Launch of the Digital Transformation for Social Impact (DT4SI) Toolbook

India Leaders for Social Sector (ILSS) unveiled the Digital Transformation for Social Impact (DT4SI) toolbook under its Koita Centre for AI & Digital Transformation (KCADT) in Mumbai. The toolbook is positioned as a single, freely accessible repository that brings together digital and AI tools, real‑world case studies, vetted solution providers, and structured training courses to help Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) move from awareness to actionable digital strategies.

Content and Features

DT4SI categorises each digital tool with descriptions of functionality, problem addressed, pricing, key features, and relevant use cases. It includes documented case studies from NGOs that have successfully adopted AI and digital technologies, illustrating practical applications, challenges faced, and lessons learned. The platform also aggregates learning resources and courses aimed at building internal capabilities for effective technology use. ILSS emphasizes that the toolbook is intended to evolve beyond a static repository into a collaborative space where NGOs, technology providers, practitioners, and experts can share experiences and co‑create solutions.

Leadership Remarks

Anu Prasad, CEO of ILSS, highlighted India’s emergence as a global technology powerhouse and stressed the need to make AI and digital capabilities accessible to SPOs tackling population‑scale challenges. He noted that the sector’s biggest constraint is a capacity gap rather than a lack of purpose, and that DT4SI seeks to bridge this by offering evidence‑based resources without gate‑keeping. Rekha Koita, Co‑Founder of the Koita Foundation, underscored that digital and AI capabilities are now non‑negotiable for scaling impact, and that the real gap lies between tool availability and effective utilisation. She called for sector‑wide shifts in how NGOs, donors, and platforms like DT4SI approach technology adoption.

Launch Event and Panelists

The toolbook was launched at an ILSS‑hosted leadership event featuring a panel titled “Accelerating Social Impact with AI & Digital.” Panelists included:

  • Rizwan Koita (Chairperson, NABH; Co‑founder, Koita Foundation; Co‑founder, Citius Tech)
  • Rekha Koita (Co‑Founder, Koita Foundation)
  • Amrtha K. Rangan (COO, A.T.E. Chandra Foundation)
  • Gayatri Nair Lobo (CEO, Educate Girls)
  • Maharshi Vaishnav (CEO, Motilal Oswal Foundation)
  • Abhejit Agarwal (Head, Sustainability & CSR, Axis Bank)

The discussion highlighted that while many SPOs are ready for AI‑driven transformation, they continue to face challenges in accessing affordable, context‑relevant tools and replicable models. Panelists shared examples of organisations overcoming these barriers using India‑specific solutions.

Research‑Driven Need

ILSS’s research on digital transformation in India’s social sector identified common challenges across geographies and focus areas: uncertainty about available technologies, difficulty articulating technology needs, affordability concerns, and navigating a crowded technology landscape. DT4SI is designed to address these pain points by providing clear, contextual information and a pathway from tool discovery to implementation.

ILSS Impact and Future Ambitions

Since its inception in 2018, ILSS has trained over 1,300 leaders, partnered with more than 800 social purpose organisations, and facilitated over 250 leadership placements. The organisation aims to partner with 1,000 leading SPOs and empower 5,000 impact leaders by 2030. DT4SI will continuously expand its catalogue of tools, solution providers, case studies, and learning resources as more organisations experiment, learn, and share their experiences.

Disclaimer

The press release is provided under an arrangement with Newsvoir; PTI assumes no editorial responsibility.