The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), a philanthropic foundation based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched “The Global Maker Challenge”, for leading manufacturers, start-ups and entrepreneurs, governments, UN agencies and philanthropists, academia and researchers, to form a community dedicated to spreading global prosperity through the art of ‘making’.

The eight UN entities (the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD); the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); UNESCO-UNEVOC International Center; the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat); the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR); the World Food Programme) have partnered with the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity.

MBRGI, launched in 2015 defines its work under five pillars: humanitarian aid and relief; healthcare and disease control; spreading education and knowledge; innovation and entrepreneurship and empowering communities. The foundation believes that access to the innovation paves the way to building prosperity.

The Global Maker Challenge is an online open-innovation platform that offers an opportunity for ‘makers’ and innovators to connect and collaborate, wherever they are in the world, to solve real-world problems affecting people’s lives. The challenge is vertically divided into 4 themes, Sustainable Energy, Digital Divide and Digital Literacy, Rural Transformation and Zero Hunger and Sustainable Cities.

This challenge will award winners with prizes of value up to USD 1,000,000 in prizes. Within the four themes they are looking for solutions to solve real world problems identified as priority topics by MIT Solve in collaboration with various UN Agencies and Funds.

The challenges for cohort 2 are:

• Sustainable and Healthy Food for All
• Innovation for Inclusive Trade
• Innovation for Peace and Justice
• Climate Change

These organisations have developed four themes surrounding major challenges faced by the least developed and developing countries. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Solve is working with the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity to bring together problem-solvers and innovators to work with stakeholders and technical experts to design and manage each challenge.

This challenge is one of two programs facilitated through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity. The Initiative was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in honor of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai, for his commitment in transforming the United Arab Emirates.

Applicants are invited to enter their solutions to the challenges through their easy online application process. The four Challenge Winners will gain valuable recognition, global exposure, and mentorship if successful.

Get detailed overview of these challenges in further pages.