D-Lab

MIT D-Lab works with people around the world to develop and advance collaborative approaches and practical solutions to global poverty challenges.

The program’s mission is pursued through interdisciplinary courses, research in collaboration with global partners, technology development, and community initiatives — all of which emphasize experiential learning, real-world projects, community-led development, and scalability.

Founded in 2002 by Amy Smith, Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, D-Lab has developed a range of technologies and processes, including community watertesting and treatment systems, human-powered agricultural processing machines, medical and assistive devices for global health, and clean-burning cooking fuels made from waste.

D-Lab classes, research groups, and programs are connected to communities around the world in countries including Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Haiti, Ghana, Mali, Morocco, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and others.