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Max Mueller Bhavan | India

Alternative Futures – Ideathon

A virtual ideathon featuring two independent sessions, bringing together innovators, researchers, technologists, civil society organizations, and thinkers to co-create transformative ideas for a participatory digital future. 

Hosted by Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan New Delhi in partnership with Lagori Collective and Quicksand Design Studio.

Knowledge Partners: Algorithm Watch, Digital Futures Lab, Correctiv, Design Beku, Frag Den Staat, Tactical Tech and the Internet Freedom Foundation,

Location: Online (Zoom)
Dates: January 21 and 23, 2025
Time: 3.00 PM IST to 5 PM IST
Application Deadline: January 19, 2025

Background
The Alternative Futures project has been a journey of collective exploration, with in-person labs held in Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Dhaka. Each lab focused on a unique theme:
  • Delhi Lab: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – Exploring how digital systems can ensure resilience, inclusivity, and equitable governance.
  • Bangalore Lab: AI & Climate Change – Investigating how AI-driven solutions can address the climate crisis while managing their own environmental costs.
  • Kolkata/Dhaka Labs: Disinformation & Digital Ecosystems – Examining ways to counter misinformation, particularly across languages and borders, through community-driven solutions.
From these rich discussions, we have identified six of the most recurring and crucial questions, which will serve as the foundation for this Ideathon.

What to Expect
The Alternative Futures Ideathon offers two standalone sessions, each tackling unique themes and challenges. While we encourage all applicants to participate in both sessions to maximize their contributions and engagement, we understand that schedules may vary. If you can only attend one session, you are still welcome to apply and participate.

Each session will bring together diverse perspectives to collaboratively explore, ideate, and shape innovative solutions for critical questions drawn from our in-person labs:

Session 1 (January 21):

 

  • Resilient Digital Public Infrastructure for Public Good:  How can Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) be designed to be resilient, inclusive, and adaptable, ensuring equitable access during crises or failures?
  • The AI-Climate Paradox: How can AI-driven solutions for climate resilience address their environmental costs while maximizing social and ecological benefits?
  • Cross-Border Misinformation in Local Languages: How can multilingual, community-driven platforms tackle cross-border misinformation and cultural misinterpretations?
Session 2 (January 23): 
  • Innovative Privacy and Consent Models in Digital Governance: How can privacy and consent frameworks in DPI address power imbalances while promoting individual autonomy and collective trust?
  • Community-Centered AI for Climate Resilience: How can AI solutions for climate resilience integrate local knowledge and ensure community participation in their design and governance?
  • Community-Based Early Warning Systems for Disinformation: What scalable, community-driven early-warning systems can empower local actors to counter misinformation in real time?
Each session will provide:
  • A space for exploration: Delve deeply into the problem statements, unpacking their complexities and opportunities.
  • Hands-on ideation: Collaborate in small, diverse groups to brainstorm and refine actionable ideas and solutions.
  • Opportunities for meaningful collaboration: Connect with a global network of technologists, researchers, activists, and innovators, expanding your professional and creative horizons.
What Will You Gain
  • Engage with critical questions: Contribute to shaping actionable ideas for pressing issues in digital democracy.
  • Collaborate with a diverse community: Work alongside changemakers from various sectors and regions, building meaningful connections and partnerships.
  • Leverage curated insights: Access exclusive resources and materials from our in-person labs to inform and enrich your ideation process.
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applications from anyone passionate about the future of digital democracy, including but not limited to:
  • Professionals in civil society organizations, startups, or initiatives addressing governance and technology challenges.
  • Researchers, scholars, and practitioners working on intersections of digital governance, participation, and equity.
  • Individuals with experience in tackling access, inclusion, or digital divides in technology.
  • Anyone interested in collaborative ideation to shape impactful solutions.
Whether you’re an expert or have a strong interest in these themes, we encourage you to apply!

How to Apply?
Complete the application form here: Application Form
Deadline: January 19, 2025

The form will ask about your background, interests, and motivations for participating. Please note that the sessions will be conducted in English.

About the project:
Alternative Futures is a regional initiative by the Goethe-Institut, bringing together digital civil society organizations across South Asia and Germany. With partners in Bangladesh, Kolkata, and Delhi, the project focuses on leveraging digital media to promote democratic practices and structures. Key themes include transparency, journalism, and inclusion. The initiative seeks to foster knowledge exchange, strengthen networks, and support the development of collaborative strategies and projects.

In collaboration with:
Internet Freedom Foundation | Tactical Tech | Algorithm Watch | Correctiv | Design Beku |
Digital Futures Lab