Advancing Public Interest Technology
Supporting the Ford Foundation’s mission to leverage tech for the public good through corporate partnerships and strategic convenings.
Image Credit: Ford Foundation
The Assignment
The Ford Foundation sought to engage technology corporations in advancing Public Interest Technology (PIT), aiming to leverage the promise of a tech-enabled future to better serve the public and deliver more positive outcomes. Platypus Advisors was tasked with effectively bridging the foundation's PIT initiatives with private-sector technology companies to cultivate partnerships that could drive the field and tech equity forward.
The Context
Public Interest Technology is a broad field that builds on the promise of a tech-enabled future to better serve the public. The Ford Foundation's PIT philanthropic structure includes New America's PIT University Network (PIT-UN). The challenge was to identify and engage technology corporations that shared the foundation's vision and could contribute to advancing PIT initiatives.
Image Credit: PIT-UN
Our Role & Process
Research & Analysis
Conducted document reviews and stakeholder interviews to understand Ford's PIT philanthropic structure and identify potential corporate partners.
Strategy Development
Defined corporate-partnership opportunity areas, positioning, and target audiences to align with Ford's PIT objectives.
Engagement & Facilitation
Engaged with the tech industry network and facilitated relationship-building with private-sector companies, including participation in events like SOCAP.
“The conversations your team facilitated with Cisco set the foundations for what we can contemplate doing with the private sector. I am grateful for your guidance in those key discussions.”
-Andreen Soley, Director, Public Interest Technology, New America PIT-UN
The Impact
The engagement enabled the Ford Foundation to connect with technology companies and other stakeholders to advance Public Interest Technology initiatives. Key outcomes included a high-level convening with Cisco, engaging over 30 attendees from academia and the private sector to explore collaboration around AI and workforce equity, and the development of a research framing document that guided those discussions. Platypus Advisors also advised the foundation on fundraising strategies to support ongoing PIT initiatives. Together, these efforts laid the groundwork for meaningful cross-sector partnerships, demonstrating that strategic engagement can accelerate the adoption of technology solutions that serve the public good and promote equity.