Shows
Ignite: Conversations on Startups, Venture Capital, Tech, Future, and SocietyIgnite Impact: Building Nonprofit SaaS That Actually Scales with Jim Fruchterman | Ep237What if the biggest tech opportunities aren’t the ones that make billions, but the ones that actually work?Jim Fruchterman has spent three decades proving a quiet, uncomfortable truth, some of the most leverage-rich technology in the world will never be VC-backable, and that’s exactly why it matters.Jim is a Caltech-trained engineer, serial founder, and MacArthur Fellow who walked away from traditional Silicon Valley success to build something stranger and more ambitious. First at Benetech, and now as the founder of Tech Matters, he’s been buildi...
2026-02-0939 min
Tech MattersMore Than a Message: Debbie Rogers of Reach Digital HealthIn this episode, Jim Fruchterman speaks with Debbie Rogers, CEO of Reach Digital Health. Debbie details the evolution of Reach Digital Health (formerly the Praekelt Foundation), which was founded on the insight that mobile phone penetration in Africa was leapfrogging the rest of the world. This created a unique opportunity to address systemic health challenges like HIV and maternal mortality. One of their first projects reduced "loss to follow-up" at HIV clinics from 30% to just 6% using simple SMS reminders and "please call me" technology. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how to transition from "pilot-itis" to...
2026-02-0450 min
Tech MattersDesign as a Lifeline, Jonathan McKay on Supporting LGBTQI+ Youth with SameSame In this episode of Tech Matters, we sit down with Jonathan McKay, the founder of SameSame, a social enterprise dedicated to providing mental health support and access to services for LGBTQI+ youth. During the conversation, we explore Jonathan's journey from graphic design and for-profit marketing to the social sector with SameSame, using anonymity to create safe, accessible pathways for young LGBTQI+ people. Listeners will learn about the unique challenges in the mental health nonprofit world and why technology—when used ethically—is a lifeline for those who'd otherwise live with no support at all. Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/d...
2026-01-2149 min
Idea Citizen on LinkedIn LiveJim Fruchterman on Technology for Good | Hosted by Jackie DomanusIn this Idea Citizen LIVE conversation, Jim Fruchterman—serial tech entrepreneur, MacArthur Fellow, and founder of Tech Matters—shares why he moved from the for-profit AI world to the nonprofit sector over 30 years ago. Jim has spent decades applying technology to social impact, from disability inclusion to education, human rights, environmental sustainability, and crisis response.This discussion is hosted by Jackie Domanus, an AI Fractional CMO and Founder of Idea Citizen, a global community exploring the future of leadership, technology, and business. Jackie leads AI-driven marketing strategies and champions conversations that connect innovation with human-centered impact.We...
2026-01-1350 min
Tech MattersThe Farmer-to-Farmer Playbook, with Rikin Gandhi of Digital Green Inspired by astronauts and grounded in the realities of rural India, the founder of Digital Green shares a 15-year journey of using technology to support smallholder farmers. In this episode, we hear how a Microsoft Research project grew into a global nonprofit working with governments and NGOs, first by using low-cost farmer-to-farmer videos, and now by building AI-powered advisory tools in local languages. We dig into what actually works in the field, how costs dropped for farmers using Digital Green's tools, and why partnership, farmer agency, and careful tuning of AI models matter more than flashy tech. Full t...
2026-01-0744 min
New Podcasts - trailers for new and noteworthy showsTech Matters Technology
Official website: https://techmatters.org/category/tech-matters-podcast/
Subscribe in all apps: https://podnews.net/podcast/ier6g
In a landscape where the tech industry's reputation often precedes it, veteran social entrepreneur and Tech for Good pioneer Jim Fruchterman is rewriting the narrative in Tech Matters. Through conversations with extraordinary change-makers, you'll discover how tech skills can build a better world and drive genuine social change. Whether you're a developer wanting to pivot your career or an entrepreneur who believes profit and purpose aren't mutually exclusive, you'll learn how to put people first when building technology.
© T...
2026-01-0501 min
The Business of GivingJim Fruchterman’s Blueprint for Technology That Actually Serves HumanityFrom the person who co-founded the first nonprofit software company to tackle social problems at scale, Jim Fruchterman returns to share insights from his new book “𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗡𝗼𝗻𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀.”In this conversation, Jim explains why boring plumbing saves more lives than sexy AI moonshots, and introduces the Better Deal for Data - a new framework launching in 2026 to prevent data colonialism in vulnerable communities. He also makes the case that the current tech recession presents the biggest opportunity in years to recruit disillusioned engineers into meaningful work, and shares his vision that by 2050, technology will finally deliver universal access to quality mental health services globally.It’s Jim Fruchterman on The Business of Giving.
2025-12-3131 min
Tech MattersHelplines Reimagined, with Dee Luo and Nick Hurlburt of Aselo [added commentary]In this special episode, we revisit the origin story of Aselo, the open-source contact center platform transforming how child helplines operate around the world. Jim talks with Aselo's leaders, Dee Luo and Nick Hurlburt, about modernizing helplines by integrating calls, texts, and social media to meet young people where they are. From global partnerships to the careful use of AI, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build trustworthy, privacy-first technology for children in crisis. Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/helplines-reimagined-dee-luo-nick-hurlburt-aselo/ DEE LUO [Director of Product & Business Operations] Dee has wor...
2025-12-1733 min
Tech MattersDecolonizing Drones, with Sonja Betschart of WeRoboticsWhat if drones weren't symbols of surveillance and warfare, but everyday tools for local communities to protect forests, cities, and coastlines? Sonja Betschart is the co-founder of WeRobotics and the Flying Labs Network. Thanks to these organizations, drones, geospatial data, and AI are being put in the hands of local experts across the Global South. From mapping shark nurseries in the Seychelles to assessing landslides in Nepal and supporting farmers in Tanzania, Sonja explains how a small, global network is turning cutting-edge tech into practical, community-led solutions. Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/decolonizing-drones-sonja-betschart-werobotics-flyinglabs SONJA BETSCHART [Co-founder & Co...
2025-12-0441 min
Tech MattersBreaking the Silence: Helping Survivors of Assault with Tracy DeTomasi of Callisto CONTENT WARNING: This episode makes reference to sexual assault. In this episode, Jim speaks with Tracy DeTomasi, CEO of Callisto, a nonprofit using secure technology to connect survivors of sexual assault and expose serial perpetrators. Tracy, a licensed clinical social worker, explains how Callisto's end-to-end encrypted platform lets survivors safely discover if their assailant has harmed others — and why confidentiality, trust, and survivor choice are at the core of its design. Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/callisto-helping-assault-survivors TRACY DE TOMASI (CEO) Tracy De Tomasi has over 20 years of experience in lead...
2025-11-1934 min
Tech MattersFrom Idea to Fruition: Accelerating Nonprofits, with Shannon Farley and Kevin Barenblat of Fast ForwardWhat do you do when you have a great social impact idea but no experience with making it a reality? With all its risks, is Artificial Intelligence something that replaces human ingenuity or can it really be used to bring your idea to fruition? Delve into how Fast Forward takes a page from the iconic Y Combinator playbook to shake up the nonprofit scene. Entrepreneurial spirit meets social impact—discover the innovative accelerator model that's bridging startup culture with philanthropic goals. Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/fastforward-accelerating-tech-nonprofits KEVIN BARENBLAT (Co-Founder & President) Kevin is an...
2025-11-0538 minTech MattersIntroducing Season 3: Flipping the script from harmful tech to Tech For GoodWelcome to our third season, featuring amazing guests: Shannon Farley and Kevin Barenblat of Fast Forward, Tracy De Tomasi of Callisto, Sonja Betschart of WeRobotics, Rikin Gandhi of Digital Green, Jono McKay of SameSame, and Debbie Rogers of Reach Digital Health. Tune into the biweekly Tech Matters podcast by following and subscribing on your favorite platform!
2025-10-2901 min
Keen On AmericaThe AI Pioneer Who Chose Purpose Over Profit: Jim Fruchterman on Why Big Tech Can't Be Trusted with Our FutureBack in 1990, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur called Jim Fruchterman chose purpose over profit. In his new book, Technology for Good, Fruchterman explains how nonprofit leaders like him are using software and data to solve our most pressing social problems. Thirty five years ago, when his investors vetoed a reading machine for the blind because the market was only $1 million annually, Fruchterman walked away from his $25 million-funded AI company to start his first nonprofit. Today, he’s still on the front line of the battle to show that technology’s greatest potential lies not in making bill...
2025-10-0244 min
Awarepreneurs377 | Tech for Good: Using Software & Data to Solve Society's Biggest Problems with Jim Fruchterman Bio: Jim Fruchterman is a leading social entrepreneur, author, MacArthur Fellow, recipient of the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, and Distinguished Alumnus of Caltech. After starting two successful for-profit AI companies, he went on to found Benetech, the award-winning tech nonprofit, building tools for people with disabilities and human rights defenders document and analyze abuses. His current nonprofit projects at Tech Matters include Aselo, a shared modern contact center for the crisis response field; Terraso, software for the people on the front line of the climate crisis; and the Better Deal for Data, a data governance reform mo...
2025-09-2346 min
Eyes On Success with hosts Peter and Nancy Torpey2538 Encore of 1741 Together Again – Leaders Who Made a Difference (part 2 of 2) (Sep. 17, 2025)
2538 Encore of 1741 Together Again – Leaders Who Made a Difference (part 2 of 2) (Sep. 17, 2025)
Show Notes
Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey continue the conversation with three leaders in the field of assistive technology: Deane Blazie, Jim Fruchterman, and Ted Henter. They made pioneering contributions to the development of refreshable Braille displays, OCR, and screen readers, respectively. Learn about their visions for the future in this informative round table discussion.
2025-09-1700 minEyes On Success with hosts Peter and Nancy Torpey2537 Encore of 1740 Together Again – Leaders Who Made a Difference (part 1 of 2) (Sep. 10, 2025)
2537 Encore of 1740 Together Again – Leaders Who Made a Difference (part 1 of 2 ) (Sep. 10, 2025)
Show Notes
This week hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey bring together three leaders in the field of assistive technology: Deane Blazie, Jim Fruchterman, and Ted Henter. They made pioneering contributions to the development of refreshable Braille displays, OCR, and screen readers, respectively. Learn what each of them is up to today in this informative round table discussion.
2025-09-1000 min
Commonwealth Club of California PodcastTechnology for Good: How Nonprofit Leaders Are Using Software and Data to Solve Our Most Pressing Social ProblemsJoin us to hear from a MacArthur genius awardee, former rocket engineer, and passionate leader in the social enterprise movement—Jim Fruchterman—about using technology for positive social change.
To a lot of people in big business, the only worthy ideas are those that make a lot of money, preferably billions. But Jim Fruchterman believes there is a different path for technology. What if tech returned to its roots and made people more effective and powerful? What if the benefits of technology came to the 90 percent of humanity traditionally neglected by for-profit companies in favor of immense prof...
2025-09-081h 11Eyes On Success with hosts Peter and Nancy Torpey2536 Creating Tech Solutions for Social Good (Sep. 3, 2025)
2536 Creating Tech Solutions for Social Good (Sep. 3, 2025)
Show Notes
How can nonprofit tech leaders harness tech and AI to drive accessibility? Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with Jim Fruchterman, founder of Tech Matters, about his journey from Arkenstone to Bookshare and the challenges of funding social enterprises. He shares insights on agile development, inclusive design, and why tech for good matters to the disability community.
2025-09-0300 min
Tech MattersHelplines Reimagined, with Dee Luo and Nick Hurlburt of Tech Matter's AseloIn this special episode of the Tech Matters Podcast, we dive into the inspiring story of Aselo, a groundbreaking contact center platform designed to empower child helplines worldwide. Aselo is revolutionizing how organizations provide counseling, resources, and care through modern, purpose-built technology. Join us as we explore the journey of Director of Product and Operations Dee Luo and Executive Director Nick Hurlburt, the visionary leaders behind Aselo, who share how they transitioned from the tech industry to building a social enterprise that's making a global impact. Aselo is now helping to bring helplines into the digital age, from applying h...
2025-03-2040 minEyes On Success with hosts Peter and Nancy Torpey2512 Benetech Celebrates 25 Years of Making Books Accessible for Everyone (Mar. 19, 2025)
2512 Benetech Celebrates 25 Years of Making Books Accessible for Everyone (Mar. 19, 2025)
Show Notes
Benetech’s work has transformed how people with disabilities access information. Hosts Nancy and Peter Torpey talk with founder Jim Fruchterman and CEO Ayan Kishore about the evolution of Bookshare, the use of AI in accessibility, the Global Certified Accessible program, and how Benetech’s efforts have impacted digital publishing and education.
