​Where Innovation Meets Purpose:
How Tech-Enabled Entrepreneurship Drives Impact at Scale  

​This Knowledge Track explores how entrepreneur-led businesses, digital tools and innovations, can drive large-scale job creation and poverty reduction in emerging economies.  

​Drawing on Hand in Hand’s experience of nearly 13 million jobs created, the session highlights the role of the tech sector in building inclusive digital ecosystems — from skills and knowledge transfer to innovation, AI and responsible investment.  

​The discussion challenges the limits of the current economic system, and how Hand in Hand can be part of creating a more sustainable private led growth that benefits people in poverty.

We are inviting leaders in tech, sustainability, impact investing and marketing who want to move beyond dialogue and engage in strategic partnerships that can shift systems and create real, measurable impact at scale.

​At the heart of the conversation is a central question: 

​Can entrepreneurship and technology help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges — and how can the private sector be part of the solution? 

​Panelists:  

• ​Annie Lööf, Senior Adviser and former leader of the Center Party, former member of the Swedish Government and an advocate for small businesses. Member of the Board of Hand in Hand 
  

• ​Stefan Krook, serial entrepreneur, impact investor, and author, known for building purpose-driven companies such as Glocalnet, GodEl, and Kivra 
  

• ​Andreas Flodström, Founder of Beetroot, a Swedish-Ukrainian company that has pioneered a unique model for sustainable growth and making an impact through combining world-class software development with large-scale digital education. They have already educated +15000 specialists
  

• ​Charles Ongeso, Chief Programme Officer at Hand in Hand Eastern Africa 

​Special Guest:

​Maureen Murugi Njue, Rising entrepreneur from Kenya, whose journey shows how tech-enabled entrepreneurship can create jobs and lasting impact.

​Moderator:

​David Wiking, Secretary General at Hand in Hand Sweden

​Location:

​Side Event Area A (Arena floor), Room A6, Strawberry Arena.  

​Please note: This is an on-site side event at Techarena 2026 that requires a ticket to enter Strawberry Arena. The side event is independently organized and run by the host of the side event. Please direct any questions (or praise!) to the event organizers.