Shows
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 app...2025-03-2040 min
Eyes 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 foc...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
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
The Software Agents PodcastTech Matters - Jim Fruchterman - The Intentional Nonprofit Tech Matters CEO Jim Fruchterman is a serial Silicon Valley success. But he long ago learned that many life-changing technologies can’t build the billion-dollar companies that VCs must deliver. For 30 years now, Jim has devoted himself to bringing tech startup thinking and leading edge tech to nonprofit work. This year’s lockdowns have made some of these tech innovations life-and-death essential.2020-09-0300 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
Leading GoodEpisode 35: The Social Enterprise Alliance Series with Founder and CEO of Benetech, Jim FruchtermanWelcome to Leading Good, the podcast for leaders of social impact brands, social enterprise and nonprofits. Each episode is hosted by Leading Good co-creators, Rod Arnold & Hugh Weber, and features a leading voice in the social good sector. This episode is part of the Social Enterprise Alliance Series, a partnership with the key catalyst for the rapidly growing social enterprise movement. In this episode, Rod Arnold hosts Jim Fruchterman. Jim is Founder and CEO of Benetech, which was founded to be a different kind of tech company—a nonprofit—with a pure focus on developing technology for social good. But they...2017-12-0600 min
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
Social Entrepreneur102, Jim Fruchterman, Benetech | Technology Serving Humanity #TechForGoodWhat if we focused the power of technology on our greatest social challenges? Jim Fruchterman was a social entrepreneur before the term was popularized. He told me, “I didn’t know I was a social entrepreneur for the first ten years.” Jim was in a PhD program at Stanford when he Left to join a rocket company. Unfortunately the rocket blew up on the launching pad. But by this time, he had been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug.
Instead of returning to the PhD program, Jim decided to go on to his next startup, a company that created omnifont Optical Charac...2016-08-2232 min
Social Entrepreneur102, Jim Fruchterman, Benetech | Technology Serving Humanity #TechForGood2016-08-2232 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_enterprise2010-03-301h 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