Ashoka searches the systems-changing social entrepreneurs across the world through an intensive, human-centered “Venture” process.

Once selected into its global Fellowship, entrepreneurs receive financial and professional support, and join a network of over +4,000  selected Fellows in over 95 countries, connecting them to the people, ideas, and resources needed to grow and deepen their impact. At the core of the Lenovo-Ashoka collaboration is the strategic role Lenovo plays in contributing to the identification process and support of the next generation of Ashoka Fellows.  

The “Selection & Support of Inspiring Ashoka Fellows” initiative has the goal to identify and select between 5-7 Ashoka Fellows from the Global South working at the intersection of social innovation and technology. Candidates need to emphasize the crucial role of technology in driving impactful and scalable solutions to address pressing social and environmental challenges especially within Lenovo's strategic focus areas such as:  

• Climate change (including disaster relief);  
• Circular economy & resource preservation (water, agriculture); 
• Health;  
• Better Technology (e.g. responsible AI, algorithmic bias, access to the internet, environmental footprint of tech...)   
• Education (e.g. STEM) 

Beyond this, the initiative was a learning opportunity for Lenovo leaders to increase their understanding on social impact and systemic thinking and get to know the tech solutions are being implemented in the social innovation sector. Through a curated process, and leveraging their unique regional and local knowledge, Lenovo Leaders were encouraged to nominate: