Episode 1 | Scaling where it’s hardest: High-tech dreams in low-resource realities

What does it take to move from a ten-person pilot to a scaled tech solution that improves the lives of thousands? In this debut episode of Frontier Futures for Children, we deconstruct the “scaling wall” for social impact innovations that help children and their communities. The focus is on frontier technologies—advanced solutions including AI and blockchain. Which startups are truly breaking boundaries, what are the biggest challenges for scale-ups, and which trends are shaping the work of innovators, investors, and public institutions? Guests from impact tech ecosystems in Europe, Africa and Asia discuss the hard truths and opportunities of building ventures that improve children’s lives at scale.

GUESTS

Lina Ng'inja – Head of Partnerships, East Africa, Norrsken

Helen Samuelsson – Innovation Advisor, The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

Divya Gupta – Former Chief Business Officer, Global Health, Qure.ai

Paul Miller – Managing Partner and CEO, Bethnal Green Ventures

Mimi Billing – Europe Editor, Sifted

UNICEF-supported projects or partners featured are clearly highlighted.

UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

This episode was recorded in summer of 2026.