2025-03-1900 min
Tech MattersSeason Two wrap-up: What We Heard and Where To NextIn wrapping up Season Two, Jim extends his heartfelt gratitude to our devoted listeners and the extraordinary tech nonprofit leaders who've shared their impactful stories. Furthermore, this season wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of our major donors, including the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Okta for Good, the Skoll Foundation, and Splunk. Jim leaves us with a call to action: technologists and social sector workers alike are invited to pivot their skills towards meaningful impact. Transcript on website RATE, WRITE, SUBSCRIBE Be sure to...
2024-05-1208 min
Tech MattersThe Balcony and the Dance Floor: Jim's Journey Towards a Better Deal for Data For our final episode of season 2, this time it's Jim who sits on the other end. Our special guest host is his longtime mentee — and CEO of Nexleaf Analytics — Nithya Ramanathan. What led to the decision to prioritize social impact over the stereotypical Silicon Valley (attempt at) wealth for its own sake? Guided by Nithya's insightful questioning, Jim's narrative takes us through the early experiences that shaped his sense of empathy without ever losing his innate curiosity for science and technology. As they discuss the evolution of social entrepreneurship, the significance of data sovereignty, Jim and Nit...
2024-05-0336 min
Tech MattersMapping the Global Supply Chain, with Natalie Grillon of Open Supply HubOpen Supply Hub is more than just a database; it's a movement towards a more ethical and sustainable future. By crowdsourcing data and providing a unique identifier for facilities, they've created a system that benefits everyone from brands to auditors and even the workers themselves. Today's conversation covers the inception of Open Supply Hub and its evolution. Executive Director Natalie Grillon recounts her time in Uganda, working with an agricultural development company as part of a global fellowship with Acumen. This experience, coupled with her exposure to the aftermath of the heart-breaking Rana Plaza collapse, fue...
2024-04-1934 min
Tech MattersBridging the Education Gap: Talking Points' Heejae Lim on Tech-Driven Family EngagementDive into the heart of social tech innovation with Heejae Lim, the trailblazing founder and CEO of TalkingPoints. Heejae recounts the inception of her groundbreaking app, which stands out as a rare success story in a sea of well-intentioned but often ineffective educational apps. TalkingPoints isn't just another tool in the edtech arsenal; it's a game-changer, using AI to bridge language gaps, fostering meaningful connections between teachers and non-English-speaking parents, and ultimately improving educational outcomes for students—particularly those from underserved communities. This episode is an inspiration for anyone looking to leverage technology for impact, off...
2024-04-0639 min
Tech MattersUniting Data Science and Social Good, with DataKind co-founder Jake Porway"What could the nonprofit sector do if every nonprofit had Google's engineering team?" (J. P.) In this thought-provoking episode, we sat down with Jake Porway, the visionary co-founder of DataKind, to explore the transformative potential of harnessing data science for the nonprofit sector. Jake takes us through the journey of the organization from its early days of hackathons to its evolution into a beacon for long-term, impact-oriented projects. Today, DataKind is made of many chapters worldwide, as data scientists and social workers meet to face challenges in their home countries. But we...
2024-03-2237 min
Tech MattersExposing Global Corruption: Tech For Investigative Journalism, with Drew Sullivan of OCCRP"It takes a network to fight a network" (D. S.) In the labyrinth of global corruption and organized crime, a beacon of truth shines through the data-driven work of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). This episode takes a deep dive with co-founder Drew Sullivan as he shares the story behind the most comprehensive database on international corruption. By aggregating billions of data points, from public records to leaked documents, OCCRP empowers journalists worldwide to uncover the intricate networks of criminal activity. But the journey wasn't simple. Drew recounts the...
