Igniting Collaborations for Change-Makers
Globally & Locally
CATALYST CO-LABS
“Co-Labs was like turning coals to fire. I reached people I otherwise wouldn’t have had access to and was able to take a risk … to attempt a systemic change with a team through collaboration.”
Poonam Bir Kasturi on trying to solve the plastic bag waste problem in India
We’re Here to Ignite Solutions
Co-Lab for Collaborative Value Partners Africa
Catalyst Co-Labs brings social entrepreneurs together with practitioners and experts from around the world for inclusive and collaborative co-design activities so they can expand their impact.
Established in 2020, we were incubated at Catalyst 2030, a global network founded by Ashoka, Skoll, Schwab, and Echoing Green.
Convene
Spark
Collaborate
Our lean process sparks connections and solutions
The Co-Labs process starts with defining a new “Host” challenge. We then engage hand picked experts and peers around the challenge and facilitate a rapid series of global co-creation sessions for the “Host”, designed to build trust, connections and hopefully, joint solutions.
We engage diverse voices and perspectives
Solving social challenges requires diverse perspectives. We engage experts in our sessions by leveraging the reach of global social innovation networks from Catalyst 2030, Ashoka, Echoing Green, Schwab, Skoll and more.
We unleash collaborations & impact
Following the sessions, our Co-lab Hosts use their newfound relationships and insights to solve their challenge and accelerate their progress towards positive change. The fresh collaborations lead to the sharing of ideas and practices, often resulting in new projects.
Testemonies from some of our Co-Lab Hosts
Poonam Bir Kasturi - Founder of The Daily Dump & Desh Ka Bag
Co-Lab Host on the challenge of solving the plastic bag waste problem in India.
“Co-Labs was like turning coals to fire. I reached people I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to access and was able to take a risk … to attempt a systemic change with a team through collaboration.”
Rana Dajani - Founder We Love Reading
Co-lab Host on the challenge to connect Reading Ambassadors in communities globally.
“Co-Labs connected me to a network of experts and stakeholders to ideate and test solutions quickly. There was so much in common across various sectors, and we realised a solution for one is applicable to others.”
Dr. Wamuyu Mahinda - Founder Collaborative Value Partners Africa
Co-lab Host on the challenge to measure the joint effect of social entrepreneurs across several African countries.
“After the rich discussions during the Co-lab, I realized we need to focus on Social Investment ROI to measure our progress and impact. We gained the ideas and resources to build the system we are aiming for.”
