Mission Billion Challenge

IDeas to transform the lives of billions

Despite significant progress in recent years, one billion people are still unable to prove their identity, and millions more have forms of identification that cannot be reliably verified or authenticated. In an increasingly digital age, the lack of verifiable identification often results in exclusion from economic opportunities and a variety of social and political rights.

For the inaugural Mission Billion Challenge, the ID4D Initiative will start with an issue at the heart of digital identification design: privacy and user empowerment of their identification. As countries strive to provide identification to millions of people, there is an opportunity to inform the design of digital identification systems to enhance data protection and provide individuals with greater control over their personal data.

The Challenge aims to surface practical and cost-effective ‘privacy by design’ features that can be embedded into digital identification systems.

We are looking for creative ideas, components, the innovative use of existing technologies or complete solutions from academics, entrepreneurs, scientists, technologists, and engaged citizens.

THE CHALLENGE: How can digital identification systems in developing countries be better designed or adapted to protect people’s privacy and empower them with greater control over their personal data?

PRIZES: Cash prizes totaling $100,000 with a top prize of $50,000.