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Fast Company
7 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Stop funding the wrong future
It's time to admit it: Too much of the social impact sector is still funding yesterday's solutions while claiming to advance towards a better tomorrow. I've been in this sector since I was a teenager—first as a volunteer, then a builder, and now the founder of one of the fastest-growing global tech-for-good ecosystems. In July, I spoke at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, where my Tech To The Rescue team co-organized the inaugural Impact Awards with the U.N. Reviewing hundreds of applications made one thing clear: AI is not a spreadsheet upgrade. It's not a shiny new tool to tape onto old processes. It's a paradigm shift that will fundamentally change how social impact work gets done—or if it gets done at all. Yet as funding tightens worldwide, too many well-meaning philanthropies and public funders continue to back 'safe' innovation. They're pouring dwindling dollars into essential training programs and pilots, often without the deeper, fundamental work of building truly AI-native organizations. Or worse, they simply bolt AI onto outdated models as superficial add-ons. This isn't just a tactical mistake. It's a systemic failure. Because the stakes aren't theoretical. When the wrong approach wins funding, real communities lose time they don't have. The sector's favorite stance: 'We're ready' Tinkering and experimentation are crucial in innovation; they're the messy beginning, the fearless exploration of doing something differently. But most current 'AI upskilling' strategies don't go deep enough. They promise transformation but deliver surface-level tool adoption. They teach nonprofits to use chatbots, or off-the-shelf SaaS without changing the underlying mindset or organizational DNA. Tools alone won't bridge this glaring gap between today's organizations and tomorrow's reality. By 2027, technology will be talking to technology. And how do we respond to that? Currently we translate 20 th century workflows into 21 st century software. We optimize the wrong things. We're not preparing social impact organizations for a future defined by machine learning, large language models, and autonomous decision systems. We're handing them hammers and asking them to fix microchips. And yes, some of this is our own fault as an industry. We reward safe proposals. We praise incrementalism. We design funding cycles to avoid complexity. And then we act surprised when no one steps up with real change. What AI-native impact could look like At the AI for Good Summit, reviewing projects was a crash course in where the sector is getting it right—and wrong. Some of the winners point to exactly the kind of AI-native, partnership-driven future we need: CareNX Innovations built an AI-powered fetal monitoring system for rural clinics without specialists, helping reduce preventable infant deaths. Not just automation, but new, accessible medical capability. SmartCatch by WorldFish combines machine learning, computer vision, and on-device species recognition to help small-scale fishers manage sustainable catch while fighting biodiversity loss—a systems-level intervention that includes everyone. from Digital Green offers localized, voice-based agricultural advice in low-literacy, low-connectivity settings. Large language models adapt to context, not just push generic tips. Sophia from Spring ACT is an AI-powered chatbot offering secure, anonymous, multi-language support to domestic violence survivors worldwide—showing how ethics and impact can be built in from the ground up. These aren't just shiny demos. They're working examples of how AI can help build real, resilient, human-centered solutions—if we're willing to fund them. Stop funding AI add-ons and start funding disruption If you're a funder, this is the call to get serious. Stop funding cosmetic changes. Invest in the transformative. Look for partners who don't just want to use AI, but who are ready to become AI-native. That means backing organizations willing to rethink how they deliver services, measure impact, and collaborate across sectors. It means funding those willing to merge, partner, or even cannibalize their old models to serve people better. We can't afford to keep funding NGOs that add AI as a feature. We need to help build the next generation of social impact organizations that are designed from the ground up for an AI world. A future worth funding What does that future look like? It's one where nonprofits stop solving problems in silos. Where they build shared infrastructure—data, models, platforms—to tackle challenges at scale. Where small teams use AI to compress timelines and costs, making solutions accessible in the places with the fewest resources. It's a world where human expertise focuses on empathy, ethics, and hyperlocal context, while technology handles the repeatable, the predictable, the scalable. We've seen glimpses of this at Tech To The Rescue. Through our AI for Changemakers program alone, we've worked with