If you have a tendency to break the rules, you could be eligible for a big payout from MIT – $250,000, to be exact.

The MIT Media Lab is accepting applications for its first-ever “Disobedience Award,” which will honor a person or group that has engaged in an act of disobedience for the benefit of the greater good, according to the contest’s guidelines. The winner will receive a cash prize of $250,000.

Rule-breakers from a variety of disciplines can apply for the award. The contest guidelines cite scientific research, civil rights, and freedom of speech as some examples of areas where applicants can show their disobedience.


Of course, it can’t just be any disobedient act. The award guidelines stress that the actions taken must “follow a key set of principles,” including non-violence and accountability.

The deadline to apply for the award is May 1, and the winner will be announced on July 21.