Social Tides: AI Connect brings together Grow AI founders and social entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders in Paris

On May 15–16, Social Tides brought together 30 social entrepreneurs, policymakers, funders, and ecosystem actors from 20+ European countries in Paris for AI Connect, an event focused on the role of AI in scaling social innovation. The gathering marked a unique moment for INCO’s Grow AI accelerator community to come together, share their journeys, and engage in critical conversations shaping the future of AI for good.

AI Connect was more than just a conference - it was a platform for cross-sector dialogue, where early-stage tech for good founders and experienced ecosystem leaders met and engaged in meaningful conversation. Entrepreneurs had the chance to learn from and exchange directly with ecosystem actors, fostering a shared understanding of how AI can - and must - serve the public good, enabling impact at scale.

AI for impact: a collective vision

The event’s core panel, Scaling Social Impact by Harnessing AI, featured key voices across INCO’s network including Liza Ateh,  Head of Knowledge, Skills and Learning at Google.org EMEA, Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, Jana Bour, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Impact Europe, Valeriya Ionan, Ukraine Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, and Mario Nava, Director-General Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion at the European Commission. The conversation explored how AI for impact is being supported by policy, philanthropic and ecosystem actors including:

• Enabling AI adoption through capacity-building and skills development

• The evolving role of philanthropy and private sector support in backing AI for good

• The importance of policy frameworks and investor engagement that prioritize impact alongside innovation

From the potential of AI to scale solutions, to the need for better access to funding and training, the panel sparked a timely and honest exchange on how different sectors can work together to empower social entrepreneurs and ensure AI is used as a force for good. The conversations also provided founders with a broader strategic context for their work, as well as tangible ideas for partnerships, funding, and growth.

Founders at the center

AI Connect placed social entrepreneurs at the heart of the dialogue with Grow AI founders showcasing how their AI-driven solutions are revolutionizing the fields of Education and Training, Wellbeing and Accessibility, Smart Cities and Information, and Waste Reduction and Environment.

On the second day of AI Connect, a Peer World Café allowed for deeper conversations among the founders and our program partners, Share It, on topics such as inclusive design, corporate partnerships, impact measurement and management, and building internal tech capacity. Founders exchanged learnings, failures, shared tips and experiences - strengthening a shared community of practice around AI for impact.

A step forward for the Social Tides community

The AI Connect event affirmed the value of bringing different perspectives into the same room - from entrepreneurs navigating daily realities, to institutions shaping the broader environment. The result: meaningful connections, mutual understanding, and shared momentum.

We’re grateful to all the speakers, panelists, and founders who made this event so dynamic and inspiring. AI Connect reinforced the strength of the Social Tides community and reminded us of the collective effort required to ensure AI serves people and the planet.

To learn more about Grow AI and get to know our current and former entrepreneurs, explore the program page here.