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Parvathy Krishnan is Chief Technology Officer at Analytics for a Better World and Consultant at the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.

Tell us about your work

At Analytics for a Better World (ABW), we empower non-profits to apply analytics, accelerating their mission and contributing to the UN SDGs. Utilizing a range of techniques from descriptive analytics to optimization models, we have undertaken over 14 impact projects crucial for strategic decision-making in the past two years. Three projects that I take pride in include:

- Optimizing routes for mobile health clinics to maximize vaccination coverage for AMREF.
- Streamlining ship movements in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to reduce carbon emissions and increase plastic removal from oceans for The Ocean Cleanup.
- Strategically planning infrastructure such as hospitals and roads in countries like East Timor and Armenia to enhance public investment efficiency with organizations such as World Bank, WHO, and UNEP.

Additionally, a cornerstone of our institution is the ABW Academy, where we are addressing the skills gap in organizations by training over 150 non-profit practitioners globally through a curated curriculum and mentorship program.

What is your motivation?

From a young age, I have witnessed technological and societal disparities in India. Having been fortunate enough to have access to numerous educational opportunities, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to creating a better world.

This commitment is further fuelled by concerns over climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for children, including my 7-year-old son. By developing equitable models and harnessing artificial intelligence, I aim to level the playing field for non-profits through my skills in data science and engineering.

Your vision

I see analytics as a tool to drive significant improvements for People, the Planet, and Prosperity. Equipping governments and non-profits with decision-making power to maximize their impact can support my vision for:

- Improved access to healthcare and vaccinations.
- Climate-resilient communities through data-informed environmental initiatives.
- Reduced world hunger and increased income for small-holder farmers through advancements in sustainable agri-food systems.

I believe in taking small, steady steps towards change, recognizing that impactful results often defy traditional metrics and take time to materialize.

Supporting factors

The impact of ABW’s initiatives is underpinned by our dedicated team united by a passion for doing good, supported by advanced skills in technology, data science, and mathematics. Collaborative partnerships play a crucial role in bringing together business expertise and research, supported by our founders at the University of Amsterdam and ORTEC. Each organization we support is diverse, with a unique digital maturity. To best support them, our approach isn’t just about implementing standard solutions but also tailoring them to individual needs, supported by ongoing investments in training and development.

Our work at Analytics for a Better World has shown proven impact, but for long-term sustainability, sustained funding is crucial. If you would like to collaborate with us and support our mission, please reach out at hello@analyticsbetterworld.org!