2024-03-1035 min
Tech MattersFortifying Truth in the Age of Deepfakes: Lessons from Yvette Alberdingk Thijm, ex-Director of Witness "Seeing is no longer believing. You need to fortify the truth." (Y.A.T.) Generative AI, deepfakes… we've known the risks for a while, but the dangers feel ever closer given the amazing advancements of orgs like OpenAI. Meanwhile, human rights activists have faced these risks for years (think of doctored videos, misleading evidence, or the total absence of context). Witness was ahead of its time by giving people tools to document human rights violations (departing from conventional notions of "acquiring data") and prioritizing authenticity, personal security, and safety, particularly through its f...
2024-02-2330 min
Tech MattersPart 2 - Overcoming the Market (Failure), with Owen Barder of PxD Picking up where we left off with Owen Barder, Jim digs deeper into how tech enters the discussion, in particular what Precision Development has been doing to tackle major sustainable agriculture challenges in developing countries. Key topics: When to do AB testing (à la Facebook) vs. a full-blown Randomized Control Trial (the typical government approach); the fact that data helps flag a problem, but you still need to dig deeper to understand exactly what that problem is; and the fact that farmers today, especially in developing countries, are operating under more uncertainty than they need to. > Transcript on website ...
2024-02-0927 min
Tech MattersPart 1 - Overcoming the Market (Failure), with Owen Barder of PxD Throughout Owen's journey, one central question has been: How do you navigate market failure, especially when the stakes are sky-high? The typical choice between government intervention vs. private investment vs. third sector solutions often can't cut it. Owen and innovators like him don't have all the answers, but are able operate at the highest institutional level, crafting and implementing new models that go beyond a single ideology in order to tackle some of the most formidable global economic challenges. With a distinguished career as a civil servant in the UK Treasury, the UK Department of I...
2024-01-2634 min
Tech MattersComing Soon: Tech Matters Season 2, on the Power of Data!As we learned from Nithya Ramanathan in Season 1, data = money = power. To understand what this means for our future, and what we can actually do about it, we're coming back strong with a whole new lineup of interviews in Season 2. You'll hear from Jake Porway, co-founder of Datakind, Yvette Alberdingk Thijm of Witness, Owen Barder of Precision Development, and many more about the importance of human-centered design, field-based learning, and the needs, challenges, and power of data for good. Tune into the biweekly Tech Matters podcast by following and subscribing on your favorite platform!
2024-01-2101 min
The Business of GivingNavigating the Intersection of Technology and Social Change: A Conversation with Jim Fruchterman, CEO of Tech MattersThe following is a conversation between Jim Fruchterman, CEO of Tech Matters, and Denver Frederick, the Host of The Business of Giving.
Denver: There are many tech people who want to do good for the world, and Tech Matters is the organization that builds the bridges they need to do the most good. The organization helps social change leaders understand what tech can and can't do, and builds the tech solutions behind solving a social problem. And here to tell us more about this work is Jim Fruchterman, the founder and CEO of Tech Matters.
2023-06-1737 min
On the Contrary by IDRIs tech killing the planet?Technology is emerging as a crucial lever for climate action. However, there is also an urgent need to discuss its consequences. Is adopting tech truly the only low carbon answer or just a more profitable one? And who gets to control it? The big tech companies or the communities facing the devastating consequences of climate change on the ground? Jim Fruchterman, Founder and CEO of Tech Matters, and Trisha Ray, Deputy Director, Centre for Security, Strategy and Technology at Observer Research Foundation, explore the growing and sometimes unforeseeable impacts of tech on climate change. Host: Smarinita Shetty;
2022-10-1126 min
Tech MattersSeason One wrap-up: What's next for Tech For Good? With Jim FruchtermanAs we draw the curtain on Season 1, Jim takes us back through some of the most captivating insights shared by our remarkable guests. It's a reaffirmation of why technology serves as a catalyst for monumental social change and why it's equally crucial to grasp the boundaries of technology and its ethical development. Join us for a retrospective that underscores the pivotal role of tech in driving positive global impact while maintaining unwavering ethical integrity. > Transcript on website RATE, WRITE, SUBSCRIBE If you like what you hear...
2022-04-0214 min
Tech MattersDefending Indigenous Rights with Data, with Emily Jacobi of Digital DemocracyGet ready to meet Emily Jacobi, co-founder of Digital Democracy, a non-profit on a mission to harness the transformative power of technology for marginalized communities. Join us as we delve into their remarkable work, from empowering local partners in Haiti to Peru to track cultural and geographical data. This data, in turn, becomes compelling legal testimony against corporate practices causing harm. Uncover essential lessons in co-design and accompaniment, the profound impact of mapping one's political and cultural presence, and the extraordinary potential of data sovereignty. It's a conversation that will leave you inspired and enlightened.
