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Arjun Venkatraman
Program Officer, Digital at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Arjun Venkatraman is a Program Officer in the Digital division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, based in New Delhi, India. He has been in this role since June 2020, focusing on inclusivity in public technology and the application of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to promote social good and advance gender equality.1
Background and Experience
- Education: Arjun holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Visvesvaraya Technological University (2001-2005) and a Master's in Business Law from the National Law School of India University (2013-2017) .1
- Previous Roles: Before joining the Gates Foundation, he worked as a Freelance Open Solutions Architect and Consultant on ICT4D (Information and Communication Technologies for Development), Social Impact, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) for nearly a decade. He has also held advisory roles at CGNet Swara, a community media platform, and served as a Technology and Innovation Consultant for Internews.1
Skills and Specialties
Arjun possesses deep technical knowledge of IT systems and coding capabilities. His specialties include:
- Strategic Information Operations
- ICT4D
- Social Enterprises
- Deploying technology solutions in complex environments.1
Recognition
He has been recognized as an Ashoka Fellow since 2014, which highlights his commitment to social entrepreneurship and innovation.1
Overall, Arjun Venkatraman's work at the Gates Foundation is characterized by a strong focus on leveraging digital technology for societal benefit, particularly in underrepresented communities.