The World Bank Mission Billion Challenge is seeking innovative solutions to increase inclusion and access to digital platforms such as identification systems. This challenge will crowdsource solutions to make ID systems more accessible and responsive to the needs of vulnerable persons, such as informal workers, particularly at a time when countries seek to leverage digital technologies and platforms to shift services to online channels and deliver cash relief to persons affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 World Bank Mission Billion Challenge offers a Global Prize and a West Africa Prize for solutions that ensure the inclusivity of ID systems for vulnerable groups, particularly during physical distancing requirements. The Challenge offers cash prizes totaling up to US$150,000 for the most promising solutions.

Eligibilities 

The Global Prize is seeking solutions that address these specific needs:

• How can countries ensure that everyone—especially vulnerable groups—are able to apply/register for an ID in a way that protects people’s health and the integrity of the ID system?
• How can countries ensure that digital authentication mechanisms—which often require smartphones, computers, and/or internet access—are accessible and user-friendly for marginalized and vulnerable populations to facilitate remote access to services and benefits?

Submission Requirements

• Submissions must be in the format provided in the MIT Solve platform.
• Contestants may submit more than one Submission. However, Submissions must not be substantially similar to a prior Submission by the same Contestant.
• Each Submission must be in English, or if in a language other than English, the Submission must be accompanied by an English translation of the full text.

Ineligibilities

Submissions which, in the World Bank’s sole determination do any of the following, will be disqualified:

• Adversely affects the reputation of the World Bank Group or any of its officials or member countries.
• Are illegal under applicable laws.
• Depict hatred, defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten a specific person or community in the society or can incite violence or conflict, or otherwise violate the legal rights (such as rights of privacy and publicity) of others.
• Contain any infringing, obscene, indecent, or unlawful material or information.

Submit a Solution