"Spinning Digital Cotton to Counter Digital Colonialism" - read about @spipau 's contribution to @TimUnwin new book titled "Digital Inclusion in an Unequal World: An Emancipatory Manifesto"!
Order your copy direct from Routledge here: https://www.routledge.com/9781032983042
You can also simply listen to the vignette, read by @bahoe :
ICT4D.at Idea Contest – the winners!
🎉 THE WINNING IDEAS HAVE BEEN SELECTED!
After inspiring submissions, community voting, and in-depth jury discussions, we are proud to announce the winning ideas of our global idea contest:
🥇 1st Prize: Mkulima AI: Offline, Swahili AI Bringing Digital Knowledge to Farmers Without Internet by Erwin Nanyaro
Mkulima AI is an offline, Swahili-based AI that empowers smallholder farmers without internet access. It turns indigenous knowledge and agroecology into practical guidance, reducing costs, improving yields, and restoring dignity for marginalized rural communities.
🥈 2nd Prize: Braille4UG (Braille For Uganda): Low-Cost Interactive Braille Learning Device for Visually Impaired Children in Uganda by Michael Mugisha
Braille4UG (Braille For Uganda) is an affordable, audio-guided Braille learning device designed to address the deep educational exclusion faced by visually impaired children in Uganda.
🥉 3rd Prize: AgriOrigin: Ethical Proof-of-Origin and Commons Licensing for Rural Agricultural Innovation by Anila Kasa
AgriOrigin is a high-tech, ethical platform that enables small-scale farmers to document agricultural innovations, obtain cryptographic proof of origin, and define fair usage conditions. By combining blockchain timestamping, AI-assisted accessibility, and community validation.
Congratulations to the winning teams — and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted ideas, voted, mentored, and contributed their expertise! 🌍
Check out all ideas here: https://my.ideaspace.cc/v4/explore/challenge/730ad149-95f6-4c92-a0f5-089bb6dd5699/challenge
🛠️ Next step: PROJECT FORGE
On February 25 (5:30–8:30 PM CET), we will host the Project Forge — an online session where the winning teams will further develop their ideas together with mentors and experts.
👉 Everyone interested is welcome to join:
https://mobilizon.fr/events/b42aa1a2-2d8e-4672-9983-932f6dd340f0
This contest is hosted on the IdeaSpace Ideenplattform – the open innovation platform by Salzburg Research.
⏰ 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝ⵑ
We’ve extended the submission deadline for "Opening Opportunities: Digital Tech for All!" to January 15.
With the launch of the new IdeaSpace platform, we know there were some technical challenges and not all could be solved over the holiday season. We want to make sure everyone has a fair chance.
💡 Have a feasible idea on how digital tools can empower people and create equal opportunities?
👉 Submit your idea by January 15: https://www.ideaspace.cc/en/opening-opportunities/
This contest is hosted on the @IdeaSpace – the open innovation platform by Salzburg Research.
#OpeningOpportunities #DigitalTechForAll #ICT4D #TechForGood #DigitalInclusion
Do you know anyone involved in the application of science to support innovations in ICT, AI and digital tech for development. If so, do encourage them to submit an application by 30 April 2026 for THE NIGERIA PRIZE FOR SCIENCE AND INNOVATION. Details are in the image below, or find out more at https://www.thenigeriaprizes.org/the.../nps_call_for_entry/. The award is worth $100,000. #ict4d #Innovation #Digital
Great blog post about social media and Meta's abuses in the past.
"FraudBoom: twenty years of lawbreaking, abuses and censorship by the world’s most popular social media"
Guest Lecture “Introduction to ICT4D” as part of Projects in Development Aid at Vienna University of Technology
When: 26.11.2025, 18:00 – 20:00
Where: TU Wien, FH Hörsaal 3 – MATH
🌐 New Idea Contest: Opening Opportunities – Digital Tech for All!
@ict4ddotat is calling via IdeaSpace for feasible ideas from around the world on how digital tools can empower people and open equal opportunities.
🗓️ Submission period: Nov 10, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026
🏆 Prizes up to €500
🌱 Mentorship Program (Jan–Mar 2026)
🛠️ Project Forge (online, optional)
🚀 Project funding up to €5,000
👉 https://www.ideaspace.cc/en/opening-opportunities/
#IdeaSpace #ICT4D #DigitalInclusion #OpenInnovation #TechForGood
Also see my list of United Nations initiatives launched through 2018 to promote the use of computers, feature phones, smart phones and various networked devices in development and humanitarian activities ( #Tech4Good / #ICT4D Initiatives).
