The IDEAS Competition provides an opportunity for members of the MIT community to develop their creative ideas for projects that make a positive impact in the world. Participants work in teams to develop designs, plans, strategies, materials and mechanisms that benefit communities, locally, nationally or internationally.

Using more than $50,000 in cash awards, as well as additional development grants, IDEAS teams can take an effective step toward resolving pressing individual and community challenges. The IDEAS Competition highlights MIT’s commitment to public service and demonstrates its support for student enterprise. It provides a chance for students to be creative, recognizes their ability to do important work for the public good, and provides an opportunity to have others recognize it as well.

The IDEAS Competition has sparked proejcts that have grown far beyond MIT. Since 2001, IDEAS participants have leveraged more than $1.3 million in follow-on funding. IDEAS projects have been carried out in more than 20 countries, serving the needs of thousands of people.

The idea for a public service competition was developed by Amy Smith of the MIT Edgerton Center and Sally Susnowitz of Public Service Center in 2001. Funding for the first year of the competition was secured from a d’Arbeloff grant provided by the MIT Corporation. Please visit our sponsors page to find out more about the IDEAS Competition funders and how you can join them.

IDEAS Volunteer Staff

The IDEAS Volunteer Staff help teams to turn their ideas into great community service projects. The staff are also able to enter the competition. Joining the IDEAS staff is a great way to use your skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world.

IDEAS Volunter Staff:

• Plan IDEAS events
• Run our publicity campaigns
• Create publicity materials
• Direct our media, mentor, or community relations
• Evaluate our programs
• Organize our materials and resources
• Or simply help out where needed

We'd love to see you at our weekly meetings:

Thursdays, 6:30 pm in Room 2-135 (NOTE: This is a different location from previous years. Click here to see the location on a map. No meetings during vacations or federal holidays).

Staff can be MIT undergraduates, grad students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends of the Institute. The Competition is growing, and we always welcome new faces!

IDEAS mentors

When students attempt to tackle real world problems, they often seek guidance from more experienced people. Anyone with experience in business, engineering, science, development and/or community service can become a mentor. Mentoring an IDEAS team is a great opportunity to give guidance to young people with a desire to help those in need, make good use of your connections, and make a contribution to local and international communities. If you are an alumnus or member of the MIT community, this is a great opportunity to give back to MIT.