data.org and Zoom’s Activate AI Challenge received 500 applications from 76 countries, each proposing innovative solutions at the intersection of AI and economic opportunity for a resilient future. On May 20, we’re introducing six remarkable awardees and exploring what set their approaches apart. These projects demonstrate breakthrough innovation, impactful use of AI, and strong potential for scale—qualities that emerged as essential in our judging process.
Join us to hear directly from awardees about their work and learn what stands out when evaluating AI-driven social impact solutions. Whether you applied to the challenge or are exploring AI to advance your mission, this session offers practical insights on responsible AI practices, designing for economic opportunity, and creating locally-lead solutions with global potential. Register now to meet this exceptional cohort and discover ideas and approaches that can inspire your next steps.
Speakers
Justin Bakoubolo is the CEO and Co-founder of Umbaji, a Togo-based AI company building voice-first, multilingual AI solutions for underserved communities across West Africa.
Read moreGermán Bencci is the founder and CEO of CodeYourFuture, a community-led organization offering inclusive software development training to people from refugee and low-income backgrounds.
Read moreDulamkhorloo (Duuya) Baatar
Founder and Chairperson
Nest Center for Journalism Innovation and Development
Dulamkhorloo Baatar is a Mongolian media entrepreneur, journalist, and fact-checker leading efforts to strengthen the information integrity helping build a strong, agile media ecosystem in Mongolia.
Read moreAgnes Gervacio is the CEO of Connected Women, with over three decades of leadership in IT and a deep commitment to digital inclusion and women’s empowerment.
Read moreJosh Kallmer is Chief Global Affairs Officer for Zoom Communications, Inc. (Zoom). In this capacity, he oversees the development and execution of Zoom’s global public policy and government relations strategy and serves as the company’s chief representative before governments around the world.
Read moreSalma Khaled is the AI Technical Lead at Migrasia, a Hong Kong-based organization, an incubator for solutions to migration-related problems in Asia and beyond.
Read moreRobinson Lopez is the Founder and CEO of IDENTI, a Peru-based technology organization building voice-first digital identity and financial infrastructure for communities excluded from the formal digital economy.
Read moreChief Strategy Officer Perry Hewitt joined data.org in 2020 with deep experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She oversees the global data.org brand and how it connects to partners and funders around the world.
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