Columbia Hacking for Humanity

Hacking for Humanity is an opportunity to initiate and get traction for startup ideas that are focused on solving a problem for people and/or the planet. There are many terms used to describe such ventures including: “impact ventures”, “double bottom line”, “double impact”, “triple bottom line”, “sustainable”, “ESG”, and others. We use the term social ventures, which is inclusive of all solutions leveraging new technologies, research-based ideas, and innovations that can span a broad range of topics, fields, and industries. These ventures offer compelling business models which are scalable and attractive to impact investors and funders seeking targeted and (in most cases) large scalable market opportunities.

Any startup idea that is aimed at tackling a problem affecting people or the planet. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provides a useful framework for possible topics. As reference, consider current examples of Columbia-affiliated social ventures. Ideas can have a local, national, or global focus. Such startups may be based in NYC, anywhere in the U.S., or abroad. For-profit and hybrid nonprofit/for-profit venture and innovative, self-sustaining, nonprofit ideas are eligible. This would include, but not be limited to, ventures concerning health and wellness, education, climate impact, environmental sustainability, journalism/new media, human rights/social issues, economic and digital inclusivity, etc.

Learn more and register at columbiasocialenterprise.org/hacking4humanity.