The tool will help streamlines the selection process for Ashoka and helps direct social innovation funding more effectively toward the right beneficiaries. Photo by Ashoka
Ashoka, one of the world’s largest networks of social entrepreneurs, has partnered with Fellowmind, a leading European IT company, to develop a pioneering AI-powered tool.
The tool is designed to enhance the selection process for emerging changemakers, aiming to reduce the administrative workload for project managers and improve the quality of the applications.
This innovation aims to make the path to social entrepreneurship more accessible, inclusive, and effective for young leaders.
Since 1980, Ashoka has been at the forefront of identifying and supporting social entrepreneurs globally.
Every year, Ashoka receives thousands of applications from young people with bold ideas for social change.
However, many applicants struggle to articulate their projects clearly and convincingly.
Several barriers prevent promising changemakers from reaching their full potential.
One key obstacle is the complex language of social innovation, which is often filled with technical terminology that many find difficult to navigate.
In addition, socioeconomic inequalities and limited access to information create further barriers, particularly for young leaders from diverse and less privileged backgrounds, making it more challenging for them to successfully engage with the social innovation ecosystem.
This is where artificial intelligence comes in. The new AI-powered tool is designed to lower these barriers, acting as a digital coach.
It analyses applications in real-time and provides targeted suggestions to refine arguments, improve clarity, and enhance persuasiveness.
At the same time, it streamlines the selection process for Ashoka and helps direct social innovation funding more effectively toward the right beneficiaries.
Early results show an increase in the quality of applications and a reduction in the administrative workload for project managers.
Ninni Norra, Founder of Olea Think, a think tank of young experts and changemakers, and winner of the 2024 Young Changemaker Award, played a key role in testing the AI tool commented;
“Changemaking is a business, too, requiring skills like self-promotion, fundraising, marketing, etc. Without a background in civil society, impact entrepreneurship, or politics, this can be a lot. However, great ideas can come from anywhere—what is transformative is also often unconventional. With the AI’s feedback and sparring features, we hope to see even more people from different backgrounds start changing the world.”
As Raphaela Toncic-Sorinj, Director of Ashoka Nordic, puts it:
“We’re starting with young changemakers, but the potential goes far beyond. This tool could transform how we support social innovators across many of Ashoka’s programmes, making the journey more inclusive, accessible, and impactful at every level.”
Technology as a Catalyst for Social Impact
Fellowmind has long been committed to initiatives that promote digital inclusion.
Their partnership with Ashoka is part of a broader effort to dismantle technological barriers and expand access to opportunities.
Through their Digital Inclusion Fund, Fellowmind supports projects that use technology as a bridge rather than a barrier.
“By building AI into the application process, we’re not only advancing digital inclusion but also supporting the next generation of changemakers to bring their ideas to life. This tool embodies our commitment to leveraging technology for a more connected, equitable, and sustainable future,” commented Ville Hemmilä, CEO of Fellowmind
Looking Towards a Global Rollout
The future of this technology is both ambitious and global. Ashoka and Fellowmind are working to make the AI tool available worldwide through the Changemakers.com platform, supporting young innovators across the globe.
This would mark a significant step towards making social innovation more accessible, efficient, and inclusive.
“At Ashoka, we believe every young person has the power to solve a challenge in their community, through teamwork and empathy, and effect positive change around them. Our collaboration with Fellowmind will enable more young people around the world to have access to support and resources and be celebrated for their innovative ideas and contributions to society,” said Daniela Matielo, Director of Changemakers.com.
By breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities, AI-driven technology is becoming a powerful ally in building a world where everyone has the chance to contribute to the greater good and become a changemaker.
