What is Google: Solve for X

Global warming? Poverty? Illiteracy? Debt crises? These are all big global problems. And they’ve drawn the attention of the technology pros at Google. Google recently presented its new “Solve for X” initiative, a project in which Google’s greatest minds tackle the world’s most vexing problems. The goal is for “Solve for X” minds to propose radical suggestions for eradicating some of the biggest problems facing the Earth.

Tackling the biggest global issues

Of course, it’s not all that simple. The “Solve for X” brain trust will be taking on concerns that have long befuddled world leaders. However, the people behind this project are nothing if not enthusiastic. They say the work occurring here is akin to the innovative thinking that was needed to send humans to the moon. On the “Solve for X” website, Google talks about it this way: “This combination of things—a huge problem to solve, a radical solution for solving it and the breakthrough technology to make it happen—is the essence of a moonshot.”

Tackling water scarcity

An article in regards to the “Solve for X” project appeared on Mashable.com a few weeks ago. Mashable cited the account of an individual who participated in a “Solve for X” retreat. He said the minds involved discussed the issue of global water scarcity. What types of solutions do you think this brain trust produced? How about forward osmosis with recycled ammonium salts. While we may not be clear about what this means, the people at “Solve for X” do.

The need for technology brain trusts

Whether “Solve for X” does develop any real solutions for the globe’s biggest problems, the brain trust idea is certainly one with merit. Technology has the power to change the world for good. Yes, new tech entertains us. It makes it more convenient for us to enjoy our music, watch movies, and read our favorite magazines. But technology can do so much more. Maybe brain trusts like “Solve for X” will help us truly tap the potential of technology.