Transformative Changes Through Science and Technology
The Role for Social Benefit Entrepreneurs
Sponsored by Applied Materials. Inc., and Cisco Systems, Inc. In cooperation with The Tech Awards
Center for Science, Technology, and Society Santa Clara University Thursday, November 13, 2008
Conference Abstract Every year millions of people worldwide are affected by environmental, technological, or economic problems beyond their control. Often these problems impact the most underserved populations globally on a level that can be life-threatening. Lack of access to clean drinking water, immunizations, or even information such as tide and weather forecasts affect not only local populations but entire regional economies. Government response can not and does not always meet these needs. Fortunately, there is a growing category of people, social benefit entrepreneurs, who can and do identify societal problems and apply innovative business ideas and technological solutions to address them. From entirely new science to novel ways of organizing existing systems and solutions, these social benefit innovators become agents of lasting social change.
 Starting in 2001, the “Technology Benefiting Humanity” awards presented by The Tech Museum of Innovation and Applied Materials, Inc. has identified and honored social benefit entrepreneurs from around the world. These awards recognize work in five areas that are key to the improvement of the human condition: Education, Environment, Economic Development, Equality and Health.
Santa Clara University’s Center for Science, Technology, and Society, a founding partner of the Tech Awards, is hosting a one-day conference, “Transformative Changes Through Science and Technology: The Role for Social Benefit Entrepreneurs.” This event is designed to showcase the important work of these individuals. Participants in the November 13th event, will be inspired by keynote addresses by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus and social sector pioneer Bill Drayton, CEO and Chair of Ashoka, one of the largest organizations dedicated to supporting the work of social entrepreneurs worldwide. The 2008 Tech Awards Laureates will lead breakout sessions in each of their categories to engage the public in conversations about their work and what else needs to be done.
This unique convergence of investment communities, foundations, commercial and academic institutions, government officials, and philanthropists will be challenged to take action at multiple levels in a format that encourages a free flow of ideas and values through facilitated lunchtime discussions, panel presentations and category breakout sessions. By the end of the day participants will understand better the ways in which social entrepreneurship is a major positive force for social change, how scientific and technological advances are being put to use to solve a wide range of problems, and how to proceed in the next few years to improve the living conditions of the over 2 billion people worldwide living on less than $2 a day.
The Transformative Changes Through Science and Technology: The Role of Social Benefit Entrepreneurs, is supported by Santa Clara University's Food and Agribusiness Institute.
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