over 100 organizations in the past year to move beyond one-off pilots. We've helped them build AI strategies, access affordable tooling, and design real solutions for crisis response, healthcare, education, and more. And even with all that, too many nonprofits still struggle to implement, let alone scale. Because the real barrier isn't tools. It's the ability to disrupt themselves before the world does. The case for betting on disruption If you're a donor, an investor, a policy maker: Your job isn't to make organizations comfortable. It's to make them effective. That means funding the ones ready for the rollercoaster. The ones that want to build shared systems, not own proprietary ones. The ones willing to be accountable for outcomes, not just activities. And yes, it means accepting some failure along the way. Because the alternative is pretending we're changing the world while replicating the same failures at scale. Stop talking—start funding disruptors For too long, our sector has been stuck in a loop—talking, workshopping, strategizing, while advancing slowly. The world doesn't need more frameworks. It needs action. Full disclosure: At Tech To The Rescue, we're climbing the same hill. We wrestle with impact tracking, speed, and staying in the zone of truth over hype. Some days we move too slowly. Some days we move too fast. We don't always get it right. But this is the only way to build anything that matters now. It's messy. It's hard. But it's also how we're going to win. By 2030, the social impact sector won't look like it does today. Many nonprofits will merge or vanish. The ones that remain will be AI-native, collaborative, and ruthlessly focused on outcomes, not activities. If you want to fund something that will matter in 2030, start funding those building that future now.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI Innovation Meets Climate Action - Where Technology Powers Grassroots Solutions
NORTHAMPTON, MA / / July 10, 2025 / This World Environment Day, Lenovo and Tech To The Rescue spotlight how AI is powering grassroots climate solutions-from restoring land in Africa to transforming classrooms in the UK. By Jean Ekwa, Strategic Communications and PR Lead at Tech To The Rescue This World Environment Day, we're celebrating more than awareness-we're showcasing transformation. Around the world, visionary changemakers are confronting the climate crisis with innovation, determination, and deep local knowledge. And they're not doing it alone. Tech To The Rescue-a global nonprofit connecting technology companies with nonprofits to solve our world's most pressing challenges-is spearheading the AI for Changemakers Accelerator Program, supported by key partners like Lenovo. At the heart of this initiative stands the Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab and its support for twelve forward-thinking nonprofits from the climate and education sectors. As an associate sponsor, Lenovo provides not just inspiration to the program, but the essential tools, technology, and resources these organizations need to transform bold ideas into AI solutions. "Every tech company has the power to change many lives with their skills-not someday, but now. AI for good shouldn't be a promise. It should be infrastructure."- Jacek Siadkowski, CEO, Tech To The Rescue "Our goal with the Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab is to help grassroots solutions scale-by making sure they're equipped not only with knowledge, but with the right tools to build."- Santiago Mendez Galvis, EMEA Head of Philanthropy Lenovo Today, we spotlight five remarkable climate-focused organizations Lenovo supports with hands-on collaboration. These social changemakers are already harnessing AI for good, turning field experience and community trust into scalable, tech-powered solutions that matter. Five Lenovo Climate Fellows Changing the World Justdiggit: Cooling the Planet Through Land Restoration (Africa, Global) In East Africa, Justdiggit has already restored an impressive 60,000+ hectares of degraded land. With AI capabilities, they're now developing personalized recommendation engines for farmers and satellite-based impact monitoring systems. "At Justdiggit, we believe AI powered, personalised learning can help farmers thrive and cool down the planet in the process. Lenovo gave us a very welcome boost to kickstart smart testing of AI with a sharp focus on how farmers actually experience it. With the help of expert advice and generous resources we're learning fast and learning deep."- Carl Lens Head of Digital Regreening, Justdiggit Their work demonstrates that effective climate solutions don't need to be complex or expensive-they just need to reach the right hands with the right tools. Reap Benefit: Youth-Led Climate Solutions (India) Reap Benefit empowers India's young people to solve local civic and environmental challenges through their own innovation. With 121,000+ participants already generating over 560,000 data points, they're now taking their impact to the next level through AI. Their vision? An AI-driven virtual mentor providing personalized guidance across languages and learning styles, making climate action accessible to all. "Being part of the Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab is enabling us to deepen our journey of making technology - particularly AI - a meaningful enabler at the grassroots. It's not just about access to tools, but about equipping young people to shape civic and climate solutions rooted in their lived realities."