#History
https://www.coyotebroad.com/development/untech4good.shtml
end 🧵
My (Teaching) Experiences in Rural India
Thanks to Paul Spiesberger and ICT4D.at I had the chance to spend six months in rural Andhra Pradesh, India, from March to August. When Paul first presented this programme, I was immediately hooked, even though I had never traveled outside of Europe before and, as a rather introverted and anxious person, I had never imagined myself solo travelling to India. But Paul struck me as such a genuine and kind person that I trusted him right away. I knew that if I said yes, I would be supported, cared for, and safe. Looking back, I’m grateful for that trust: Paul not only guided me professionally, but also checked in emotionally and always made sure I was okay when I got sick or felt overwhelmed.
Arriving in India
Me and the BulletIn March, I arrived together with Enno, who spent the first ten days showing me around the college, introducing me to key people, and helping me navigating everyday life and the cultural differences. He also taught me how to ride a Royal Enfield “Bullet” motorbike, which became my daily companion for commuting and travelling during these six months. His help made the beginning way easier and gave me a head start.
Building a routine in a completely new environment was challenging at first, but worked out surprisingly well. Morning runs, yoga, and a small coffee place gave my days a structure. Very soon, I felt at home in this new rhythm. This gave me the foundation to learn new things every day, meet new people and explore my surroundings.
RIT Program and Bachelor’s Thesis
In my time in India I taught the RIT Course which is split into 4 modules. I got to teach the module 2 to second-year students. This module focused on the basics of Java programming with the help of live coding sessions and small programs as homework for students. In the beginning, the organisation of the course was quite challenging due to cultural differences regarding punctuality and overall planability. Soon I learned to adapt and got a bit more spontaneous while also learning to be strict when needed. The sessions with students were very rewarding and always fun.
At the same time, I had to prepare the research for my Bachelor’s thesis, which focused on issues in programming education in rural India, using this very college as a case study. My aim was to identify root causes of problems in teaching and learning, and propose ways to improve them.
Opening the Project Expo for Second and Third Year StudentsExams and Holiday Time
Visiting a Temple in HampiBy late April, students had exams and no time for the course. During this break, my girlfriend visited, and we travelled together to Bengaluru and Gokarna. In Bengaluru, we explored the modern, high-tech side of India, while in Gokarna, we enjoyed a few peaceful days by the sea. Relaxing, swimming, and simply taking in the beauty of India’s coastline. Before visiting, my girlfriend did not think she would enjoy India and just came to see me. In the end of her visit, she was amazed by the country and the culture and is excited to visit again in the future.
In May, students were on holidays, giving me time to really start the theoretical part of my thesis. I also took a trip to Hampi, where I explored the ruins and temples and met new friends from all across India.
Teaching, Research and Solo Travelling
June and July were full of variety. While students were still on break, we continued some RIT sessions online. With extra time, I set out to explore the countryside by motorbike, experiencing rural India more closely.
When the students returned in July, I was back at the college regularly. Teaching again in person was rewarding, I enjoyed seeing the progress of the students and the times just having fun. At the same time, I was conducting surveys and interviews as part of my thesis research. By the end of July, most of my thesis was written.
HyderabadI also squeezed in a trip to Hyderabad, where I had the chance to experience both a big Muslim festival and the Bonalu Hindu festival on the same day. Bonalu, in particular, was one of the most intense experiences of my stay. It was a mix of devotion, music, dance, and pure celebration.
Later in July, I visited friends in Mumbai, stayed in a student flat, explored the city by local train, and got a glimpse of urban student life. The sense of community surprised me in such a huge city. Everywhere people looked out for each other and shared food on trains and were very welcoming overall.
One thing that is true for all places that I visited: I always felt secure and well looked after. I knew if something were to happen, there would always be a lot of people helping me without asking.
August was about finishing things. I completed my RIT course, finalised my thesis, and enjoyed the last weeks in India with a sense of closure. By chance, a wedding took place in the garden of my flat, and I was invited to take part in the ceremonies – a beautiful ending to my time there.
Looking Back
Before this trip, I knew next to nothing about India. It is a country with nearly twice the population of Europe, yet most people back home only have vague ideas about it and lots of negative prejudices. Over these six months, I discovered a country full of contrasts: from rural quiet to megacity chaos, from deep traditions to cutting-edge technology, from challenges in education to incredible creativity and resilience. What amazed me most was how kind and welcoming the people were and their willingness to share what they have.
This journey changed me in ways I could not have imagined. I am deeply grateful for the people I met, the students I got to teach, the festivals I experienced, and the countless small moments that made up my life here. I am already looking forward to visiting this beautiful country again.
