Indigenous Communities Fellowship

Through the US Indigenous Communities Fellowship, MIT Solve seeks innovators within the Oceti Sakowin, Navajo Nation, and Hopi Tribe communities with solutions that support and scale sustainable economic development and resiliency using technology.

This challenge is open to US Indigenous communities using traditional and ancestral knowledge along with technology to create sustainable and prosperous livelihoods for themselves. The number of native-owned businesses in the US is growing—Native American women have started at least 17 new businesses a day since 2007, despite average unemployment rates in Indian Country standing above 50 percent. The potential for youth-led innovation is also significant, given that 40 percent of self-identified indigenous people in the US are under the age of 24. Supporting economic opportunities through skills training, business development, or job creation—is crucial for the future.

Based on community input, this year’s Fellowship theme addresses unemployment, accessibility, and connectivity disparities by accelerating the existing momentum for economic opportunity in Indian Country. Chance to win $10,000. Due March 1st.