International Development Innovation Network & Comprehensive Initiative on Technology Evaluation

Coming Together to Redefine International Development


These two new initiatives at MIT are part of the new U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Higher Education Solutions Network (HESN). HESN is a groundbreaking partnership with seven top American and foreign universities designed to develop innovative solutions to global development challenges. Through this program, USAID is renewing its dedication to supporting the use of Science and Technology to address global development challenges. These partnerships will leverage the intellectual power and passion of academic leaders, faculty, and students. Read more about USAID-HESN.

“MIT has as its core strengths, technology, research and entrepreneurship. It’s a natural home for programs that seek to foster innovation.” - Amy Smith

International Development
Innovation Network (IDIN)


MIT’s D-Lab will lead IDIN, a consortium of universities to establish and nurture a global network of local innovators using technology to address issues facing people living in poverty. IDIN will engage local innovators to create technologies that are cost effective and sustainable.

Comprehensive Initiative
 for Technology Evaluation (CITE)


MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning will lead the CITE effort in developing a rigorous methodology for evaluating technological solutions to challenges in the developing world; this methodology will help donors and policy-makers identify and invest in the best of these solutions.

IDIN Contact

Director
Amy Smith
Founder & Co-Director, D‑Lab
Senior Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering

For information, contact:
idin-info[at]mit[dot]edu

CITE Contact

Director
Bishwapriya Sanyal, PhD
Ford Professor, Department of Urban Studies and Planning

For information, contact:
citeinfo[at]mit[dot]edu