Overview

data.org was established in 2020 as a global initiative to harness the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI) for social impact. It aims to build and expand the field of data science for social good by connecting philanthropic, technological, academic, and social impact partners. The organisation focuses on enabling data and AI to address critical global challenges such as climate resilience, financial inclusion, public health and equitable development.

Mission and focus areas

data.org’s mission is to accelerate the use of data and AI to solve complex societal problems and democratise access to data capabilities. It seeks to train and empower a global community of purpose-driven data practitioners and increase the capacity of organisations to apply data science for social good. The organisation’s core focus areas include workforce development in data and AI, promotion of ethical data use, and fostering innovation that drives inclusive growth and community resilience. Through partnerships and initiatives, data.org contributes to evidence-based decision-making and supports capacity building in sectors relevant to sustainable development, indirectly aligning with broader sustainable finance and ESG considerations by enabling organisations to use data for impact measurement and strategic planning.

Structure and governance

data.org operates as a non-profit platform for partnerships with a leadership team that guides its strategic direction and initiatives. It collaborates with a network of partners spanning philanthropy, technology, academia and social impact organisations, supported by founding and ongoing philanthropic funding. The organisation’s governance includes senior leadership roles, advisory collaborations and coordination with global partners to oversee programmes and challenges that advance its mission.

Programs and offerings

data.org delivers a suite of programmes and resources designed to accelerate the use of data for social good. Key offerings include the Capacity Accelerator Network, which builds global data and AI talent, and Innovation Challenges that surface scalable solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity and inclusion. The organisation also supports Epiverse, a collaborative effort to develop open tools for public health data analysis, and offers a resource library of guides, case studies and reports to help practitioners implement effective data strategies. These resources provide practical insights and foster a global community of practice in data-driven impact work.

Our mission

data.org is accelerating the power of data and AI to solve some of the world’s biggest problems. By hosting innovation challenges to surface and scale groundbreaking ideas, and elevating use cases of the most effective tools and strategies, we are building the field of data for social impact. By 2032, we will train one million purpose-driven data practitioners, ensuring there is capacity to drive meaningful, equitable impact.