What happens when technologists, social impact leaders, and changemakers don’t just discuss challenges but collaborate to co-create real solutions?
On February 21, 2025, Platform Commons brought together 100+ impact leaders, social entrepreneurs, and grassroots changemakers to shape the future of the development sector at Field of Dreams.
A full 10-to-6 day filled with powerful discussions, hands-on problem-solving, and a deep dive into how technology can create meaningful social impact.
A Full Room of Dreamers (Of the Best Kind!)
The moment we stepped into the venue, we could feel the energy—an unmistakable, roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-to-work kind of energy.
Around us were NGO leaders, funders, tech innovators, and social entrepreneurs, all driven by a shared question:
How do we take impact to the next level with the right technology?
And the best part? The entire day was designed to answer exactly that! Through live demos, hands-on sessions, and real-world case studies, we explored how technology is already tackling challenges in agriculture, education, climate, and beyond.
We kicked things off with a simple yet powerful idea:
Technology isn’t just for corporations and engineers—it’s for changemakers, doers, and those redefining the future of impact.
How We Seized the Day?!
As chai was poured and conversations sparked, three game-changing ideas shaped the day:
- Is technology built for the problem or the people?
- “We First,” Not “Me First”—because the impact isn’t a solo mission.
- How does tech support, rather than replace, grassroots efforts?
This wasn’t a “tech-for-geeks” event. It was about making sure technology actually serves those who need it the most. Even if they don’t fully understand the tech, the tech must understand them.
The sessions moved beyond discussion and into action, with learning, co-creation, and problem-solving at the core:
- Power Users & Product Deep Dives – Real-world insights from changemakers already leveraging tech in the social sector. What’s working? What’s not? What can be scaled?
- One-on-One Conversations Over Lunch – Some of the best ideas happen over chai. These informal sessions helped attendees connect deeply with sector leaders.
- The Power Panel – Tough questions, practical solutions. Leading voices tackled real, on-the-ground challenges and explored how technology can address them.
- Brainstorming & Co-Creation – The grand finale: a collaborative problem-solving sprint tackling real-world challenges together.
Scaling Missions with the Right Tech
Our powerhouse speakers included:
- Prashant & Satyam (Platform Commons) – The morning began with warm welcomes from the co-founders of Platform Commons, who immediately set a collaborative tone for the day. They took a moment to share the story behind their organization, tracing their journey and outlining their hopes for the growing non-profit tech community. Their insights were grounded in real-world experience, as they spoke passionately about building technology that delivers tangible impact for farmers and marginalized communities.
- Navin (Dasra) – On how philanthropy, collaboration, and long-term funding are key to scaling impact. Navin invited nonprofits to join an upcoming initiative that will connect social impact organizations with the right tech solutions. A collaboration between Dasra & Platform Commons, this initiative welcomes interested organizations to reach out at [email protected]. More details on participation will be shared soon.
- Raghu (Vrutti) – A grassroots veteran sharing Vrutti’s 3Fold Model, which empowers small farmers through:
- Tech-driven decision-making
- Strengthened Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Policy engagement for government support
- Community-driven entrepreneurship
“Smallholder farmers don’t just need more solutions—they need better access to the right ones. With tech-enabled, community-driven, and market-aligned support, Vrutti’s 3Fold Model is transforming farming into a viable, resilient livelihood.” – Raghu
- Deepika (Teach for India) & Suhaib (Gandhi Fellowship) – On tech-powered leadership in education and how young changemakers are stepping up.
Deepika shared her personal journey from hospitality to education, highlighting how 5,000+ Teach for India Alumni & Fellows have impacted 100,000+ students, influenced policies, and launched transformative organizations. She also spoke about how TFI approaches technology and how Platform Commons became their partner after a meetup in a similar event last year. She hopes to expand the scope of the TFI platform to now also include the students who have now passed out from schools and looking for economic opportunities.
Suhaib described how the Gandhi Fellowship program immerses young leaders in rural India, using Platform Commons’ tech to streamline fellow recruitment, training, and alumni engagement. - Akshay (Make A Difference – MAD) – Advocating that tech should support—not replace—human connection in social impact work. MAD, a volunteer-driven organization, mobilizes thousands of young mentors across India. Managing this vast network requires a system as dynamic as its people, and Platform Commons provides the digital backbone that makes it possible.
“Volunteers are the heart of our work, and technology keeps that heart beating.” – Akshay
The room was struck by Akshay’s observation: Make A Difference empowers a vast network of 99% volunteer educators, relying on just 1% full-time staff. This extraordinary model left leaders wondering if such a structure could be viable for their own organizations.
- Tanmay (Udhyam Learning Foundation) – On entrepreneurship at the grassroots and how tech enables sustainable livelihoods. Udhyam’s Green Rural Economy model connects solution seekers with scalable, deployable solutions rather than isolated interventions. Platform Commons provides the digital infrastructure to make this knowledge accessible.
“Empowerment isn’t about handing out solutions—it’s about giving people the tools to build their own.” – Tanmay
- Saransh (Saajha) – On how parental involvement in education can transform learning outcomes. Saajha supports parents through WhatsApp-based guidance, call-in support, and accessible learning resources, doubling student improvement in reading and math.
“When parents are empowered, children don’t just do better in school—they build a foundation for lifelong learning.” – Saransh
- Tejeshwar (LLF) – Tejeshwar spoke about the mission of Learning Links Foundation and the pull out model which is delivered by the Resource Persons. The model of engagement is digitized by the Campus Cloud App by Platform Commons that ensures no student is left behind. In the months to come, LLF plans to scale up the model to all their partner schools.
No Filter: The Real Talk Session
On the panel were Raghu from CMS, Vikas from Rainmatter Foundation, Ira from Common Ground, Vishal from Nasscom Foundation & Prashant from Platform Commons as a moderator.
A key learning from the Climate Impact panel was that climate action is embedded in everything we do—whether we realize it or not. The challenge is to become aware of our impact and make better choices.
Brainstorming & Co-Creation: From Challenges to Solutions
The panel set the stage, and then it was time to get to work.
We broke into smaller groups to tackle key challenges:
- How can nonprofits become more fundable and findable?
- Buy, build, or partner—which model works best for NGOs?
- How can tech improve engagement with underserved communities?
- Building local skills—strengthening rural educators, FPOs, and Gram Panchayats.
- The role of community in climate adaptation and mitigation.
Instead of just identifying problems, we co-created actionable solutions. And the best part? These weren’t just ideas—potential collaborations and pilot projects emerged on the spot.
The Biggest Takeaway?
Tech isn’t the hero of this story—people are.
It’s not about throwing digital solutions at social problems. It’s about building tools that actually work for those who need them the most.
If there was one thing everyone agreed on, it was this:
“The social sector doesn’t need more tech. It needs better, more accessible, and more thoughtful tech.”
Where Do We Go From Here?
Field of Dreams wasn’t meant to end when the last session wrapped up. It was meant to be a launchpad for action.
- New collaborations.
- Tangible product ideas.
- Real momentum.
To everyone who joined us, shared their insights, and made this day what it was—thank you.
For those who missed it? This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for key takeaways, testimonials, and ways to stay connected.
Because the future of social impact isn’t something we wait for.
It’s something we build. Together.
Until next time,
Team Platform Commons