2021-12-2440 min
Tech MattersThe amazing story of TechSoup Global, with CEO Rebecca MasisakJoin us in an insightful journey with Rebecca Masisak, the dynamic CEO of TechSoup Global, as she unravels the fascinating evolution of the organization's mission. Starting as CompuMentor, their initial focus was on providing tech volunteer services to nonprofits. Over time, they expanded their impact by offering donated software and hardware at steep discounts, setting the stage for remarkable success. Discover the pivotal moments when TechSoup adapted to the changing tech landscape as software transitioned to the cloud, redefining their business model. Explore their transformation from a local network to a global force, giving birth t...
2021-11-2341 min
Tech MattersFinding the Simple Things that Scale... Massively, with Sanjay Purohit of Societal PlatformMeet Sanjay Purohit, the visionary Chief Curator of Societal Platform, on a mission to orchestrate a vibrant ecosystem of changemakers, organizations, and initiatives committed to tackling grand-scale challenges head-on. In this episode, he takes us on an illuminating journey through the intricacies of his role. Uncover the secrets of designing, not "just" for thousands, but for millions if not billions of users; the need to focus on simple, core interactions that scale; and what it takes to be an effective leader when collaborating with existing networks and organizations, rather than reinventing the wheel in isolation. J...
2021-09-2041 min
Tech MattersMid-Season Recap: Overcoming Skepticism, with Jim FruchtermanIn this recap episode, Jim steps in to reflect on the insights we've gathered from our exceptional guests, Mike, Ana, and Nithya. He also shares the personal journey that brought him to becoming a social entrepreneur. Join us as Jim dives into the essence of human-centered design, the art of navigating skepticism on the path of social entrepreneurship, and the critical role technology must play in addressing the pressing global challenges of our time. It's a candid reflection that'll leave you inspired and informed. > Transcript on website RATE, WRITE, SUBSCRIBE
2021-07-2412 min
Tech MattersUsing the Internet of Things to Save Lives, with Nithya Ramanathan of NexleafAs industries and governments forge ahead in the era of digital transformation, Nithya, the co-founder and CEO of Nexleaf, emerges as a champion of responsible data use. With a potent blend of data insights and profound engineering expertise, she's on a mission to ensure data serves a greater purpose with unwavering equity and meaningful impact. Discover how Nexleaf's groundbreaking temperature-sensing technology is making a real difference, bringing life-saving vaccines to countless children worldwide. Join us for a captivating discussion on the need to make data transparent in order to achieve real impact, while also making s...
2021-05-0337 min
Tech MattersUsing Apps to Bring Financial Empowerment to Low-Income Women, with Ana PantelicGet ready to be inspired by Dr. Ana Pantelic, who is now Executive Director of MIT D-Lab. In this episode, she shares her remarkable journey, including her impactful tenure at Fundación Capital where she pioneered the LISTA initiative. LISTA introduced tablet-based financial education experiences to uplift low-income communities, with a special focus on empowering women. Discover the transformative power of human-centered design, learn the art of designing for scale right from the outset, and gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of working as an NGO in the Global South. >...
2021-04-0136 min
Tech MattersGamification That Actually Works (For Social Impact), with Michael Sani of Play VertoMeet Michael Sani, the co-founder of Bite the Ballot, a groundbreaking UK voter registration app, and the visionary behind Play Verto, a Tinder-style platform where young voices meet policy. In this episode, we unravel the inspiring journey of how he and his team harnessed the power of data and social media to ignite a political spark among youth people. Explore the art of planning an exit strategy, even when your project thrives. Discover the ethical ways data can empower individuals, and dive into the profound connection between political engagement and social consciousness. Join us for a...
