Gaurav Godhwani

Gaurav Godhwani is the Executive Director and Co-founder of CivicDataLab, an organization dedicated to enhancing civic engagement and access to information through data-driven initiatives in India and other Asian countries. His work focuses on leveraging technology, social science, and open-source practices to foster better public governance and citizen participation.

Background and Experience

• CivicDataLab: Since June 2018, he has been leading efforts to develop open data collaboratives that improve public data accessibility, which aids decision-making and promotes data-driven governance. His initiatives include projects like DataKind Bangalore, Open Budgets India, and Open Contracting India, aimed at using data for public good.123
• Previous Roles: Before founding CivicDataLab, Gaurav served as the Technical Lead at the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA) and was a Chapter Leader for DataKind. He has also worked as a software engineer at ibibo Web Pvt. Ltd. and PromptCloud.45

Areas of Focus

Gaurav is particularly passionate about:

• Open Data: Advocating for transparency in government processes through accessible data.
• Social Impact: Engaging with various stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to implement data-driven solutions for societal challenges.
• Education and Advocacy: He actively participates in discussions around open-source technology, human rights, and the role of data in social change.23

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional commitments, Gaurav enjoys traveling, teaching, and photography, reflecting his multifaceted interests beyond technology and social entrepreneurship.2

For more insights into his work and contributions, you can find him on LinkedIn under the username gggodhwani.