WHAT IS A CO-LAB
&
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A Catalyst Co-Lab is an engaging process structured around a specific problem or opportunity that a social entrepreneur is seeking to tackle.
First
We work with a social entrepreneur who has a challenge — and whom we call our “Host” — to clearly define their problem or issue.
Then
We recruit relevant, diverse experts and practitioners through Catalyst 2030, Ashoka, Skoll, Schwab, Echoing Green, and other networks.
We select 30 participants to take part in carefully moderated, co-design sessions that ignite ideas and collaborations to tackle the host’s challenge.
Finally
This leads to faster and deeper impact and new insights and solutions to share with others. .
The Path
1. Identify
We work with a Sponsor of the Co-Lab to identify a social a entrepreneur with a specific problem or opportunity and who, from thereon, serves as the Co-Lab’s “Host”.
2. Define
We carefully define the problem or opportunity together with the “Host” and schedule a Co-Lab session.
If you want to learn more on what is a Co-Lab challenge visit What is a Co-Lab Challenge?
3. Recruit
We leverage the networks of Catalyst 2030’s 2000+ members as well as the Sponsor’s and Host’s networks for relevant experts and practitioners. .
4. Host Co-Labs
We curate the participant list carefully and moderate Co-Lab sessions for the Host. This catalyzes collaborations and ignites potential solutions.
5. Support
We support collaborations that have come as a result of the Co-lab through a structured six-month process (optional).
6. Assess & Market
Together with the Host, we can assess, report & create marketing content for use by the Host, Sponsor and participants, to disseminate their work and its outcomes (optional).
Example of a Co-lab Session Ideation Board
Notes on an interactive session board
Some of the participants from across the world at one of the online co-labs
