When it comes to technology, it’s easy to get lost in the shiny promise of IPOs, billion-dollar valuations, and disruptive startups. But what if we flipped the script? What if tech wasn’t just about advancing industries but saving lives? 

On the “B The Way Forward” podcast, Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President and CEO of AnitaB.org, sat down with Sunita Grote, leader of UNICEF’s Venture Fund, to discuss how venture capital can be a force for good. Their conversation dug into how emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and drones are transforming education, healthcare, and emergency response for underserved communities—especially children. 

So how is UNICEF’s Venture Fund turning ideas into building a better future for children? 

Turning Venture Capital into a Lifeline 

When we think of venture capital, we often picture Silicon Valley, tech startups, and massive IPOs. But Grote and her team have taken a new angle, using venture capital to invest in technologies that create tangible impact in some of the world’s most underserved communities. 

“We’re a relatively small fund. We’re not at the size of where commercial venture capital funds are. So, we have to look at how our little bit of money can demonstrate something or influence something or be catalytic for someone else. We’re really trying to show how investing could be done differently,” Grote explained. 

UNICEF’s Venture Fund is unique in its mission: it’s not just looking for financial returns but measurable, scalable social impact. They identify and invest in technologies with the potential to solve urgent issues like education access, healthcare inequity, and even the distribution of humanitarian aid. No matter the tech, the fund’s investments are all about maximizing outcomes for children. 

UNICEF Supports Real Solutions for Real Problems 

When you think of technology like AI or blockchain, you might not immediately think of kids in rural communities. But UNICEF’s Venture Fund is proving these tools can make a life-or-death difference. 

Take PixFrame Studios, for example. This startup developed a game-based math education platform powered by AI to adapt lessons to each child’s learning style and pace. The result? Struggling students are gaining confidence, closing learning gaps, and rewriting their futures. 

Or consider a blockchain initiative in Nepal that’s revolutionizing how aid is delivered during emergencies. By improving cash transfer systems for families in crisis, UNICEF ensures help reaches those in need faster and with greater transparency. 

And in Brazil, an AI-driven health platform has helped boost vaccination rates by 8%. By analyzing health records in real time, this technology ensures children don’t fall through the cracks — a win for public health and a powerful reminder that innovation can be life-saving. 

“Sometimes it’s not about it being the most cutting edge,” Grote says. “Sometimes it’s about how those technologies could be applied to solve new problems.” 

Why Diverse Teams Are a Priority at UNICEF 

It’s true that who builds technology matters as much as the technology itself. That’s why UNICEF’s Venture Fund prioritizes startups led by women and historically excluded groups. “How we do things when it comes to technology and innovation is as important as the ‘what’ we do,” says Sunita Grote. 

Too often, tech solutions are developed in wealthier countries and imposed on communities that lack control. UNICEF’s open-source, community-driven approach ensures local ownership and long-term sustainability. By investing in diverse teams, especially in emerging markets, the Venture Fund is proving that these companies can outperform their more traditional counterparts. 

“The data shows quite clearly that female-founded and female-led businesses, or at least those led by diverse teams, often outperform male-founded and male-led businesses, have higher levels of innovation, and give their investors higher levels of return,” Grote adds. 

These investments are not only impactful but also reduce risk. Even if a startup doesn’t succeed, its open-source technology remains available for others to build upon, creating a ripple effect of shared innovation. 

At AnitaB.org, we know that diversity, equity, and inclusion, at their core, are essential to the future of tech. Women and historically excluded groups have been left out of the decision-making process, but by putting them at the forefront of progress, we can ensure that tech is working for everyone. Grote’s work aligns perfectly with the mission of AnitaB.org: to build a future where the people who create technology reflect the diversity of the societies they serve. 

From Innovation to Impact: What You Can Do Today  

The next wave of social innovation is already here, and there’s room for everyone to be part of it. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, an entrepreneur, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, your contribution matters. Grote emphasizes that every effort counts. 

“We’re grateful for any contribution and engagement — it could be financial, or it could be through your skills, through your networks…Even small contributions can go much further because we’re filling a gap that’s been created over a long period of time.” 

Technology has the power to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, but only when wielded with purpose. Sunita Grote and UNICEF’s Venture Fund are leading the charge, proving that the right investments can transform lives, uplift communities, and create a more equitable world. 

Want to learn more? Listen to the full episode of “B The Way Forward” with Sunita Grote on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. And explore more about UNICEF’s Office of Innovation on their social channels: 

• LinkedIn: @unicef-innovation 

• Instagram: @unicefinnovate 

• X (formerly Twitter): @unicefinnovate 

Together, we can harness technology’s potential to make the impossible possible for children everywhere.