Adarsh Desai

Change agent, Engineer, Technologist

Adarsh is passionate about leveraging technology, data, and innovations for accelerating development impact. Adarsh currently leads the World Bank Innovation Labs, overseeing a variety of programs ranging from Big data Analytics, Social Enterprise Innovations for service delivery to poor, Open Aid Partnership, Open Innovation, and Human-centered Design. Other interests are in Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) and civilian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) and it’s applications and impact on development. In his prior work at the World Bank, Adarsh has managed programs on ICT-enabled citizen engagement, Geospatial data, E-learning, and other technology enabled platforms, having a global reach and impact. Adarsh also worked on other innovative programs including Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) and ICT for Education (World Links program) in Africa. Adarsh coordinated the first Global Survey on Education Readiness, in collaboration with the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard. Adarsh has a Masters Degree in Software Engineering and Information Systems Management from the George Washington University and a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from M.S. University of Baroda, India. Specialties: Big data, Social Enterprise, Open Innovation, Technology Innovation, Strategy and Program Management, Innovation Management, IT Project Management, Business Modeling, Business Process Reengineering, Information Architecture, Facilitation.

leveraging technology, data, and innovations for accelerating development impact.

You don't need a big idea to change the world.

Big data, Innovation, International Development, Open Data, Open Innovation, Social Enterprise, Technology

Just did a TED talk at TEDxMidAtlantic in Washington DC.