WHEN BIG TECH MEETS SOCIAL INNOVATION

Technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, often faster than we can keep up. Yet, for the social innovators in Ashoka’s network, the focus is on harnessing this transformation to improve lives—especially for the most vulnerable.

In partnership with Lenovo, Ashoka is ensuring that these powerful examples of tech-driven innovation and social impact don’t remain isolated success stories but become the norm.

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Stories

The stories below showcase a collection of inspiring examples of how Ashoka Fellows, supported by Lenovo, leverage technology to drive meaningful social impact. Each story highlights innovative solutions and transformative initiatives where technology serves as a powerful tool to address pressing societal challenges. From improving access to education and healthcare to creating sustainable solutions and empowering marginalized communities, these changemakers demonstrate how technology can be harnessed to create positive, lasting change in the world.

How Clintonel Is Reviving Engineering to Transform Nigeria's Economy

When Tochukwu Chukwueke talks about what he does, he speaks with both precision and emotion. “Engineering is my passion,” he says. “It’s my education, my training, and then it’s my practice.” But as a young engineering student in Nigeria, he faced many challenges that he has now decided to solve.

Changing the Game for Disability in Corporate Football

When José Soares became an Ashoka Fellow in 2023, he brought with him a bold vision: to transform the corporate world of sports, especially football, into a place where people with disabilities are not just included, but integrated as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Through his organization...

Leading from Within: How a Collective Journey is Redefining Corporate Impact at Lenovo

In a world where 74% of employees perceive a disconnect between their companies' social and environmental promises and actual practices, the path to true corporate sustainability often begins with the inner transformation of its leaders. This profound realization is at the heart of Ashoka's Guided...

How SINE Foundation is Powering a Supply Chain Revolution

Founded in Berlin in 2020, SINE's core mission is to create a more collaborative and sustainable economy by enabling the flow of trusted sustainability data. They aren't a software company selling solutions or a firm collecting data. Think of them instead as a crucial connecting piece. They build...

Cultural Connectivity: Using the Internet to Bridge Indonesia's Indigenous Communities

How can we bridge the digital gap in a nation of thousands of islands and diverse cultures? Meet Gustaff Iskandar, an Ashoka Fellow from Indonesia who’s doing just that, one community at a time.

Breaking Barriers in Tech: How PretaLab is Transforming Opportunities for Black Women

It's no secret that the tech world often looks very similar: mostly men, and mostly white. But this isn't by accident. Historically, racist and sexist systems have kept Black women out of tech. That's where PretaLab comes in: an initiative focused on helping Black women get into the tech industry...

Shifting Power: How Local Tech Expertise is Transforming Global Development

In the midst of complex challenges, from climate change to disaster response, a shift is taking root in the tech sector, one that recognizes the inherent strength and unique perspective of local communities.

Big Tech & Social Impact: Connecting Social Innovation with the World’s Largest Tech Companies

Across Latin America, a small tech revolution is unfolding. Social entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of technology, particularly AI, to address social issues and empower communities. Yet, their efforts are often hindered by limited access to resources and expertise, especially in...

The Partnership

Lenovo and Ashoka are joining forces to drive social impact by empowering changemakers at the crossroads of technology and social innovation.

Through this partnership, Lenovo plays a key role in identifying and supporting Ashoka Fellows from the Global South who are leveraging technology to tackle critical challenges such as climate change, healthcare, responsible AI, and STEM education. This collaboration goes beyond funding and resources for these inspiring social entrepreneurs—it also deepens Lenovo leaders’ insights into systemic social change, creating a dynamic community of innovation and impact.

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