Once upon a time, enterprises with charitable missions were considered not to be on the forefront of technology, the Internet and social media, but these tech-savvy social businesses show how many groups are on the cutting-edge of both positive change and the tech industry.
It's no surprise that technology (and with the help of Internet tools like social media) can contribute to solving social problems. This list ranges from interesting websites that track the consumer chain to innovative LED lights that are meant to replace dangerous kerosene lamps in places like Rwanda, where they have become ubiquitous.
From articles like "African Abuse Apps" and "Purpose-Driven IT Companies" to showcases of "Design-Focused LED Lanterns," these tech-savvy social businesses show you the best of charitable initiatives and technological innovation.
25 Tech-Savvy Social Businesses
From Purpose-Driven IT Companies to Design-Focused LED Lanterns:
Tiana Reid — Sep 14, 2011 — Social Good
25
Stripped-Down SUVs
The Mobius One Vehicle Offers Economic Mobility for African Countries
24
Kerosene-Replacing Lamps
Nuru Uses LED Lights to Create Jobs and Promote Safety in Rural Rwanda
23
Jewelry-Funded Water Purifiers
The Midomo Launch in Mwingi, Kenya Will Bring Security
22
Literary Smartphone Covers
Speck x Out of Print Novel Cases Bring Back Classic Stories
21
Crowdfunded Social Innovator Sites
‘StartSomeGood’ Grows Purpose-Driven Initiatives
20
African Abuse Apps
Mobi-Reportabuse is a Ghanian Cellphone Service to Report Violence
19
Low-Cost Solar Lanterns
D.Light Design Wins Ashden Award for a Lamp Brighter than Kerosene
18
Purpose-Driven IT Companies
Better The World is a B Corporation Using Technology for Social Good
17
POS Social Enterprises
Frogtek Uses Cellphones to Bring Tools to Small-Scale Retailers
16
Design-Focused LED Lanterns
‘d.light’ Offers Affordable Solar Lamps to Rural Communities
15
Developing World Entrepreneur Webisodes
‘Young World Innovators’ Follows African Business
14
Medicinal Transport Pods
'Matternet' Offers Incredible Solutions to Help the Majority World
13
African Artist Assist Sites
African Cartel Gives Struggling Artists an Online Outlet
12
Global Empowerment Tutor Sites
EducateNcare Works with Students for a Social Purpose
11
Empowering Childcare Networks
Cool2Care Matches Personal Assistants with Disabled Children
10
Crowdsourced Charity Reviews
GreatNonProfits is a Website that Supports Good Causes
9
Conscientious Clothes-Tracking
This Made-By Website Tracks Textiles Transparently
8
Franchised H2O Solutions
Sarvajal Aims to Solve the Clean Water Problem in India
7
Social Business Marketplaces
ClearlySo is a Website Connecting Investors and Enterprises
6
Global Goods Tracking Sites
The iuMAP Project Tracks and Maps Global Social Enterprise
5
Crowdfunded Social Enterprises
OC Theory Makes a Difference by Funding Small Businesses
4
Coffee Connection Sites
Coffee CSA Lets You Connect with and Buy from Java Farmers Worldwide
3
Computer Cradle Campaigns
‘Saving Bletchley Park' is Restoring the Origin of the PC
2
Technological Literacy Programs
‘121 Women and Computers' Teaches Valuable Employment
1
Social Business Info Portals
Via3 Offers Publicity and Networking for Ethical Companies
Related Ideas
Woman-Owned Eco Totes
Digital Avenue is a Woman-Founded Spunky Tote Bag Brand Based in Toronto
Social e-Commerce Platforms
Hoppn Creates "A New Type of Centralized Online Shopping Experience"
Customizable Workplace Productivity Lights
The Busy Tag Lets Users Express Themselves
Next-Gen Graphic Attire
Serenity Trends’ Graphic Clothing Offers a Futuristic Aesthetic
AI-Powered Fashion Business Tools
CALA's Technology is Geared Toward Independent Designers
Flower-Like Portable Lanterns
The Tulit LED Lantern by Haechan Ryu is Multifunctional
Social-Centric Wireless Earbud Concepts
Kusi Boateng-Arthur Introduces the Social Earbud Concept
Tech-Themed Fine Jewelry
Accessories Brand Oushaba Turns E-Waste Into Fine Jewelry Pieces
Dedicated Social Media Devices
The Conceptual Twitter 3D Gadget Features Mechanical Buttons
Purposeful Empowering Apparel
Living Life on Purpose: Connecting with Customers through Clothing
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
AI-Powered Skincare Devices
The Tri-Light +SABI AI Uses Data to Enhance Users' Skincare Routines
AI-Powered Shopping Apps
Shoptrue Curates Personalized Fashion Picks with Artificial Intelligence
On-Demand Fashion Production
Shein Moves Away From its Fast Fashion Roots with New Manufacturing
AI-Assisted Ceiling Lights
Mati Papalini and Marko Filipic Design an AI-Assisted Lamp
AI-Generated Lighting Tech
Lepro's LightGPM Smart Lights Adapt to Commands and Emotions
Digital Streetwear Collaborations
The Fabricant x Highsnobiety Dropped During Paris Fashion Week
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Sustainable Smart City Solutions
