Helping good ideas go further
Independent strategic advice on technology, innovation and international development.
I help organisations spot opportunities, bring the right people together, turn innovative ideas into practical programmes and partnerships, and take them to scale.
From good idea to lasting impact
I bring strategic perspective, creative thinking and 25+ years of international development experience to help turn ideas into action.
Spot opportunities
Identify where new technologies, ideas and partnerships could make a real difference.
Build partnerships
Bring together governments, businesses, researchers, funders and innovators to turn promising ideas into collaborative action.
Shape & scale
Develop the strategy, programmes, partnerships, business models and financing needed to take an idea further.
Strategic oversight
Provide independent advice and experienced challenge to Boards, leadership teams and major programmes.
Where I can help
AI for Development
Responsible AI, AI-powered science breakthroughs, and applying AI to global challenges.
Tech & Digital Innovation
Emerging technologies, digital transformation and technology-enabled development.
Research & Innovation
Research strategy, innovation portfolios, programme design and pathways from research to impact.
Scaling & Impact
Business models, financing, ecosystem development, evidence, learning and taking promising solutions to scale.
Strategic Partnerships
Building effective collaboration between government, business, academia, civil society, funders and innovators.
Strategic Guidance
Strategic oversight and advice to Boards, leadership teams and multi-partner programmes.
25+ years turning ideas into impact
From pioneering clean energy access and mobile money in Africa to shaping international approaches to AI for development, I've spent my career helping new ideas become practical solutions at scale.
Clean energy
Designed and launched the UK's £1 billion Ayrton Fund commitment on clean-energy research and innovation, and helped spark PAYGO solar across Africa.
Mobile Money
Helped support the early stages and development of mobile banking and financial inclusion in Africa
Strategic partnerships
Established major DFID partnerships with GSMA, Unilever, Shell Foundation and GDI Hub, helping inclusive technologies and business models reach millions of people.
Assistive technology
Established AT2030, a multi-partner programme using innovation to improve access to assistive technology, already reaching 34 million people.
AI for development
Shaped FCDO's strategic approach to AI for development and led multi-partner platforms exploring how AI-powered science can tackle challenges in health, climate, growth and inclusion.
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About David
I'm an empowering leader and natural partnership builder, with more than 25 years' experience working at the intersection of international development, tech & innovation.I enjoy spotting a great idea, bringing together the right people to test and develop it, and working out what it takes to turn it into something that can scale.Most recently, I was Deputy Director for Research, Technology & Innovation at the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, where I oversaw a £340m portfolio, 60+ staff and more than 50 programmes spanning areas including AI, climate, energy, health, food, tech & innovation.Before joining government, I spent six years as an independent consultant working on technology, energy and innovation in Africa - including early mobile money initiatives and continent-wide connectivity.
Now, through Kupita, I'm bringing that experience back to independent work.
A trusted strategic sounding board
I have provided strategic oversight and advice to Boards, leadership teams and multi-partner programmes across research, technology, innovation, clean energy and social impact.My experience spans government, business, academia, civil society, philanthropy and international development - and I bring those perspectives together to help navigate complex opportunities and decisions
Rooted in Chichewa and Swahili, 'kupita' means 'to go', 'to get past' - reflecting our aim to help innovative ideas & organisations overcome obstacles and deliver impact. Helping good ideas go further.
Contact
Got a challenge, opportunity or idea worth exploring?I'd be happy to have a conversation.Send me a short message below and I'll get right back to you.
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