OpenDoor Wins Kevin Xu Innovation Challenge with AI-Powered Social Services Platform

The OpenDoor project, led by Harvard University’s Dia Sridhar, recently won the Kevin Xu Innovation Challenge, a key initiative of the Oxford University Rhodes Forum on Technology and Society. The challenge supports innovators using artificial intelligence to create solutions that enhance human well-being and societal impact.

OpenDoor aims to connect fragmented social service resources through a technology platform, providing timely interventions for individuals facing life crises and preventing prolonged homelessness. Inspired by her volunteer work at Los Angeles shelters, Sridhar realized that homelessness often stems from a lack of coordination rather than a shortage of resources. OpenDoor addresses this gap with an AI-driven service matcher, delivering personalized resources during critical transitional periods, such as unemployment, rent hikes, or medical emergencies, rather than generic listings.

The Kevin Xu Innovation Challenge was jointly launched by EquiTech Futures and Kevin Xu Initiative at Rhodes Trust, University of Oxford, supporting policy research, public and nonprofit partnerships, and nurturing future global scientific leaders. Through workshops, scholarships, incubation, and conferences, the Institute has built a network supporting over 200 innovators from 50+ countries, fostering long-term investment in transformative ideas.

This year, six finalist teams were selected from twelve semifinalists, undergoing intensive workshops on problem definition, experimental design, and business case development. On November 8, 2025, finalists presented at the Oxford Forum, with OpenDoor emerging victorious, receiving £25,000 in non-dilutive funding and expert mentorship to advance its mission of creating AI-driven solutions that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

 

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About MEBO

Founded in 1987 by Professor Rongxiang Xu, a distinguished Chinese life scientist, MEBO Group is a multinational headquartered in both China and the USA. It integrates research, development, and sales across the pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health foods, and cosmetics sectors.

At its core, MEBO focuses on regenerative life sciences, innovating with over 100 patents and more than ten joint research bases to enhance and enable the body's own regenerative abilities.

As a leader in regenerative life science, MEBO's extensive research facilities and products impact over 100 countries globally, pioneering new frontiers in the regenerative life world.