As part of the Super Connect for Good Competition supported by Global Good, our Editor-in-Chief Kosta Mavroulakis caught up with one of its Regional Judges.
Please introduce yourself, your organisation and your role
My journey is largely unconventional – with a base in industrial design, over the past 18 years, I have applied my design knowledge to hospitality, music, branding, and building businesses. For the past 5 years, I have been with Shadow Factory as Managing Director, where I lead the agency’s brand and marketing departments as well as oversee the business development of the company.
Shadow Factory is a next-generation creative studio known for delivering exceptional content. At Shadow Factory, we provide comprehensive digital creative services and gaming solutions, ranging from AR filters to Metaverse experiences and Web3 solutions.
What are some of the most pressing social issues that your company is working to address through its technology?
At Shadow Factory, we believe in the power of collaboration and partnerships to amplify our impact on society. That’s why we actively work with charities and NGOs to leverage technology in support of their missions. We have established meaningful collaborations with notable charities such as MeshMinds, Adventure Ted, and Habitat for Humanity.
Through these partnerships, we strive to combine our creative expertise with their invaluable knowledge and experience in addressing social challenges. Together, we create immersive and impactful experiences that raise awareness, drive engagement, and inspire positive action. Whether it’s using virtual reality to transport audiences into the heart of a situation or utilizing augmented reality and gamification to educate students on social issues, we aim to leverage technology as a catalyst for change.
By working hand in hand with charities and NGOs, we ensure that our creative projects align with their goals and effectively communicate their messages. We are dedicated to using our skills and resources to support education initiatives, advocate for social justice, and foster a more sustainable and inclusive world.
At Shadow Factory, our commitment to leveraging technology for social good extends beyond our own projects. We actively seek opportunities to collaborate with like-minded organizations, harnessing the power of creativity and technology to create a better future for all.
How does your organisation support and/or work with startups and scaleups at present?
We are strong proponents of startups and scaleups as we still consider ourselves in that category on many levels, and we love collaborating with them to bring their visions to life. At Shadow Factory, we offer comprehensive support to these innovative ventures. We support mentorship curriculums, enabling startups to benefit from the guidance of our experienced team members. Additionally, we look to create networking opportunities, connecting startups with our extensive network of industry professionals and potential partners. Collaboration is key, and our creative and technical teams are always excited to engage with startups and scaleups, sharing our expertise and resources to help develop and execute their projects. Internally, we foster a culture of creativity and exploration, encouraging our team members to contribute their ideas and experiment with new solutions.
Why did you decide to support the Super Connect for Good 2023 Competition as a Judge / Partner? What are you looking for from the applicants and what tips would you give them?
Supporting the Super Connect for Good 2023 Competition as a Judge was an easy decision for me. At Shadow Factory, we are deeply committed to recognizing and promoting startups and scaleups that are using technology to create positive social impact. This competition perfectly aligns with our values and provides an exceptional platform to discover and support like-minded individuals and teams.
When assessing applicants, I’m searching for that spark of innovation and genuine passion for driving positive change. I want to see ideas that address real societal challenges in unique and meaningful ways. It’s crucial for applicants to articulate a clear mission and purpose behind their work. I’m also interested in teams that demonstrate resilience and a willingness to learn and adapt. My advice to applicants would be to stay true to their vision, showcase their authentic selves, and craft a compelling narrative that captures hearts and minds. Remember, it’s not just about the idea; it’s about the impact you can make!
In your opinion, what impact will technology have in creating a better future? To what extent do you feel that tech startups and scaleups can contribute to society’s greatest challenges
Technology is a powerful force in shaping a better future for all. Its impact is immense and transformative, revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with the world. From driving innovation and enhancing efficiency to fostering inclusivity and connectivity, technology holds tremendous potential.
Tech startups and scale-ups play a vital role in addressing society’s greatest challenges. These ventures bring fresh perspectives, agility, and an entrepreneurial spirit to the table. They possess the audacity to challenge the status quo, disrupt traditional models, and introduce groundbreaking solutions. By harnessing technology and its creative brilliance, tech startups, and scaleups can make a significant impact on pressing issues such as climate change, social inequality, healthcare accessibility, and more. They have the power to drive change at an accelerated pace and contribute to building a better future for everyone.
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Shadow Factory is a Regional Judge (East Asia) for the Super Connect for Good Competition 2023 powered by Empact Ventures and Hays
