Cambridge (MA), May 7-9th, 2019
Enel Foundation joined Solve at MIT, the annual flagship meeting of MIT Solve which convened more than 500 innovators from around the world to advance solutions to some of the most pressing global problems using an open innovation framework. During the three-day event, plenary sessions and dedicated thematic meetings allowed participants to deep dive on Solve’s 2019 Global Challenges: Circular Economy, Community-Driven Innovation, Early Childhood Development, and Healthy Cities.
Carlo Papa, Director of Enel Foundation, joined Solve’s Leadership Group and facilitated a working group discussion on the Community-Driven Innovation Challenge. In this interactive session, participants brainstormed specific action points to advance solutions to various dimensions of the challenge.
On the sidelines of the event, Carlo Papa commented, “following our Enel Foundation – MIT Solve joint workshop in Rome earlier this year, we provided inputs for the definition of the challenges and are particularly focused on the role of circular economy and community-driven innovation to ensure we leave no one behind in the energy transition”.
Dr. Alexander Dale, Solve’s Senior Officer, Sustainability Community added, “we are delighted to collaborate with the Enel Foundation and grateful for its support in informing our challenges from an energy point of view. The Enel Foundation’s expertise in areas such as renewable energies, smart grids, sustainable urban mobility, or infrastructure resilience intersect with many of our Challenges, and serves as great guidance to our Solver teams.”
At its annual meeting this year, MIT Solve also announced the launch of a breakthrough Solve Innovation Fund, a venture fund that will direct investments in early-stage entrepreneurs solving global challenges. The Fund will raise up to $30 million over time from philanthropic donors.
About the 2019 Challenges
MIT Solve publishes four Global Challenges each year to find the most promising Solver teams who will drive transformational change. Solve then deploys its global community of private, public, and nonprofit leaders to form the partnerships these Solver teams need to fund, pilot, and scale their solutions.
The first challenge, Circular Economy, is aimed at helping people to create and consume goods that are renewable, repairable, reusable, and recyclable to reduce solid waste. This, ultimately, will lead to changes in product design and business approaches that have ripple effects throughout supply chains and economic systems. The second challenge, Community-Driven Innovation, explores how to build a community of engaged and connected citizens who actively participate in shaping their social, economic and political future. Early Childhood Development is the third challenge and aims at helping children under five developing the critical learning and cognitive skills they need to reach their full potential. Finally, the fourth challenge, Healthy Cities, wants to push urban residents to design and live in environments that promote physical and mental health.
Applicants are encouraged to visit https://solve.mit.edu/challenges to apply by July 1.