Awarding of Certificates for Module 2 StudentsWedding Ceremony in my Garden
Read about @spipau 's impressions from the WSIS and AI4Good conference. He reflects on our contributions to WSIS+20: in collaboration with @TimUnwin , he served as both a panellist and a moderator for a session hosted by the FAO.
Featuring insights from @raspberrypi @Mer__edith , OpenAI, and Geoffrey Hinton:
https://www.ict4d.at/2025/08/wsis20-high-level-event-and-ai4good-global-summit-2025/
Jack Odunga, Anne Muchiri and Raphael Kiruthi visited this year's AidEx 2025 in Nairobi. Read Jack's blog post titled "Forging a Resilient Future: Insights from AidEx Africa 2025" here:
https://www.ict4d.at/2025/08/forging-a-resilient-future-insights-from-aidex-africa-2025/
Entwicklungszusammenarbeit: Wer hilft wem?
Gute Dokumentation in deutscher und französischer Sprache zum Thema Kolonialismus und EZA, mit einem Schwerpunkt auf Evaluierung und etwas ICT4D:
https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/118858-002-A/agree-to-disagree/
Great session at the WSIS about Open Educational Resources and E-Learning by UNESCO, IFIP and @creativecommons represented by @cablegreen
@spipau will be speaking at WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025:
Digital tech and the most marginalized: what still needs to be done?
Organized by: ICT4D Collective and Microsoft (UNIO), supported by Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication, YouthIGF and ICT4D.at
Join us online or on-site:
8th July 2025, 09.00-09.45
Palexpo, Room L
Sanja is heavily invested in AI/AGI safety and ethical, inclusive software engineering, the Digital Humanism Conference #DigHum2025 truly delivered!
I went in with curiosity and came out with not one, but two notebooks full of notes, quotes, and ideas. From AI and platform power to democracy and digital rights, the discussions were as rich as they were urgent.
I tried to capture some highlights, reflections, and memorable moments in this blog post for ICT4D.at:
👉 https://www.ict4d.at/2025/06/digital-humanism-conference-2025/
There was so much more than I could fit into one post – but if you were there (or just curious about DigitalHumanism), I’d love to hear what resonated with you.
#DigitalHumanism #DigHum2025 #ICT4D #AIethics #AGIsafety #AIPolicy
Want a More Inclusive Digital World?
Not everyone benefits equally from tech—especially marginalised communities. We’re working with global partners to change that.
Got ideas? Fill out this quick survey 👉 https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/rhul/digital-equity-wsis2025
Then check out our blog to learn more 👉 https://www.ict4d.at/2025/06/want-a-more-inclusive-digital-world-tell-us-how/
Your input can help shape digital equity at WSIS+20 in 2025. Let’s make tech fairer, together.
🦣 Hallo zusammen – jetzt mal richtig #Neuvorstellung
Danke Euch für die netten Willkommensgrüße 🙏
Ich bin Politikwissenschaftlerin & Senior Researcher am IDOS – German Institute of Sustainability and Development
🌍 https://www.idos-research.de
📘 @idos-research.bsky.social
Wir forschen & beraten zu globaler Nachhaltigkeit – u. a. für @bmz & @giz.
Mein Thema seit 2011: #Digitalisierung & ihre Folgen für #Demokratie, #Zusammenhalt & politisches Verhalten. Beispiele:
🌀 Facebook & Arabischer Frühling
🗳️ Online-Kampagnen gegen Wahlkorruption in #Brasilien
📱 Digital Tools für lokale Governance in #Togo
📚 Wer mehr lesen will:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DWKh4JQAAAAJ&hl=de
Aktuell: Vergleichsstudie zu #Desinformation, #Polarisierung & #Autokratisierung in 🇲🇽 🇧🇷 🇮🇩
Mastodon = beruflich. Privat: GenX, gern offline mit Freund*innen, Häkeln 🧶, Campingbus 🚐, Frühstück im Bett mit K2 & @festundflauschig ❤️
Was ich hier noch suche: aktive Accounts aus dem globalen Süden zu #Democracy #CivilSociety #ict4d #Sustainability #globalsouth – Tipps? #FediHilfe 🙏
🔗 Link for registration:
https://www.eventbrite.de/e/advancing-agroecology-with-digital-tools-a-european-policy-dialogue-tickets-1362723876799
#agroecology #digitalagriculture #digitaltools #opendata #policy #ict4d #agroecologia #permaculture #agroforestry #d4agecol
Read about our engagement within the Internet Governance Forum Austria 2025 hosted by @uniinnsbruck :
https://www.ict4d.at/2025/05/reflections-from-the-internet-governance-forum-igf-austria-2025/
