Social Impact News + Stories

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Catch up on the latest from social impact ventures incubated at the Harvard Innovation Labs and how they're making an impact on our world.

Climate Founder Q+A: Akonkwa Mubagwa of Winko Solar

How Winko Solar is transforming healthcare infrastructure in emerging markets through intelligent solar energy systems.

Nov 14, 2025

Veritel Energy: An i-lab Story

Listen to Veritel Energy founder Tony Keslinke (ALM'24) discuss how utilizing the i-lab helped propel his venture forward on this podcast episode hosted by Harvard Extension School.

Apr 22, 2025

A New Kind of Home for the Forcibly Displaced

How Nostos Homes reimagined the design and construction of emergency shelters.

Apr 10, 2025

Cassvita field agents and farmers smiling together

Eradicating Food Insecurity and Empowering Farmers One Crop at a Time

Pelkins Ajanoh (HBS '22) shares how his venture, CassVita, is extending the shelf life of cassava to combat hunger and empower farmers.

Mar 13, 2025

Announcing This Year's Social Impact Fellowship Fund Recipients

More than $200,000 awarded in 2024 to 18 mission-driven ventures founded by Harvard students

Dec 16, 2024

Bridging India’s Art Education Gap

How Manasi Mehan (HGSE '24) is reimagining art education and social-emotional learning.

Oct 28, 2024

How a Mentor-Mentee Relationship Helped Power a Renewable Energy Venture

Energy and sustainability expert Frank Yang played a key role in the progress of Veritel Energy, founded by Tony Keslinke (HES '24).

Sep 05, 2024

How MabLab is Addressing the Overdose Crisis

Since launching last year, MabLab has been developing a single test strip that can quickly detect the five deadliest lacing agents in drugs with unparalleled accuracy.

Aug 21, 2024

Ivan Hsiao pitching onstage at the 2024 PIC

Ivan Hsiao’s Journey to Transforming Trans Health

Ivan Hsiao (SPH '24) shares insights from their experience as a finalist in the President’s Innovation Challenge and the founding of Trans Health HQ.

Jun 26, 2024

Joy smiling in a Butterfly Dreamz t-shirt

Finding Purpose in Tragedy

After losing her sister to gun violence, Joy Lindsay (HGSE ’24) founded Butterfly Dreamz to help teen girls and young women become leaders.

May 30, 2024

Turning Ideas Into Impact: Myspeech

Since winning the top prize in the social impact track at the 2022 Harvard President's Innovation Challenge, MySpeech continues to improve the lives of people who stutter through speech therapy and community.

May 29, 2024

Turning Ideas Into Impact: Chaku Foods

Since winning the top prize in the open track at the 2021 Harvard President's Innovation Challenge, Chaku Foods continues to improve the lives of smallholder farmers in Ghana.

May 29, 2024

A group of schoolchildren in uniforms, smiling and raising their arms up high

Leveling Up Learning in Bangladesh

How i-lab founder Azwa Nayeem (EdM 2023) is revolutionizing education in Bangladesh and fostering joy in the classroom through her venture, Alokito Hridoy Foundation.

Oct 31, 2023

Labhya Foundation's Richa Gupta teaching students in an Indian classroom.

Alumni Founders Receive Prestigious Fellowship To Fight Global Poverty

Richa Gupta (HGSE 2021) and Nikki Okrah (HBS 2021) selected for competitive Mulago Foundation fellowship

Oct 05, 2023

The Body Empowerment Project Is Helping Young People to Feel Good in Their Skin

This nonprofit venture is teaching underserved students about self-worth, health and wellness, and happiness that’s independent of the opinions of others.

Sep 13, 2023