MIT Solve Announces Third Annual Class of Indigenous Communities Fellows
8 Native-Led Innovations that Leverage Technology and Traditional Knowledge Announced at Virtual Solve Challenge Finals; Fellows to Participate in 9-Month Program and Share Over $100,000 in Funding
September 30, 2020 (Cambridge, MA)—MIT Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute for Technology, announced eight new Indigenous Communities Fellows.
The incoming Indigenous Communities Fellows were announced at Virtual Solve Challenge Finals yesterday and selected by Solve’s expert judges from a pool of 71 solutions submitted by members of 34 tribes. The 2020 Indigenous Communities Fellows are:
- EA Ecoversity
- Food from Fire
- Indigenous DC
- Indigikitchen
- International Wakashan AI Consortium
- Protect Medicinal Plants
- ShockTalk
- Sicangu Online Marketplace
“Solve is proud to run the Indigenous Communities Fellowship for the third year,” said Solve’s Executive Director, Alex Amouyel. “These Native innovators are using emerging and traditional technologies to support and strengthen tribal communities on and off reservations across the country. Whether mapping Indigenous landmarks in the nation’s capital, or using biomass-heated greenhouses to decrease fire hazards and provide healthy foods in Alaska, this class of Fellows is building upon generations of Indigenous innovation in their communities. We look forward to supporting these leaders to scale their work and impact.”
Supporters of the Indigenous Communities Fellowship include the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Prize Funding: Over $100,000 in prize funding was announced for the 2020 Indigenous Communities Fellows:
- $25,000 for the for the AI for Humanity Prize, supported by the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
- Recipients: International Wakashan AI Consortium
- All 8 Fellows selected will receive a $10,000 grant from Solve.
About MIT Solve:
Solve is an initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a mission to solve world challenges. Solve is a marketplace for social impact innovation. Through open innovation Challenges, Solve finds incredible tech-based social entrepreneurs all around the world. Solve then brings together MIT’s innovation ecosystem and a community of Members to fund and support these entrepreneurs to help them drive lasting, transformational impact. Join Solve on this journey at solve.mit.edu.
###
We got the 2020 MIT Solve Fellowship! @SolveMIT #indigenous #AI #AIforGood #AIForAll #LanguageRevitalization
— Michael Running Wolf (@Obnoxious_Wolf) September 30, 2020
Chuck Hoskin: Cherokee Nation puts sovereignty into action
Native America Callling: Understanding the Jack Abramoff Indian gaming scandal 25 years later
Native America Callling: Native in the Spotlight wth Aaju Peter
Native America Callling: Native Bookshelf with Unsettling Territory and Sons of Gunshooter
‘There’s nothing more important’: Secretary Mullin pushes controversial voting bill despite Native objections
Cronkite News: Cesar Chavez allegations lead to new and renewed challenges
Native America Callling: Cultural stewards and the Hopi Tribe
House subcommittee sets hearing on Alaska Native art bill
Native America Callling: A movement assesses the legacy for César Chávez
House Appropriations subcommittee schedules hearing on adoption programs
Press Release: Chinook Nation continues push for federal recognition
NAFOA: 5 Things You Need to Know This Week (March 23, 2026)
Tom Cole: Shutdown at Department of Homeland Security continues
Chuck Hoskin: Cherokee Nation launches unique housing program
More Headlines