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The IDEMS Podcast
Conversations about impact and innovation. Listen twice weekly.
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New episodes twice a week

The IDEMS Podcast.

Conversations on building socio-technical innovations for social impact.

LATEST EPISODE

252 – AIMS Rwanda 2026

Lily and David discuss the AIMS Rwanda doctoral course on problem solving in data science, reflecting on how participants engage with complex simulated datasets. They explore the challenges students face in identifying underlying models, the limitations of relying on AI tools, and the importance of interpretation and human insight in data analysis. The conversation highlights how the course evolves alongside new technologies while continuing to reveal fundamental lessons about working with data.

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The IDEMS Podcast releases new episodes twice a week, with episode topics suggested by IDEMS’ team members. Inspiration comes across the IDEMS landscape of applied impact innovation R&D, with topics ranging from what we’re currently working on and frontline challenges to trending issues in the news and long-term vision. Learn more about The IDEMS Podcast.

If you’re new to the podcast, visit Get Started or explore Team Favourites. If you’re looking for inspiration search our archive with filters that help you curate your own podcast experience based on your interests from more than 200 past episodes. Or scroll down for the latest curated episode playlist from an IDEMS’ team member.

FEATURED PLAYLIST

Funding Impact Innovation

A curated series investigating the challenges of, and innovative thinking and investment offers emerging from, IDEMS’ mission to build ambitious tech innovation for marginalised communities under the constraints of our unusual incorporation structure, a CIC limited by guarantee.

See more playlists →

221 – Ethical Investments:  Social Enterprise Impact Bonds

In this podcast episode, Santiago and David discuss IDEMS’ strategy for sustainable growth through Social Enterprise Impact Bonds. They revisit the concept of ‘fundamentally profitable’, emphasizing the need for financial sustainability to support impactful projects. The conversation highlights their unique funding model, offering ethical and secure returns for investors, aimed at fostering social impact while avoiding high-risk ventures.

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210 – Two Years of The IDEMS Podcast: The IDEMS Collaboratories and CommonTech

In this special two-year anniversary episode David and Kate reflect on their journey, from improving audio quality to hosting more expert guests. They explore the essence of IDEMS’ work, emphasizing the combination between the IDEMS Collaboratory and CommonTech, as a breakthrough in IDEMS’ narrative, highlighting the challenge of communicating a complex, collaborative vision.

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170 – Marketing IDEMS: From R&D to Products

In this episode, George and Kate discuss the challenge of transforming deep R&D into tangible products. They explore the balance between simplicity and complexity, the need for early market validation, and the difficulty of securing private investment for ambitious long-term goals. The conversation touches on the unique product and funding strategies for social enterprises and highlights how IDEMS navigates these challenges while emphasizing the importance of impact over profit.

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129 – USAID

In this episode of the IDEMS podcast, co-directors David Stern and Kate Fleming discuss the breaking news of the proposed shutdown of USAID. Highlighting the immediate and long-term implications, they consider the historical context of similar actions, notably the disbandment of DFID in the UK. They examine the wide-reaching effects on international development, local economies, and human lives, while recognising the potential for future innovation and systemic change.

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