Advancing Public Interest Technology
Supporting the Ford Foundation’s mission to leverage tech for the public good through corporate partnerships and strategic convenings.
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.