Public Technology at the Elephant Academy
Finding and nurturing the next generation of tech and AI savvy changemakers
Socratus has always had a deep interest in learning, what we call our ‘Academy.’ One of our very first activities was a workshop on Mental Models in January 2020. Since then we have had seminars on Imagining India, ongoing courses on Public Problem Solving (at Kautilya) and most recently, a semester long Multispecies Studio. We are now taking those experiments to the next level by creating an academy for the future generalist called “The Elephant Academy,” starting with a track on Public Technology.
Sensing the Future, Shaping the Present
An elephant can feel a distant storm rumbling through the ground before a single cloud appears. In an age when algorithms ripple across elections, supply chains, and classrooms, citizens need the same kind of “ground sense” for technology. If we miss the first tremors, the damage is already under way.
The Public Technology track at Elephant Academy exists to cultivate that ecosystem intelligence—an ability to detect early shifts, filter signal from hype, and steer tools toward the common good.
From Heat to Gender to Tech: A Continuous Arc
Our earlier two case studies argued that data-literate citizens can shorten the distance between evidence and action.
Heat in Delhi engaged with the heat action plan in Delhi and made a case for improving it.
Gender and Economy revealed how demographic data can surface hard trade-offs before new political boundaries are drawn.
If these efforts are to become real and widespread, they will inevitably hinge on public technology: low-cost sensors, open data portals, simple dashboards, and the social software of collaboration. Heat and gender were the testbeds; the Public Tech track is the workshop where we generalize the method.
The Rise of the New Generalist
The world is not short of coders or campaigners; it is short of public problem-solvers—people who see patterns rather than silos and who can translate between technologists, policymakers, and citizens. We call this person the new generalist. The Public Tech curriculum is designed to cultivate four capacities that generalists need:
Listening: sensing weak signals in technical, social, and ecological systems.
Connecting: stitching together data, stories, and stakeholders that rarely meet.
Bridging: translating between code and everyday language and use-cases.
Designing for Commons: choosing solutions that strengthen shared infrastructure rather than private gain.
Elephant Academy: More Forest Than Factory
Elephant Academy is less a classroom than an intelligent forest—full of micro-climates, wandering trails, and interdependent species. Philosophy, creative technology, and changemaking grow side-by-side like trees sharing nutrients. The Public Tech track fits naturally into this ecosystem, offering three kinds of terrain:
Immersive Studios where participants build live prototypes: an open-source heat alert SMS, a gender-balanced data set for local AI, or a community fiber map.
Design Challenges that treat wicked problems as case-making exercises—contextual, actionable, adaptive, robust.
Community Intelligence Sessions where alumni of heat and gender cohorts mentor new entrants, ensuring knowledge composts into richer soil rather than evaporating.
Why Now, Why Here
Technology and AI are no longer a specialized sectors; it is the ground beneath every public issue. Without citizens who can feel its tremors and steer its course, we risk repeating yesterday’s blind spots. At the Elephant Academy we believe that ordinary people can master the craft of rapid, inclusive case-making. The Public Technology track turns that craft into a standing capacity.
The Public Tech Track
The Public Tech For Public Good program by the Elephant Academy is a bold, hands-on learning experience - where you don’t just learn AI, you learn how to apply it to real lives, real problems, and real communities.
In a world where tech often alienates, we’re building a new kind of technologist — one who connects, translates, and makes AI work for people. Whether you're from design, law, literature, engineering, sociology, or data — this program is for anyone who wants to understand AI deeply and use it meaningfully. What makes this program different?
Hands-on with cutting-edge AI tools designed for public good
Apply AI to solve social problems — from health to environment togovernance
1-on-1 mentoring from global thinkers in philosophy, AI, ecology, and design
Live projects of leading impact organisations such as Core Stack, GramVaani, 10x Impact Labs, Agami, Climate Asia, and more
Internships, career support & job access
A vibrant peer network of diverse, mission-driven youth from across India
This is your chance to become not just AI-savvy, but a bridge between AI and the communities that need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Public Tech Immersion Program? The Public Tech Immersion Program is an experiential learning initiative designed to introduce and deeply immerse participants in the application and bridging of publicly available technologies and digital public goods (DPGs) towards social impact.
When does the program start? The program begins on 4th July
What is the duration of the program? The immersion program runs for 12 Weeks, comprising 5 stages
Do I need to go through all 5 stages? The stages have been designed to help you go deeper in the skills and experience of public technologies. At the end of every stage, you will have a choice to go further and get more rewarding experiences.
Is the program paid or free? This program is free of charge to all selected participants, but we will ask you to pay it forward in a manner to be determined.
What is the last date for applying? Applications must be submitted by 15th June 6pm IST.
Who can apply? We encourage applications from students, young professionals, technology enthusiasts, and individuals passionate about leveraging public technology for societal benefit.
Is the program virtual or in-person? The program will be conducted virtually, allowing participants from diverse geographic locations to collaborate effectively.
What can participants expect from the program? Participants will gain hands-on experience with digital public goods, work on real-world projects, receive mentorship from experts, and develop essential skills to build impactful technology solutions for the public good.
Do participants receive any certification? Yes, participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certification, enhancing their professional profiles.
How are participants selected? Participants are selected based on their application, motivation to learn, commitment to the program, and potential to contribute to the wider community.
What technologies or skills will the program cover? The program covers open-source technologies, digital public infrastructure, design and user experience, collaboration and community-building skills, multi-stakeholder problem-solving, tech adoption, and marketing
What type of projects will participants work on? Participants will collaborate on projects addressing real-world challenges related to governance, healthcare, education, urban living, and other sectors benefiting from public tech & AI.
Do I need previous experience with technology to apply? The program is structured to accommodate participants from diverse skill levels, including those from non-technical backgrounds. We encourage individuals from social science, humanities, and development spaces to apply.
What is expected of participants during the program? Participants are expected to actively engage in workshops, group activities, project work, and mentorship sessions, committing approximately 6-8 hours per week
Where can I get more information or assistance with my application? For further details or application support, please reach out:
email us at elephant@socratus.org
Click the link below to apply to the program
