FAQ

The Global Maker Challenge is one of two programs facilitated through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity. The Initiative was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in honor of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Dubai, for his commitment in transforming the United Arab Emirates.

The Global Makers Challenge invites innovative start-ups, entrepreneurs and businesses to submit solutions to solve real-world problems. The challenge is vertically divided into 4 themes, Sustainable Energy, Digital Divide and Digital Literacy, Rural Transformation and Zero Hunger and Sustainable Cities. Applicants are invited to enter their solutions to the challenges through our easy online application process. The four Challenge Winners will gain valuable recognition, global exposure, and mentorship if successful.

The eight UN entities that have partnered with the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity are:

- the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
- the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- UNESCO-UNEVOC International Center
- the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
- the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)
- the World Food Programme (WFP)

These organisations have developed four themes surrounding major challenges faced by the least developed and developing countries. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Solve is working with the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity to bring together problem-solvers and innovators to work with stakeholders and technical experts to design and manage each challenge.

The Global Maker Challenge will award winners with prizes of value up to USD 1,000,000 in prizes. Within the four themes we are looking for solutions to solve real world problems identified as priority topics by MIT Solve in collaboration with various UN Agencies and Funds.

• The Global Makers challenge will be launched on September 25th 2018, at the 73rd session of UN General Assembly.
• Submission Deadline on 31 January 2019.
• All submissions will be reviewed by expert judges throughout February - April 2019.
• Senior Representatives from the shortlisted submissions will be invited to a pitching session.
• The final winners will be announced at the GMIS Summit in Yekaterinburg in Russia in July 2019.

Applications to the MBR Global Makers Challenge is open to all business model stages. It is open to any start-up, innovator or business that has a proof of concept and prototype for a viable, technically feasible and desirable solution that promises a strong impact on the identified challenge. Please click here for the 4 Challenges.

You need to apply and submit online here, providing all information asked for.

No, applications to the MBR Global Maker Challenge are entirely free of charge.

Yes, you may submit separate applications for each of the four themes.

Each of the 4 Challenge Winners can win prizes to the value of up to 250,000 USD, including cash prices, mentorship. The shortlisted companies will be invited to a pitch live session in UAE, and the finalist to the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit, in July 2019 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

The MBR Global Maker Award will be awarded at the upcoming GMIS summit in Yekaterinburg in Russia in July.

Applications will be reviewed by expert judges stemming from our community of world leading manufacturers, innovative startups and entrepreneurs, governments and NGOs, technologists and philanthropists.

The Intellectual Property (IP) will remain exclusively with the owner.

All submissions will be open and with the project descriptions being published on the MBR website. There will be a part in your application that remains confidential, though. However, should you feel that some information is too sensitive to share we advise you to contact us via email here.

Please send us an email to info@makingprosperity.com

The Global Maker Challenge is one of two programs facilitated through the Mohammed Bin Rashid Initiative for Global Prosperity which is an initiative of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS).

The Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) is a joint initiative by the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). GMIS is the world’s first ever cross-industry forum designed to create a universal consensus by unifying governments, businesses, and civil society to take a transformational approach towards shaping the future of manufacturing. It aims to promote a roadmap for future development to echo the evolution in international trade and global best practices.

Please click here to view our T&Cs.

Solutions will be reviewed by our experts and judges, following these criteria:

• Alignment: The solution addresses the challenge that has been set forth.
• Potential for Impact: The planned implementation of the solution has the potential to impact lives.
• Feasibility: It is feasible to implement the solution, and the team has a plan for the solution to sustain itself financially.
• Scalability: The solution can be grown and scaled to affect the lives of more people.
• Innovative Approach: This is a new technology, a new application of a technology, a new business model, or a new process for solving the challenge.

No. All flight and accommodation costs if any for shortlisted companies to participate to the pitching session as well as finalists for the award ceremony will be covered by MBR Initiative for Global Prosperity.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Maker Challenge is a collaborative competition for start-ups and entrepreneurs to solve real-world problems through maker innovation. In this context, making refers to the things our world needs through modern, sustainable manufacturing and industrialization.