opportunities, undo years of developmental progress, and heighten vulnerabilities. Factors such as poverty and the scarcity of quality employment opportunities further fuel conflicts.
The current global landscape is marked by significant challenges, with 114 million individuals forcibly displaced due to war, violence, and climate-related crises. Additionally, approximately two billion workers are engaged in informal and precarious jobs worldwide, while the advent of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies introduces further disruptions. Despite these risks, technology and innovation present valuable avenues for fostering peace and prosperity.
The 2024 Global Economic Prosperity Challenge
MIT Solve is actively seeking innovative solutions that harness technology to enhance peace and prosperity on a global scale. Annually, Solve identifies and supports exceptional Solver teams poised to drive transformative change worldwide. These selected innovators receive MIT’s endorsement to amplify their impact and instigate enduring transformations. The 2024 focus revolves around solutions that:
- Cultivate and uphold peace through initiatives that bolster community dialogue, civic engagement, reconciliation, and justice endeavors. This includes fortifying cyber security measures and monitoring or preventing violence, misinformation, and polarization.
- Encourage financial and digital inclusion by facilitating access to credit, digital identity tools, and insurance products, all while prioritizing privacy and data protection.
- Create fresh economic opportunities and establish safeguards against economic shocks for workers. This encompasses the creation of quality job opportunities, workforce enhancement programs, and the promotion of inclusive and feasible asset ownership.
All Solver teams selected for Solve’s Global Challenges will be granted $10,000 by Solve. Furthermore, certain teams stand to receive additional funding, including:
- $150,000 from the GSR Foundation for solutions that leverage technology to eliminate barriers to financial inclusion and emphasize continuous learning.
- $150,000 from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation AI for Humanity Prize for solutions utilizing data science, artificial intelligence, or machine learning for the betterment of humanity.
- $50,000 from the Morgridge Family Foundation AI Innovation Prize for solutions that boldly utilize AI to instigate change through innovation, disruption, and transformation.
Apply Now: Deadline – April 18, 2024
Additional Funding Opportunities
Are you interested in applying for USAID grants to support humanitarian aid projects? Seeking investments for a tech startup? Or eager to enhance your contract acquisition skills? Sign up now to receive our email updates featuring a plethora of new funding opportunities, such as:
- Apply Now: $85,000 available for Latin American AgriTech Solutions
- Apply Now: $150,000 for Your AI Solution aimed at Youth Empowerment
- Apply Now: $35,000 for Your GenAI Project Utilizing WhatsApp Chat
Filed Under: Economic Development
More About: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Economic Development, Financial Inclusion, Innovation Grant, Workforce Development
Authored by Wayan Vota
Wayan Vota is a co-founder of ICTworks and has been instrumental in establishing Technology Salon, MERL Tech, ICTforAg, ICT4Djobs, ICT4Drinks, JadedAid, Kurante, OLPC News, and various other initiatives. The opinions expressed herein are his own and do not necessarily align with the views of his employer, its affiliates, or any sponsors associated with ICTWorks.
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