Cohort 3

Civic Listening through Thick-Big Data: A toolkit for empowering Marginalized Voices in Urban Planning

The Civic Listening project enhances urban planning by integrating thick anthropological data—derived from observations, social media, and user feedback—with big data analytics to create inclusive and responsive public spaces. Focused on accessibility and safety for marginalized groups, the project combines diverse qualitative insights with geospatial data, addressing gaps in existing planning tools that often fail to capture the lived experiences of vulnerable populations.

The initiative’s core objectives include developing an open-source platform for thick-big data analysis, publishing a white paper on inclusive urban design, and prototyping a toolkit tailored for urban planners. Expected outcomes include improved urban planning processes, greater visibility for marginalized voices, and enhanced user experiences in public spaces. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, Civic Listening contributes to creating equitable, accessible urban environments and fosters collaboration between planners, researchers, and communities.

As the project’s first pilot, ParkAble was developed—a tool designed to assess the accessibility of urban public parks. This pilot focused on rating public parks in India by cross-checking available big data against the Harmonised Guidelines & Standards for Universal Accessibility in India (2021). ParkAble integrates its ratings into Google Reviews, providing people with disabilities with better navigation insights while also offering valuable data to urban designers to improve park accessibility.

In the coming months, the project will expand ParkAble to more cities, with the goal of improving park accessibility across Japan and India. Through its work, Civic Listening seeks to build new approaches to listening, analyzing, and acting on inequality in urban spaces, ensuring that urban development is driven by data-informed, human-centered insights.

Project Team:

Shoko Takemoto, Urban Analytics Assistant Manager, Woven by Toyota
Project Role: Project Lead, Urban Planning & Design
Email: stakemoto@gmail.com

Himanshu Panday, Co-founder, Dignity in Difference
Project Role: Project Co-Lead, Data Analysis and Platform Development
Email: himanshu@dignityindifference.org

Roli Mahajan, Independent Journalist and Consultant, Development and Cooperation Magazine
Project Role: Project Member, Knowledge Management and Communication
Email: Roli.undp@gmail.com

Daisuke Masabuchi, CTO, Nobishiro
Project Role: Project Member, Data Analysis and Platform Development
Email: dmasubuchi@gmail.com

Kana Kitaoka, Partner / Independent Researcher, Dukana Solutions LLP
Project Role: Project Member, Ethnographic and Human Behavior Analysis
Email: dukanallp@gmail.com

Noriko Suzuki, Auto, Energy & Electronics Leader, IBM Institute for Business Value
Project Role: Project Member, Business Strategy and Visibility
Email: suzuki@smanagement.net

Atoka Jo, Himeji Jogakuin Liberal Arts Summer Program
Project Role: Project Member, Safety, Security and Wellbeing Analysis
Email: atokajo@gmail.com

For more information, please email Shoko Takemoto

Additional Resources:

Accelerator _ Presentation
Civic Listening _ Presentation

Enability

Enability addresses the need for early intervention to prevent disability among at-risk population by leveraging digital technology to enhance awareness, proactive health-seeking behaviors, and treatment adherence. Unlike existing tools that focus solely on managing disabilities, Enability emphasizes prevention through timely diagnosis, behavior change, and sustained engagement, bridging literacy, language, and disability barriers.

The initiative aims to combine secondary research, stakeholder consultations, and AI-enabled customization to develop an inclusive, user-centric digital health solution. Focusing on leprosy to begin with, the solution will inform users about every aspect of leprosy, and provide real-time nudges for early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and connections to nearby clinicians. A WhatsApp-integrated interface and culturally tailored features will make it accessible to people in resource-poor settings.

The project envisions partnerships with healthcare providers, NGOs, and governments to refine the solution and scale it sustainably. Expected outcomes include improved early detection, reduced disability progression, and better integration into existing health systems. By empowering individuals and their caregivers, Enability fosters sustainable health-seeking behaviors and significantly advances the disability prevention and management landscape.

Project Team:

Harisanker Santhosh Kumar Bindu, Executive Audiologist, HealthNet Global, Apollo Telehealth 
Project Role: Holistic Integration & Operational Excellence
Email: sbharisanker@gmail.com

Himanshu Joshi, Director, NITI Aayog (Atal Innovation Mission)
Project Role: Strategy and Partnerships
Email: himanshujoshi.mech@gmail.com

Romita Ghosh, CEO, iHeal HealthTech Pvt Ltd
Project Role: Marketing and Strategy
Email: romita@ihealhealthtech.com

Shiv Kumar, Co-founder & Director, Kidaura Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
Project Role: Requirement Gathering & Roadmap Based on Users’ Needs
Email: shiv@kidaura.in

Subhojit Goswami, Sr. Manager Advocacy & Communication, The Leprosy Mission Trust India
Project Role: Data Collection, Analysis and Project Monitoring
Email: findsubho@gmail.com

For more information, please email Subhojit Goswami

Additional Resources:

Project Accelerator _ Presentation
Enability _ Presentation

Portals: Enhancing wellbeing of immigrants. A case study bridging India and Japan

Did you know that many social workers in Japan spend years apart from their children due to visa restrictions? Japan's 'Specified Skilled Worker' visa explicitly prohibits fami accompaniment for up to five years. These workers play a crucial role in caring for Japan’s aging population, yet they often face isolation and struggle to adapt to life here. Studies show they have few ways to connect with local communities, and media representations have historically been mixed. Many also work under unstable conditions, where speaking up about problems could mean losing both their job and housing simultaneously, contributing to low retention rates.

