How can those most affected by the technology-driven transformations of work create productive and prosperous livelihoods for themselves?

Challenge Overview

Automation, artificial intelligence, and the Cloud are all dramatically changing the nature of work. Augmented by machines or by algorithms, how we work will be transformed—whether on a Guangzhou factory floor, in the cocoa farms of Ondo, or in high-rise offices in New York City. These transformations will continue to displace many workers in their wakes; eliminating their jobs, squeezing their wages, and requiring them to learn new skills or move to new places. These transformations will also create other jobs and entire new industries we have yet to imagine; they will liberate us from rote tasks, increasing our productivity and leaving us time to explore our creativity and full potential. We must use technology to mitigate this transition for those left behind, and ensure it expands the possibilities for everyone to attain their full potential.

The Solve community aims to find and support tech-based solutions that ensure those left behind by the technological transformations of work can fully participate in and profit from the new opportunities these transformations create. To do so, the Solve community seeks solutions that:

• Offer pathways to upskill, reskill, and retrain workers, as well as connect them to the demands of employers

• Develop inclusive platforms that support temporary, informal and freelance workers, helping provide stability, safety nets, and security

• Include the early participation of women, disenfranchised and low-income communities in the creation of new technologies, jobs, or entire industries

Challenge Chair

[featured_judges]

Solver Funding, Prize, and Partnership Eligibility for the Work of the Future Challenge

Solver Funding

All solutions selected in Solve’s four current Global Challenges will receive a $10,000 grant funded by Solve. Solver teams will be selected by a panel of cross-sector judges at Solve Challenge Finals during UN General Assembly week in New York City on September 23, 2018. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2018.

In addition to Solve funding, Solver teams who also fulfill the criteria below are eligible for the following prizes and partnerships. You do not need to meet these requirements to apply to the Work of the Future Challenge:

The GM Prize for Advanced Technologies

Solutions that deploy advanced technologies are eligible for grant funding provided by General Motors. Selected solutions will use advanced technologies to prepare current and future workforces for the transformations of work that lie ahead through improved economic security, career flexibility, or new income streams. A panel of cross-sector judges will select up to two Solver teams from the Work of the Future Challenge to receive the prize at Solve Challenge Finals during UN General Assembly week in New York City on September 23, 2018.

Artificial Intelligence for the Betterment of Humanity Prize

Solutions that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the human condition are eligible for this prize. This prize is made possible by the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and our global community through information technology. Up to four recipients of the Artificial Intelligence for the Betterment of Humanity Prize will receive an initial grant of $25,000 each when selected during Solve Challenge Finals in September. One of these Solver teams will then be eligible for an additional grant of $100,000 to be announced at Solve at MIT in May 2019. Eligible Solver teams may be selected from any of Solve's four current Global Challenges.

UN Women She Innovates Prize for Gender-Responsive Innovation 

Solutions that are women-led or use innovation to advance the needs of women and girls are eligible for this prize. This prize is founded by UN Women Global Innovation Coalition for Change. The grant is made possible by Citi, with additional support from SAP Next-Gen. One Solver team will be the recipient of the UN Women She Innovates Prize for Gender-Responsive Innovation, and will receive a grant of $30,000 when selected during Solve Challenge Finals in September. Eligible Solver teams may be selected from any of Solve's four current Global Challenges.

Blockchain for Social Impact Prize

Solutions that make use of the Ethereum blockchain are eligible to be selected as one of four ConsenSys Blockchain for Social Impact Coalition (BSIC) Fellows. BSIC is a global network supporting social and environmental impact through blockchain-based innovation. Each Fellow will receive $5,000, a two-month minimum residency at a global ConsenSys location, and the opportunity to participate in a bootcamp in Santa Monica, CA. Successful residency can lead to additional funding or investment from ConsenSys Ventures or other members of the coalition. Applicants must include a link to a published white paper in their application by July 20, 2018. Eligible Solver teams may be selected from any of Solve's four current Global Challenges.

Save the Children Prize for Breakthrough Innovations for Children

Solutions that benefit children or youth in countries where Save the Children works are eligible for the Save the Children Prize for Breakthrough Innovations for Children. Up to four Solver teams will receive a grant of $25,000 per solution and access to in-country Save the Children resources. This prize is made possible by Save the Children, which believes every child deserves a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm.