"I believe that 'appropriate technology accelerates impact.' Through 'Tech for Impact,' I hope developers can experience positive impact through technology and innovators can be supported on their journey to solve problems."
Kim Beom-su, founder of Kakao and the inaugural chairman of Kakao Impact, expressed this vision at the 'Tech for Impact Connect Day' held on the 19th. Kakao's corporate foundation, Kakao Impact, hosted the Tech for Impact Connect Day to share the achievements of Tech for Impact in 2023 and explore the path forward.
Kim Beom-su, founder of Kakao and the first chairman of Kakao Impact, attended the 'Tech for Impact Connect Day' on the 19th and shared his vision. [Photo by Kakao]
This year, Kakao Impact declared Tech for Impact as a new initiative. It embodies the premise that when digital technology meets social impact, it can bring about change and influence to solve social problems by connecting social impact organizations such as nonprofits and social ventures with technical talent.
In its first year, 2023, various forms of technical support were provided to establish the direction of Tech for Impact. In February, a business agreement was signed with KAIST, and starting in September, a project course titled 'Tech for Impact Computer Science Special Lecture' was launched for computer science students.
Additionally, collaboration began with 'Modu-ui Yeonguso' (Everyone's Lab) to build a social impact technology community ecosystem. The goal is to connect experts interested in solving social problems through technology to innovative projects and support their activities. Currently, a pilot program for the Tech for Impact technology community is underway.
About 100 people attended the event, including Kakao Chairman Kim Beom-su, KAIST Professor Ryu Seok-young, and Modu-ui Yeonguso CEO Kim Seung-il. The event proceeded in the order of ▲welcome remarks ▲sharing of Tech for Impact technical support cases conducted throughout 2023 ▲introduction of Tech for Impact plans for 2024 ▲open talk with participants who supported technical assistance ▲networking among participants.
Chairman Kim said, "Just as small projects that started have become part of everyone's daily lives through technology, connection, and relationships, I believe that even very small technologies, if used for good, can change the world." He added, "I will send support and encouragement so that you and the Tech for Impact projects can grow and become more active."
Kakao Impact plans to create technical support tracks in 2024 that various developers can easily participate in and support connections with impact organizations through these tracks.
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