When these workers experience loneliness and disengagement, the consequences are severe - studies show workplace loneliness has health risks equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes daily, with Japan reporting nearly 30,000 loneliness-related deaths annually. In partnership with the Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce and the National Institute of Design, we are creating a 'phygital space' where workers can: (i) Reunite with distant family (ii) Connect with peers in similar situations (iii) Access mental health support. With tonari, a life-size ultra-low-latency portal, we'll create a space where families can reunite on special occasions like birthdays and religious gatherings, foster real connections back home, build a supportive community in Japan, and provide access to counseling from their home countries.

Our research focuses on understanding immigrant well-being, creating effective communication environments, and developing sustainable community engagement. We believe the project will serve as a model to support immigrant communities in countries around the world.

Project Team:

Shizuka Nagahama, Founding Member, Non-profit Tonari
Project Role: Project Lead, Setup, Media
Email: shizukaoffice@gmail.com

Rahul Arora, Senior Creative Designer, Alstom Transportation SA
Project Role: Experience Designer, Design Framework, PM
Email: rahul.arora@alstomgroup.com

Sanchari Chandra, Associate Research Strategist, Maven Magnet
Project Role: Research & Analysis from India
Email: sancharichandra@gmail.com

Yojiro Onaru, Senior Manager, NTT
Project Role: Research & Analysis from Japan
Email: yojiro.oh@gmail.com

Satoko Fujioka, Founder/Designer, ReDo/Orange Medical & Social Group
Project Role: Run Survey as Case Study Company + Healthcare
Email: satoko_f@redo.co.jp

Keisuke Tanaka, Managing Director, Global Japan AAP Consulting Private Limited
Project Role: Run Survey as Case Study Company + Setup Operations in Bangalore
Email: k.tanaka@g-japan.com

Naoki Uozawa, Innovation Officer, Adaptation Fund
Project Role: Funding Expert, Build Frameworks from Findings
Email: naoki.uo3@gmail.com

For more information, please email Shizuka Nagahama

Additional Resources:
Project Flyer for Impact Shift

Project Website _ English

Project Website _ Japanese

TONARI Technology
Portals: Enhancing Connectivity and Well-being for Sustainable Communities _ Presentation

Telemedicine: Inclusion & Healthcare

The "Telemedicine: Inclusion & Healthcare" project aims to increase awareness of depressive symptoms, which can affect anyone, not just those with developmental or mental disorders, and to share correct response procedures in a digital format. The project's objectives include spreading correct understanding, encouraging acceptance and counseling, and supporting people with mild depressive symptoms through simple self-checks and self-care.

The project employs research surveys, data collection and analysis, tech tools, community events, and collaboration with local governments. Expected outcomes include early detection and reduction of depressive symptoms, awareness-raising on parenting depression among fathers, and fostering an inclusive society through correct recognition of mental health issues.

Project Team:

Meghana Prakash, Co-founder, CTO and Product Strategist, Edgame
Project Role: Project Member
Email: meghanap02@gmail.com

Mami Takesada, Manager, Code for Japan 
Project Role: Project Lead
Email: takesada@code4japan.org 

Ramprasad Kulkarni, Senior Technical Program Manager, Netradyne Technology India Pvt ltd
Project Role: Project Co-Lead
Email: ramky84@gmail.com   

Shiv Kumar, Co-founder & Director, Kidaura Innovations Pvt. Ltd.
Project Role: Project Member
Email: shiv@kidaura.in

For more information, please email Mami Takesada

Additional Resources:
Telemedicine: Inclusion & Healthcare _ Presentation

Carbon Footprint Tracker (CFT) for Food Waste: Transforming Food Waste into Climate Action

1. Real-Time Carbon Tracking: Instantly monitor food waste and its carbon emissions using image recognition and IoT sensors.
2. Personalized Waste Reduction Tips: Receive actionable recommendations on portion control, storage, and menu optimization.
3. Predictive Analytics: Leverage advanced algorithms to forecast waste patterns and proactively prevent waste.
4. Comprehensive Reporting: Visualize waste trends and track progress toward sustainability goals.

