One month to build data projects where it matters the most.

d-Node is launching the Open Studio: build a real tech or data solution for an NGO or social startup in underserved contexts, in just 1 month.
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A short, intense sprint that connects impact organizations with talents in tech, design, and data to co-create fast, actionable tools.
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Build open-source tech tools in 4 weeks

Perfect for small, focused challenges such as field tools, data storytelling, map-based tools, light MVPs.

Remote-friendly, lightweight, impact-driven

You bring the project and data. We bring the team and coordinate the expertise to fit your needs.

Kickoff in June 2025

Become partner of our Season 1 - Pilot edition and get support for free.

Why this program?

Many organizations have strong ideas and pressing needs - but lack time, funding, or tech capacity.

We believe that with the right mix of real-world problems, motivated teams, and clear structure, we can build prototypes, learn fast, and deliver value.

If you are a social organization: Whether you want to prototype an application based on your data, build a beautiful data visualization on your activities or a field tool for your organization, you are at the right place.

If you are a tech talent, schoolstudent : Join the program to build open tools that can help social organizations raise funds, advocate, or work more effectively on the ground.

Propose a project
Register as participant
This program is perfect for small, focused challenges such as:
Field tools: Mobile/web apps for operations or data collection.
Data storytelling: Dashboards, visualizations, or journalistic formats.
Map-based tools: Resources access, infrastructure gaps, etc.
Light MVPs: First version of a tool to test an idea on the ground.
Propose a project
Register as participant
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How it works

4 weeks in June to prototype your project

Each project team is made up of a small, agile group: one NGO or social startup brings the real-world need, supported by two to four student contributors with skills in tech, UX, or data.

A mentor (either from d-Node or a sponsoring company) provides guidance throughout the sprint. Partner companies are also welcome to join to offer additional support, mentoring, and visibility.
Propose a project
Register as participant

Week 0: Scoping your needs

We work with you to clarify your challenge, define the key problem, and shape a realistic goal. This ensures the student team has a clear, actionable brief from day one.

Week 1: Prototyping + User Research

Students explore ideas, sketch first versions, and gather early feedback from potential users or stakeholders. This phase is all about understanding the context and testing assumptions fast.

Weeks 2-3 : Building & Testing

The team develops a working prototype, iterates based on your input, and improves usability. Regular check-ins ensure alignment and progress toward something functional.

Week 4 : Demo day! (and feedback)

Final refinements, user testing, and presentation. You get a working demo, clear documentation, and a chance to use and share the project with partners, donors, or the wider public.

Who should apply?

NGOs & Social Startups

Willing to build a project in a very short time, for their operations or purpose.
Build your project
You have a real operational or data challenge.
You operate in an underserved area.
You want a first version to test, raise funds, or tell your story better.

Tech/Design/Data Schools

Looking to engage their expertise in social projects and enrich their portfolios.
Join as partner
You want your students to work on real-world impact projects.
You need ready-to-go projects and structure.

Companies & Sponsors

Supporting impact initiatives and hiring top talents in universities.
Sponsor the studio
Support the next wave of tech-for-good talents.
Boost your CSR/ESG impact.
Mentor a team or get access to emerging talents.

The Open Studio is a fast-track initiative to help build social tech tools where they're most needed.

Inspired by our experience of grassroots prototyping, we're launching a fresh model: short sprints, open-source outputs, and student-led energy.

Apply and get a chance to be supported.

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