The Macquarie Community Resilience Prize, powered by MIT Solve, will award up to a total of $A1.5 million to innovative solutions focused on climate resilience and skill-building in Brazil, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
Macquarie Group and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Solve today announced that the Macquarie Community Resilience Prize, launched in Brazil the lead-up to the 30th Conference of Parties (COP) UN climate conference, has been expanded.
The Prize will award $A1.5 million to up to ten solutions in Australia, the Pacific Islands and Brazil that address the growing impacts of climate change while training and employing workers to protect and future-proof their communities.
Already launched in Brazil, the prize now invites Australian and Pacific Island applications for innovative solutions that build climate-resilient communities while creating meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities.
Funded by Macquarie Group, the prize is a partnership with MIT Solve, an initiative of MIT in Boston, US which welcomes technology-enabled solutions to support sectors such as energy and grid resilience, water resource management, agriculture and food systems, infrastructure protection, disaster preparedness and avoidance and other areas that promote community resilience.
Applications will be judged on climate resilience, workforce training and employment, innovation and potential for impact. Winning solutions will receive funding, along with a dedicated support program including access to workshops, coaching, in-kind resources and mentorship by Macquarie employees. Online applications are open on MIT Solve's website until 25 February 2026.
"Globally, and particularly in the Australia and Pacific Islands, adaptation and resilience solutions are becoming increasingly important, not just for managing risk - they're operational priorities and growth opportunities that can help to future proof infrastructure, agriculture, industry and communities." said Lisa George, Global Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation.
"Through this prize, we are proud to be supporting practical solutions that are solving climate-related issues, creating employment and building vital skills. Together, we can deliver lasting impact and ensure a stronger, more resilient future for all."
Winners of the Macquarie Community Resilience Prize will be announced in May 2026.
"MIT Solve's mission is to identify the world's most promising entrepreneurs tackling critical challenges and help them scale," said Hala Hanna, Executive Director of MIT Solve. "The Macquarie Community Resilience Prize exemplifies the power of strategic partnership in addressing those challenges, unlocking climate resilience solutions across Brazil, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Together, we're investing in both the innovations and the people who will build more resilient communities for generations to come."