Project Team:   

Sanika Jawalkar, Senior Operations Research Scientist Shell PLC
Project Role: Project Lead
Email: sanikajawalkar16@gmail.com

For more information, please email Sanika Jawalkar

Additional Resources: 
 

Elicitor's Enigma

"Elicitor's Enigma" is an innovative project aimed at addressing the historical and ongoing issue of brain drain in Japan and India by leveraging the collective insights and experiences of senior scientists and researchers who have migrated. This project seeks to compile and analyze data on the contributions of these individuals, thus filling the gaps in existing literature and data.

By creating an interactive platform, the project will enable the sharing of valuable insights, foster collaboration, and offer actionable intelligence to address current and future challenges in innovation ecosystems. The expected outcomes include enhanced data-driven policies, increased awareness of the impacts of brain drain, and the promotion of a collaborative research environment that benefits both countries. Through this initiative, "Elicitor's Enigma" aims to transform historical losses into opportunities for growth and development in the scientific community.

Project Team:

Amit Kumar Singh, Advocate and PhD Scholar, Bar Council of India and Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi
Project Role: Project Co-Lead
Email: amitk.singh@outlook.com  

Amrutha Rathina Sampath, Scientist & Research Scholar Technology Information Assessment and Forecasting Council
Project Role: Project Lead
Email: amruthaammu27@gmail.com

For more information, please email Amrutha Rathina Sampath

Additional Resources:
Elicitor's Enigma _ Presentation

Mone: The New Frontier to Access AI

"Mone: The New Frontier to Access AI" is an innovative project designed to bridge the digital divide by enhancing the last-mile delivery of Large Language Models (LLMs) through local dialects. This project aims to address the current limitations of LLMs, such as robotic voice outputs and alienation of non-English speakers. By creating a voice marketplace and incentivizing data sharing, Mone integrates local voices to deliver more natural and relatable interactions.

The project employs a pilot program, partnerships with LLM providers, and collaboration with local initiatives. Expected outcomes include improved customer satisfaction, enhanced access to modern practices in agriculture and city planning, and new employment opportunities for differently-abled individuals. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive and effective AI ecosystem, transforming accessibility and engagement across various sectors.

Project Team:

Karthik Rampalli, Venture Capitalist, Beyond Next Ventures
Project Role; Project Lead
Email: karth.ram.007@gmail.com

For more information, please email Karthik Rampalli 

Additional Resources:
MONE _ Presentation

Bridging the Gender Gap: Addressing Professional Challenges through Inclusive Strategies

The project focuses on identifying and addressing the distinct external and internal challenges faced by professionals, with a gender-specific lens. Aimed at understanding and mitigating barriers in professional environments, the project will explore differences in challenges faced by women and men, such as physical capacity, visibility, reputation, and societal pressures. By developing a structured survey through conversations within respective networks, the project will gather insights to inform and refine the survey.

The primary objectives include improving talent acquisition and retention, enhancing access to funding, managing work-life balance, and fostering social relationships. The expected outcomes include actionable strategies to enhance professional environments, leading to a more balanced and supportive ecosystem for both women and men. Ultimately, the project aspires to create impactful changes by addressing these challenges, contributing to a more equitable and efficient professional landscape.

Project Team:

Naho Kawashima, Social Innovation Coordinator ETIC (Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities)
Project Role: Project Lead  
Email: naho.kawashima@etic.or.jp 

Neha Arya, PhD Scholar, Indian Institute of Technology
Project Role: Project Member
Email: neha_arya003@yahoo.com  

Harshita Jamba, Program Manager, WRI
Project Role: Project Member
Email: amba.harshita@gmail.com 

For more information, please email Naho Kawashima

Additional Resources: 

Empowering Political Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities in India

"Empowering Political Inclusion for Persons with Disabilities in India" is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the political marginalization of persons with disabilities. This project seeks to enhance their political representation and ensure they can exercise their rights fully. By utilizing existing government data and conducting new individual-level surveys, the project will gather detailed information about the political experiences and behaviors of disabled individuals.

The project employs a mixed-method approach, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, to deepen the understanding of the current situation. Key activities involve developing an index for the social and political rights of people with disabilities and making the data and findings accessible through visualization and a data repository.

The anticipated outcomes include heightened awareness among stakeholders, improved enforcement of disability rights, and significant advancements in the social inclusion and dignity of disabled individuals in India. This initiative aims to create a society where persons with disabilities are politically empowered and their rights are respected and upheld.

Project Team:

Asahi Obata, PhD Student, Rice University
Project Role: Lead Researcher
Email: asahi.obatatata@gmail.com

Shameer Rishad, Founder Javed Abidi Foundation (JAF)
Project Role: Project Lead, Data sourcing and visualization
Email: shameer.rishad@gmail.com

For more information, please email Shameer Rishad

Additional Resources:
Empowering Political Inclusion _ Initial  Presentation