2021-02-0827 min
World Blind HeraldMaking Better episode 6: Jim Fruchterman #a11yJim Fruchterman is a leading social entrepreneur, a MacArthur Fellow, a recipient of the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship, and a Distinguished Alumnus of Caltech. Jim believes that technology has the power to improve—even transform—the lives of people around the world. As Founder and CEO of Benetech, he focused on bringing Silicon Valley’s technology innovations to all of humanity, not just the richest five percent. He is a former rocket engineer who also founded two successful for-profit technology companies. Under Jim’s leadership, Benetech created and scaled multiple software for social good enterprises spanning education, human rights, and envi...
2019-07-2257 min
EdSurge PodcastPodcast Extra: Overcoming Barriers to STEM EducationHow do we crack a problem that has existed for decades? Jobs in science, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM) jobs are projected to grow 17 percent between 2014 and 2024; non-STEM jobs are expected to rise only 12 percent. Even so, minorities, women and people with disabilities are still severely underrepresented in STEM-related fields. And if innovation springs from looking at problems from a very different perspective, then coaxing people who bring diverse perspectives should become a national imperative.
As part of Silicon Valley’s Commonwealth Club discussion series, EdSurge CEO and co-founder Betsy Corcoran spoke with three MacArthur Fellows actively involved in helping people fr...
2018-02-091h 05
Inside Social InnovationSoftware for Good: Empowering the Social Sector Data RevolutionLeading for-profit companies thrive by embracing data insights to drive increased efficiency, effectiveness, and scale. They view information and analytics as core strategic assets in running a modern business. In this talk from our 2017 Do Good Data | Data on Purpose conference, Jim Fruchterman, founder and CEO of the tech nonprofit Benetech, argues that the social sector must follow these companies’ lead. Drawing from his 2016 SSIR article “Using Data for Action and for Impact,” Fruchterman leads a discussion about how nonprofits can embrace the “Software for Good” movement characterized by data-driven decisions to better serve communities. https://ssir.org/podcas...
2017-05-1541 min
Red Cup AgencyCult/Tech Podcast with Benetech And All Children ReadingJoining us today on the podcast is Brad Turner, Vice President of Global Literacy for Benetech, and Deborah Backus of All Children Reading.
They talk about helping children with disabilities appreciate books and reading with a book distribution program that places books in Braille, audio, and mixed formats in the hands of children who need them.
“Access to information is a basic human right,” Jim Fruchterman, Founder and CEO of Benetech has said.
2017-04-2617 min
2016-08-2232 min
Inside Silicon Valley with Russell HancockJim Fruchterman, Founder, Benetech.orgJim Fruchterman, founder of Benetech.org, discusses his nonprofit tech company's efforts to find creative innovative solutions to challenging social issues.
2014-01-1349 min
Free Forum with Terrence McNallyQ&A: Social Entrepreneurs-Creating Good WorkAired: 03/24/13This week I'm joined by RON SCHULTZ, editor of a new book, CREATING GOOD WORK, that brings together essays by social entrepreneurs that share their experiences as well as their insights and advice for others. Ron has invited a few of his book's contributors (PAUL HERMAN, founder/CEO, HIP Investor Inc; JIM FRUCHTERMAN, founder/CEO Benetech; CARRIE FREEMAN, Second Muse; formerly Intel) to join us, and I want to tap each person's individual story while asking some of these bigger questions -- What is a social entrepreneur? What's working in the field? Why is it...
2013-03-2556 min
Inside Social InnovationJim Fruchterman - Harnessing Technology for Social EnterpriseHarnessing engineering innovation and technology to further social causes is one path to social enterprise. In this university podcast, sponsored by Stanford's Center for Social Innovation, former rocket scientist Jim Fruchterman talks about how he created Benetech, an organization that uses technology innovation and business expertise to solve unmet social needs. He discusses how he has leveraged the intellectual capital and resources of Silicon Valley to create solutions that are truly life changing. https://ssir.org/podcasts/entry/jim_fruchterman_-_harnessing_technology_for_social_enterprise
2010-03-301h 25
Center for Internet and SocietyHearsay Culture Show #42, KZSU-FM (Stanford)A talk show on KZSU-FM, Stanford, 90.1 FM, hosted by Center for Internet & Society Resident Fellow David S. Levine. The show includes guests and focuses on the intersection of technology and society. How is our world impacted by the great technological changes taking place? Each week, a different sphere is explored. This week, David interviews Jim Fruchterman, CEO of Benetech. For more information, please go to http://hearsayculture.com.
2007-06-2700 min