- Gauthamraj Elango Tech Leader, Reap Benefit Behind the scenes, Reap Benefit's own AI Impact Lab is already in action, with young "Solve Ninjas" using technology to enhance the impact of everything from air quality storytelling to peer mentorship. Reboot the Future: Transforming Climate Education (United Kingdom, Global) With a powerful network of 19,000 teachers, Reboot the Future is revolutionizing climate education in UK classrooms. Their mission goes beyond awareness-they're cultivating empathy-driven environmental leaders for tomorrow. Through AI, they're creating personalized resources that adapt to each classroom's needs, supporting overwhelmed educators and amplifying student voices in climate policy. "Being part of Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab - means we can develop technology for good to amplify our mission, helping educators and young people reconnect with themselves, each other, and the planet. It enables us to better support teachers with meaningful, values-led tools that inspire action and help shape a more compassionate and sustainable future.- Bruna Bertuzzi, Head of Digital Transformation, Reboot the Future With Lenovo's support and by integrating AI into their platform, they can offer teachers the right support at the right moment, turning overwhelm into purposeful action rooted in empathy, hope, and the belief that a better world is not only possible but already beginning in our classrooms.. Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR): AI-Powered Agricultural Resilience (India) WOTR has transformed water security and agricultural sustainability across thousands of Indian villages. Now, they're leveraging AI to provide real-time pest forecasts, climate-smart advisories, and data-driven decision tools for farmers facing increasing climate challenges. "Participating in the Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab enables Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) to harness cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance climate resilience, improve rural livelihoods, and scale its impact across vulnerable communities. It also offers a valuable platform for collaboration, innovation, and building AI-driven solutions tailored to grassroots development." - Ajay ShelkeIT & GIS expert, WOTR Through the Lenovo Lab, WOTR is building solutions that make sustainable agriculture not just possible but profitable for smallholder farmers-proving that technology and tradition can work hand in hand. WeRobotics: Local Innovation Through Drones and Data (USA, Global) WeRobotics equips local experts with drone, data, and AI technologies to address critical challenges in agriculture, conservation, and disaster response. From crop monitoring in Uganda to tracking endangered waterfowl in Senegal, their "Flying Labs" are proving the power of locally-led technology. "Participating in the Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab is an incredible opportunity to strengthen our mission of using technology for positive environmental and social change. It's helping us explore how AI can enhance drone data analysis for faster, smarter decision-making in the field."- Diego Paolo Ferruzzo Correa, WeRobotics With Lenovo's support, WeRobotics is exploring how AI can make field operations more precise, inclusive, and sustainable-accelerating everything from crop planning to crisis mapping. From Inspiration to Impact: The Road Ahead These solutions are not just ideas-they're being actively developed and implemented right now through pro bono collaborations between nonprofits and tech partners. From rejuvenating landscapes to reimagining classroom engagement, these projects are showing that AI can serve both people and the planet. What they need now is time-and support-to fully scale their impact. This World Environment Day, we celebrate not just the vision, but the tangible tools being built to make it real. Because the future of our planet should be built together - coded in classrooms, tested in farmers' fields, and co-created with communities worldwide. Jean Ekwa is the Strategic Communications & PR Lead at Tech To The Rescue, a global nonprofit connecting social impact organizations with skilled tech teams to co-create pro bono digital solutions. He works at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and systemic change - focusing on partnerships and narrative that reframe what tech-for-good means, especially where the growing gap between communities and technology holds back meaningful impact. Lenovo Foundation is Lenovo's charitable giving arm, supporting Lenovo's focus on providing smarter technology for all by providing access to technology and STEM education for those who need it most. Learn more at View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Lenovo on Contact Info:Spokesperson: LenovoWebsite: info@ SOURCE: Lenovo View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Unlocking AI's Potential for Nonprofits With Lenovo and Tech to the Rescue
