The world has problems. MIT students have ideas. We have $50,000.
Invention as public service. Get involved.

The IDEAS Competition encourages teams to develop and implement projects that make a positive change in the world. Entries are judged on their innovation, feasibility, and community impact. The Competition is open to everyone, but at least one third of each team must be full-time MIT students.

The ninth annual MIT IDEAS Competition celebrated student achievement on Monday evening, May 3, at MIT’s Raymond and Maria Stata Center. Seven student teams received IDEAS awards to implement their projects over the next year.
Learn more about more about IDEAS10 winners here.

And its never too early to begin planning. Pitch an idea by writing to ideas-admin@mit.edu with a brief (250 word) description of your project, and who you'd like to recruit. We'll get this posted to the Future Projects section of the website.

Upcoming Events

Come to our events to find out more information, get connected, share your ideas and skills and to meet potential teams members! Questions? Email ideas-admin@mit.edu.

IDEAS Generator Dinner
Want funding for your innovative community service project?
Want to recruit new members or mentors for your IDEAS team?
Want to get involved, but don't yet have an idea?
February 24
Walker Memorial, Morss Hall
6:00pm Note: New Time!

Challenges in 2010

2010 Muhammad Yunus Innovation Challenge to Alleviate Poverty
Each year, through the Muhammad Yunus Innovation Challenge to Alleviate Poverty, the IDEAS Competition is able to support student projects that address problems faced by those earning less than $2 a day. This years challenge is "Promoting Clean Hands for Health and Prosperity." Learn more about the Yunus Challenge.

IDEAS Monster Challenge
The IDEAS Competition is pleased to announce a new and exciting opportunity with Monster.com! Monster.com is teaming up with IDEAS Competition and challenging students to come up with innovative ideas and implementable solutions to help change web and search technology. Find out more about the IDEAS Monster Challenge.

Join the IDEAS Volunteer Staff

The IDEAS volunteer staff make it possible for teams to turn their ideas into great community service projects.

Volunteering with IDEAS is a great way to learn about some of the exciting ways MIT students are applying their creativity and problem-solving skills to community development challenges - at home and around the world. Volunteers play a valued role within IDEAS, providing guidance to teams, helping them gain access to people and resources, and running events.

For more information on volunteering with IDEAS, email us at ideas-admin@mit.edu. We always welcome new members!