[bioundgrd] FW: Call for Submissions: Win $10k in the SERC Envisioning the Future of Computing Prize

[Rebecca L Chamberlain]

From: Cory Harris <charri89 at mit.edu>
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 8:46 AM
To:
Subject: Call for Submissions: Win $10k in the SERC Envisioning the Future of Computing Prize

***Please help distribute​​​***

The <https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/> Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC)<https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/>, a cross-cutting initiative within the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, in collaboration with the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, invites MIT students to envision the future of computing.

The <https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-home/> Envisioning the Future of Computing Prize<https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-home/> challenges you to think critically and creatively about how computing and artificial intelligence can be developed and applied to improve the human condition. This year introduces a new prompt that asks you to imagine how computing can have a net positive impact on society in the coming decade.

About the Prize

  *   $10,000 Grand Prize

  *   Two Runner-Up Awards of $5,000 each

  *   Up to five Honorable Mentions ($500 each)

This competition encourages students to examine not only the transformative potential of AI but also the social, ethical, and policy considerations that accompany technological advancement. Participants will craft evidence-based essays that articulate both opportunity and responsibility in the design and deployment of emerging technologies.

This Year’s Prompt
In an essay of up to 3,000 words, you are asked to:

  1.  Choose a sector — such as healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, infrastructure, transportation, justice, arts, or governance — where you see the highest net positive impact from AI.

  2.  Describe a specific AI application in that sector that could realistically be developed or deployed within the next 5–10 years.

  3.  Analyze the benefits — what problems it solves, what opportunities it creates, and who benefits.

  4.  Examine the risks — what could go wrong, including ethical concerns or unintended consequences.

  5.  Make the affirmative case — despite the risks, why the overall impact could be positive, including any safeguards or design choices needed to make that possible.

  6.  Present a substantive, evidence-based analysis grounded in sector-specific knowledge, data, or real-world examples. Visuals or frameworks are welcome.

  7.  Include a one-page executive summary of your analysis.

Essays must be submitted as a PDF using the file name format: Title of Essay_MIT ID# (no names). Not following the naming convention may result in disqualification.

Please see the full <https://computing.mit.edu/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-submissions/> guidelines here.<https://computing.mit.edu/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-submissions/> <https://computing.mit.edu/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-submissions/>

Eligibility and Timeline

  *   Open to currently enrolled MIT undergraduate and graduate students only.

(Previous grand prize and runner-up winners are not eligible; past honorable mentions may apply with a new essay.)

  *   Submission Deadline: February 8, 2026, by 11:59 PM (ET)

  *   Judging: Entries are judged blindly by a faculty panel until three finalists are selected. The finalists will then be invited to present their essays in May. Final scores combine 75% from the written submission and 25% from the presentation.

IAP Workshops

Optional workshops during IAP will help with idea development, structure, and writing. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to sign up for a session, please select your session here.<https://forms.gle/snCz5JJ7MS3c2p2f6> <https://forms.gle/snCz5JJ7MS3c2p2f6>

Why Participate

The Envisioning the Future of Computing Prize offers an opportunity to engage deeply with the social and ethical dimensions of computing and AI. By participating, you can:

  *   Contribute to a meaningful conversation about the responsible evolution of technology.

  *   Strengthen your ability to connect technical innovation with societal values.

  *   Compete for significant prize funding while producing work that reflects the mission and values of MIT.

How to Apply


SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY HERE<https://forms.gle/iDddpErg3Sg5iNip9>

Full contest guidelines, submission instructions, and resources are available on the <https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-home/> Envisioning<https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-home/> <https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-home/> the<https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-home/> Future of Computing of Computing Prize website<https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/envisioning-the-future-of-computing-prize-home/>.

Questions may be directed to serc at mit.edu<mailto:serc at mit.edu>.

We look forward to seeing your vision for how computing can advance human progress — responsibly, equitably, and creatively.

Best,



Cory



Cory Harris

Program Manager

Social & Ethical Responsibilities of Computing<https://computing.mit.edu/cross-cutting/social-and-ethical-responsibilities-of-computing/>

Schwarzman College of Computing

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Phone: 617-253-8120

Pronouns: he, him, his<https://lbgtq.mit.edu/resources/understanding-pronouns-and-using-pronoun-stickers>

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