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How blockchain technology could revolutionise microfinance in Cambodia
A new Cambodia-based startup thinks it might have found a way to change how microfinance lenders operate and cut down lending fees by more than half – by jumping on the blockchain bandwagon.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Asia Pacific
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Press release: ODX Assembles All-Star Cast to Bring Free Internet to Emerging Markets
“Free and fair access to the web is a fundamental human right,” said Scott Walker, co-founder of DNA Fund. “The dynamic nature of emerging markets creates unique challenges that have never confronted the developed world but also opens up opportunities for innovation and growth. We are proud to be part of the elite group of early supporters of the ODX platform, which will leverage blockchain technology to enable the delivery of free mobile internet access to underserved populations across the world.”
- Categories
- Technology
- Tags
- blockchain, data, global development
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Drone development should focus on social good first, says UK report
Nesta, the innovation-focused charity behind the project and the report, wants the UK to become a global leader in shaping drone systems that place people’s needs first, and writes in the report that: “Cities must shape the future of drones: Drones must not shape the future of cities.”
- Categories
- Technology
- Region
- Europe & Eurasia
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Press release: ITU and WHO launch new initiative to leverage power of Artificial Intelligence for health
"AI could help patients to assess their symptoms, enable medical professionals in underserved areas to focus on critical cases, and save great numbers of lives in emergencies by delivering medical diagnoses to hospitals before patients arrive to be treated," said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. "ITU and WHO plan to ensure that such capabilities are available worldwide for the benefit of everyone, everywhere."
- Categories
- Health Care, Technology
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Stop Looking for the Next ‘Uber for X’ and Start Changing the World
The paradigm of the Silicon Valley "tech bro" pioneering the next "Uber for (whatever)" has become a cliché. Its ubiquity is a distraction, says Alex Amouyel of MIT Solve – one that excludes social innovators from much-needed funding and keeps those with capital from making real change through their investments. Instead of looking for the next unicorn and quick exit, she argues, investors should expand their definition of “venture-backable” entrepreneurs to include those driving transformative, mission-driven impact.
- Categories
- Social Enterprise, Technology
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Low Tech, High Impact: An Affordable, Hand-Powered Innovation Aims to Boost Food Production in Africa
For many global development players, high-tech innovations are the go-to solution for challenges in emerging markets. But according to Taylor Quinn of JUST, Inc., low-tech approaches can be even smarter. He discusses the promising potential of locally made and hand-powered machines in emerging economy value chains, and explores how JUST is using one such device to improve food security, increase access to quality nutrition and promote entrepreneurship in Liberia.
- Categories
- Social Enterprise, Technology
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Realizing blockchain’s potential for social impact
As is usually the case with disruptive new technology, blockchain comes with a lot of hype. While its best-known application, bitcoin, divides opinion and makes banks and governments nervous, the technology may have great potential to advance social good.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
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Looking Past the Buzz: Here’s How to Make Blockchain a Pragmatic Force for Good
Blockchain is often associated with extreme wealth and a disregard for environmental realities, such as electricity use. But Will Szal of Regen Network holds a different view: one that sees the technology's potential to offset carbon emissions and transform the lives of the next billion, particularly the one-fourth of the world's population employed in agriculture. He outlines some ways that blockchain could reach its full potential, for the benefit of the environment and the global poor.
- Categories
- Agriculture, Environment, Technology
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