An emerging set of cloud-based platforms are bringing identity and vital services to communities that were previously left behind.

Whether providing a reliable address, delivering financial access or capturing relevant personal information, these solutions are empowering individuals to advance in modern society.

Innovators

Community innovators opening up greater access to technology and digital services:
Featured Profile

Muneeb
Ali Founder, Blockstack

We have the illusion that the centralized Internet is free, when in fact we are giving away all of our data to large corporations who act like middle men to advertisers.

Implications

  1. Creating digital representation allows more individuals to participate in the global economy, leading to greater resource exchange and global trade growth.
  2. Expanded identification systems enable governments, aid organizations and businesses to accurately gauge the scale of needs and fundraise or allocate resources effectively.
  3. Increased financial tracking improves accountability in the distribution of aid, resources and funds.

$380 Bringing unbanked adults and businesses into the formal banking sector could generate $380 billion in new revenues for banks.

Billion Reasons To Bank Inclusively, Accenture, 2015.

24% of people in emerging and developing countries own a smartphone.

Communications Technology in Emerging and Developing Nations, Pew Research Center, 2015.

20% of all American households are underbanked.

National Survey Of Unbanked And Underbanked Households, FDIC, 2013.

2.41milion Americans collectively owe more than $1.2 trillion in student loans, making it the second largest class of consumer debt, behind mortgages.

Student loan servicing, CFPB, 2015.

34% of households in developing countries have Internet access.

ICT Facts & Figures, ITU, 2015.

Examples

Additional global thought-leaders and organizations are creating new technologies and services to expand access for all.

Stilt

Startup Uses Algorithm To Issue Loans For People Without Credit Scores.

BACh

Brain-Reader Optimizes Learning Time By Measuring Mental Exertion Required To Learn Something New.

ID2020

NGO Focused On Providing All People With A Unique Digital Identity.

Sama
Source

Leveraging Technology And Private Sector Methods In New Ways To Improve Access To Dignified Work And Job Training In Developing Countries.