Jean Ekwa, Strategic Communications & PR Lead, Tech To The Rescue The power of AI is shaping industries, revolutionizing business, and transforming how we solve complex challenges. But while corporations and governments are investing heavily in AI innovation, many nonprofits risk being left behind—lacking the resources, expertise, or infrastructure to harness AI for impact. How can technology leaders support these organizations? In a recent Tech for Good Talks podcast, Alice Damasceno, Director of Corporate Citizenship and ESG Communications for Lenovo Latin America, sat down in São Paulo with Ana Camerano from Tech To The Rescue (TTTR), a global nonprofit foundation that connects ambitious nonprofits with technology companies willing to support them with pro-bono solutions. They discussed Lenovo's vision for AI-driven impact, the company's approach to corporate citizenship, and how the Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab is giving nonprofits the tools and resources they need to integrate AI. A partnership turning innovation into action Lenovo and TTTR share a common belief: AI should be accessible and inclusive. That's why Lenovo joined TTTR's AI for Changemakers Accelerator, an initiative backed by other major tech players. The accelerator matches nonprofits with skilled volunteer technologists who help them design and implement AI solutions tailored to their missions. The Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab takes this support a step further—equipping ten selected nonprofits with cutting-edge Lenovo hardware, AI tools, and expert guidance to help them turn their AI aspirations into real-world impact. For Lenovo, this collaboration is part of a broader vision to make AI a force for inclusion rather than a driver of inequality. As Alice Damasceno explained in the podcast, Lenovo sees its role in social impact not just as a donor but as a strategic enabler—ensuring that technology is developed and deployed in ethical and equitable ways. How AI drives social change For Lenovo, corporate citizenship is more than philanthropy—it is about leveraging technology to serve people and the planet. Alice Damasceno explains that Lenovo's approach is centered on Smarter Technology for All, ensuring that innovation advances business while addressing critical social and environmental challenges. During the conversation, Damasceno shared inspiring real-world examples of how Lenovo is applying AI to solve pressing issues: Indigenous Language PreservationAI-Powered Assistive TechnologyDisaster Relief TechnologyAI for Accessibility These examples highlight a fundamental shift in how corporations approach social impact—not just through financial contributions but through strategic, tech-driven interventions that create sustainable change. The role of corporate citizenship in a changing world Reflecting on her career in social impact, Alice Damasceno emphasized the growing role of technology companies in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable future. Corporate citizenship, she explains, is not an afterthought but an integral part of how Lenovo operates—embedding ESG principles, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement into its core business strategy. 'The world's challenges are complex, but technology can be part of the solution,' says Damasceno. 'By engaging employees, partnering with nonprofits, and investing in AI-driven impact projects, we are creating a model where businesses can thrive while driving meaningful change.' The Lenovo AI for Social Impact Lab helps ensure that AI innovation doesn't remain a privilege of corporations—it becomes a tool for global problem-solving, available to those who need it most. Looking ahead: how the tech industry can respond As AI and emerging technologies continue to evolve, the collaboration between corporations, nonprofits, and impact-driven organizations will be critical in ensuring that these innovations benefit society. This is a long-term commitment for Lenovo—part of its broader Smarter AI for All strategy, ensuring that AI innovation serves people, not just profits. For Tech To The Rescue, this partnership is a blueprint for how corporations and nonprofits can collaborate to make AI a true tool for social transformation. 'If we don't make AI accessible to mission-driven organizations, we risk deepening the digital divide,' said Damasceno in the podcast. 'But when we give nonprofits the right tools, knowledge, and partners, they can solve problems in ways we never imagined.' The real question isn't whether nonprofits should use AI—the question is whether the tech industry will step up to ensure they can. Watch the full conversation here Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Lenovo