Omniflow is Illuminating Sustainable Smart Cities with Edge AI
Eco-Friendly Inclusive Apparel
SHEIN Launches evoluSHEIN Line Designed to be Accessible for All
Resurrected Used Smartphones
Think Tank Team Makes Artifacts with Project Afterlife
Brainstorming Business Idea Tools
IdeaMate is the Solution to Fighting Stale Business Ideas
Tech Rebellion Campaigns
Lush is Continuing Its Big Tech Rebellion for Black Friday
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Sustainably Made Creative Lighting
Spared Launches its First Product -- the new XOU Light
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
Talent-Focused Creative Capsules
Swarovski Debuts a Collaboration with Dover Street Market Paris
AI-Powered Virtual Influencers
Antelope is Making Virtual Influencers More Capable with AI Tech
Community Commerce Pop-Ups
TikTok Shop UK Opened a Pop-Up on London's Oxford Street
Digital Wellness Inniaitives
Pinterest Focuses on the Digital Well-being of Gen Z
AI-Powered Fintech Tools
Square Introduces Ten New Generative AI Features for Content Creation
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Text-Based Social Medias
'Artifact' is an Upcoming Article-Focused Social Media Service
STEM Holiday Shops
CircuitMess' Holiday Gift Shop Has Presents That Teach Coding & Creative Design
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Peer-to-Peer Returns Networks
'greenlist' Enables Eco-Friendly, Cost-Effective P2P Returns
AI-Powered Productivity Apps
The 'BeforeSunset' App Helps with Planning and Time Management
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Technology News Summaries
TechTok Helps Readers Stay On Top of News in Five Minutes
Zero-Waste Voucher Solutions
On-us Launches New Technology for Sustainable Event Engagement
AI-Powered DIY Home Apps
Praxis Introduces New Features to Its Praxis Plus App
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Wasteful Shopping Billboards
Not On The High Street's Billboards Highlight a "Don't Gift Guide"
LGBTQ+ Business-Supporting Programs
The Daylight App and Civil Jewelry are Rewarding LGBT Spending
Digital Fashion Designer Incubators
The SYKY Collective Represents the Future of Luxury Fashion
Tech-Enhanced Beaded Bracelets
Soulstones Help People Make Connections and Memories
IoT-Connected Traffic Beacons
This Traffic Beacon Concept Changes According to Needs
AI-Powered Content Creation Tools
Notega is a Solution for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Young Professional Community Apps
Yuppie Helps Gen Z and Millennials Connect with One Another
Eco-Friendly Telecom Companies
SK Group Showcased Over 40 Sustainable Technologies at CES 2023
Lighting-Restoring Studios
skinflint Restores Vintage Lighting for Homes, Restaurants and Shops
Social Media-Inspired eCommerce Features
Amazon Inspire Features Content and Lets Users Shop Looks
Pioneering Secondhand Search Engines
Beni Dominates Resale Marketplace with Innovative App
Digitally Handmade Lighting Designs
Jamie Norris' Collection of Lights is Elegant and Striking
AI-Generated Shopping Campaigns
Sandton City's Latest Campaign Integrates Smart Technology
AR Secondhand Shops
American Eagle Outfitters' RE/AE Shop Spotlights Sustainable Goods
Hourly Job-Finding Apps
Gigs is a Job Platform for the Gig Economy
At-Home Healthcare Technologies
Best Buy Health and PwC Strategy& are Making Care More Accessible
Minimalist Social Media Platforms
Bluesky is a Simple, Minimalist Social Media Platform
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative So Save the Forests
Community-Supporting Business Models
Ben & Jerry's' 'Linked Prosperity' Model Drives Positivity
AI Green Financing Platforms
Singapore's AI Initiative for Sustainable Finance in Real Estate
Social Media-Like Study Apps
SHARPEN Aims to Be Just as Engaging and Convenient as Social Media
Cannabis Delivery Service Apps
Lantern Launches iOS App in Time for the Holidays
Updated Sustainable API Features
Google Adds New Features to its Ingenious Project Sunroof
Loneliness-Combating Social Campaigns
Hinge Launches the New One More Hour Campaign and Fund
Global Eyewear Brand Platforms
Neso Brands Uses Cutting-Edge Technology to Innovate in the Market
Charitable Shopping Assistants
Give Freely Harnesses the Power of Online Shopping for Good
AI-Powered Socialization Apps
The 'BU' App Takes an AI-Driven Approach to Event Planning
AI-Powered Automation Tools
LightSpeed Debuts a New AI Platform for Businesses to Automate Tasks
Engaging Political Update Apps
The 'GovSide' App Encourages Citizens to Get Involved
Thought-Provoking Social Apps
Skaldic is an App for Curious Minds
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
AI-Powered Visual Searches
Poshmark Incorporates AI Technology for its Posh Lens Feature
Women-Supporting Clothing Brands
