Influential Impact Tech Startups
A list of prominent impact tech startups applying innovation in everyday life.
Impact tech is the intentional and responsible use of science and new technologies to benefit people and the planet, thus generating a large-scale positive impact. The rise of this emerging sector around the world is constantly growing, often influenced by a number of different factors.
“Solutions that place the priority firmly on responsible technology and science as the key driver to address the world’s biggest challenges.” — tech2impact
Lately, development institutions and international organizations have increased their attention on impact tech as some state it is directly intertwined with the future of global development. Therefore, many have launched dedicated programs, such as the World Bank or various UN agencies. At the same time, numerous startups introduced new tools to enhance innovation culture and create social impact.
According to Startups Magazine, “an impact startup refers to any company addressing one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including climate action, clean energy, gender equality, and zero hunger, and startups around the world are rapidly emerging to address every challenging area.”
In no particular order, here are some of these fascinating startups to monitor:
She codes — An Israeli startup founded by Ruth Polachek in 2013. According to the UN, it aims to “enhance the use of enabling technology to promote the empowerment of women.” As written on their official website, activities include programming courses, group projects led by community volunteers, tech lectures, meetings with inspirational women, career counseling, and more.
Recycleye — Recycleye uses advanced machine learning, computer vision, and automation to revolutionize waste sorting on a global level. Founded in London in 2019 by CEO Victor Dewulf and CTO Peter Hedley, Recycleye operates across Europe and has raised over £4m to turn waste into resources.
ABC doc — Based in Berlin and founded in 2021, ABC doc is an online service that helps people understand and reply to bureaucratic correspondence. The company has created an app that allows people to quickly assess the content of a letter, whether they need to take action, reply, pay, or if they need to get legal help.
Calvah — Built by Kollektiv MFG that claims it combines technology with the principles of equality, inclusion, and sustainability. It was created to help plan and run meetings, enforce equal speaking times, reduce unconscious biases, and improve meeting productivity.
CIRCA5000 — An impact investing app that allows people to invest in the causes they believe in. The London-based startup, established by Tom McGillycuddy and Matt Latham, was developed with the aim to revolutionize investing and show a new generation that they can build wealth while at the same time contribute toward a better future for humanity.
Are there any others you can think of? Let us know in the comments!
