The honor, which recognizes young scholars for “distinguished performance and a unique potential to make substantial contributions to their field,” brings $50,000 in research support.

PaisaBack will use mobile technology to encourage women in India to get preventive health care; Terranga’s mobile app will connect travelers worldwide with local residents of the places they visit.

Despite current impediments, says Kevin Ryan of Gilt Groupe and Business Insider, “these things will happen.”