Disruptive technologies are transforming the world, but very few of these technologies are being designed and deployed specifically to solve development challenges. The Disruptive Technologies for Development (DT4D) Program hosted by the Markets, Competition & Technology Unit, Finance, Competitiveness & Innovation, World Bank Group, aims to address this gap by identifying and piloting targeted disruptive technology solutions. The DT4D Challenge awards funding for 5-10 pilots each year which can then potentially scale up and be implemented through the wider World Bank Group portfolio.
This session will kick off with an overview of the DT4D Program. Speakers will then discuss many of the methodologies and technology trends from two rounds of supported pilots. The audience will learn about the importance of designing and deploying these technologies in developing countries through multistakeholder collaboration, new approaches to financing, innovative system change methodologies, and regulatory and procurement considerations, among others.