Tech for Good: From Hype to Real Impact

​Event Description

Technology and AI are increasingly seen as powerful tools for addressing global challenges. Yet while the promise is vast, the reality is often more complicated. Many organizations are experimenting with new tools, but lack the data systems, infrastructure, and capacity needed to translate innovation into real-world impact.

This discussion explores the evolving role of technology and AI in the social sector, moving beyond hype to examine what actually works. How can tech-enabled organizations serve as critical infrastructure for development? What does it take to responsibly adopt AI in ways that genuinely improve outcomes for people and communities?

We will also look at the gaps, from underinvestment in data systems to the challenges of aligning technology with mission and context. Bringing together practitioners, funders, and technologists, this session invites participants to explore how to better support the foundations that make technology effective, and how to harness its potential for meaningful, lasting impact.

​Speakers

• ​Amy Coughenour Betancourt is President and CEO of Cadasta Foundation, advancing land and resource rights through geospatial technology.

• ​Attaullah Abbasi is Senior Policy Associate for AI at J-PAL, supporting evidence-based policymaking on the social impact of artificial intelligence.

• ​Courtney Tran is CEO of Guide to Good, building AI tools to reduce administrative burden for nonprofits and funders.

• ​Joanne Ke Edelman is Tech and AI for Good Lead at Global Development Incubator, incubating AI-driven social impact ventures.

• ​Melanie LeGrande is Managing Director at Panorama Strategy, leading strategy, partnerships, and social impact consulting.

• ​Nick Fellers is CEO of For Impact, advancing fundraising and AI-enabled tools for social sector organisations.

• ​Rushab Shah is CEO of OneHive, building AI-powered platforms for charities and NGOs.

• ​Summer Kennedy is VP of Strategy and Operations at Fast Forward, supporting nonprofits building technology for social impact.

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​Discussion Questions
Where is technology, particularly AI, delivering real impact today, and where is it falling short?
What foundational systems, such as data infrastructure and organizational capacity, are needed to make tech work in practice?
How can funders and organizations move beyond experimentation to sustained, effective use of technology?
What risks should we be paying more attention to as tech becomes more embedded in social impact work?