'Sozy' Aims to Support Women and Victims of Violence
Sustainable Luxury Knitwear
Sheep Inc. is Pioneering Sustainable Luxury in Merino Wool Knitwear
Kindness-Focused Social Media
Kyndr is a Community-Based Social Media Platform
APPI Eco-Friendly Furniture
Sabai Design is a Sustainable Furniture Disruptor Led by Woman Founder
Locally Focused Visionary Tableware
IKEA's Design Lab Presents the New Products of Place Campaign
European Refurbished Tech Retailers
Refurbed Offers Refurbished Electronics in Vienna and Beyond
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Mindful Illumination Holiday Campaigns
Santa & Cole Presents a Warm Embracing Light Campaign
Business-Friendly NFT Tools
Salesforce Introduces NFT Tools to Help Businesses Embrace Web3
Community-Driven Clothing Companies
'Bombas' Makes a Donation for Each Item Purchased
B2B eCommerce Retailer Platforms
Walmart Business Streamlines Access to Essentials
Positivity-Focused Social Medias
SLAY is a Social Media App with Gamified Positive Experiences
Online Sustainable Fashion Toolkits
Fashion Takes Action Features an Important Resource
Tech-Enhanced Travel Planning
Travvit is a Travel Discovery Platform to Inspire Better Vacations
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
IoT Building Management Platforms
This System Allows Efficient Oversight Of Building Operations
Curated Website Suggestions
Curation of Curations Finds the Best Sites Based on Your interests
Tech-Focused Restaurant Councils
Lunchbox's Food Tech Council Consists of 15 Professionals
Discarded Theater Screen Lamps
Haneul Kim Transforms Waste into Lighting Designs
Community-Driven Collector Apps
Connectible is a First-of-Its-Kind Social Media App for Collectors
AI Business Consultants
15-Minute Business Plans Helps Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Sustainable Media Initatives
BlueTriton and Teads Launch a New Digital Sustainability Initiative
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Comforting Mental Health Apps
Lunai Allows Users to Share Their Thoughts in Private
Social Digital Nomad Apps
The 'Citizen Remote' App Supports Remote Workers and More
Social E-Commerce Platforms
TikTok is Launching a New E-Commerce Platform for Consumers
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
AI-Boosted Enterprise Tools
The 'Innovation Assistant' Assists Ideation and Implementation
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Billboard-Transformed Tent Shelters
Wunderman Thompson Morocco Creates the Life-Saving Outdoors
Health-Focused Staff Programs
SOCIETY Debuts the 'SOCIETY Residents' Employee Welfare Initiative
Social Good Ski Initiatives
Christy Sports Launched the Nordica Unleashed Outreach
Smart Life-Planning Apps
Last Plannr is More Than a Traditional To-Do List
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Pro-Community Social Media Apps
Take Creates Real Life Interactions Through a Social Network
Incarcerated Employment Programs
Next Chapter Aims to Create a More Equitable Workplace
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Social Engagement Platforms
Perspik Provides an Online Space for Thoughtful Engagement
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Critical-Response IT Platforms
This Platform Leverages AI to Enable Fast Responses to IT Crises
Festive Display Contests
The Truly Keep It Light Holiday Edition Helps to Cover Utility Bills
Mental Health Branding Initiatives
L.L.Bean Digitally Detoxed for Mental Health Awareness Month
Modern Business Card Scanners
Spreadly Scan Brings Networking to the Modern Age
Dynamic Interactive Lighting Installations
Zava Designs a New Light and Metal Installation
India-Based Refurbishing Brands
ReFit Global Sources Phones for Affordable Second-Hand Reselling
Inclusive Try-On Programs
Perfect Corp. Connects Beauty Brands with Digital Beauty Innovation
Provocative Eco Screensavers
Planet-Saving Screen Savers Encourage Switching Off Devices
Refurbished Tech Initiatives
An Orland Town's Recycling Program Repurposes Refurbished Electronics
AI-Generated Social Ad Copy
the M1-Project Helps Business Owners Convert Using Social Media
Employee Engagement Tools
Triibe Offers Interactive Newsfeed, Polls, Surveys, and More
Professional Networking Platforms
Peerlist Helps Individuals and Businesses Create Profiles
Forest-Preserving Brand Initiatives
Three Prominent Chinese Fashion Companies Join Canopy
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Efficient Personalized Idea Newsletters
Sofon Curates Personalized Insights From Numerous Sources
Community Social Apps
Beezle Social Keeps Users Informed Connected with Their Neighbors
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers
Philanthropic Investment Banks
Builders Vision Helps Build a More Humane and Healthy Planet
Connective Altruistic Apps
Heart 2 Help Uses Tech Can to Foster Positive Relationships