As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, we must recognize those stepping up to bridge the digital divide, making emerging technology accessible, meaningful, and impactful for all. Noleen Mariappen, founder of Impactoverse and co-founder of Think Ocean CIC, is doing exactly that—ensuring that rapidly emerging technology such as AI, and digital education are not just advancing but accessible to all, and leveraged to scale impact.
In an industry that remains heavily male-dominated, Mariappen is leading by example—not just advocating for access but building ecosystems that creates opportunities for us to solve real-world challenges, while having some fun! Her work spans technology, education, and social and environmental impact, demonstrating that innovation must serve people, planet, and progress rather than being an exclusive tool for a privileged few.
At the core of her mission is collaboration, working alongside impacteers like founder of Think Ocean CIC, Hugo Valdes-Vera to make impact education and experiences accessible, engaging, and effective in preparing us for the world as it evolves. Through Impactoverse the aim is to ensure that technology is an enabler of education, sustainability, and both human and planetary connection. By integrating AI, storytelling, and gaming mechanics, they are developing experiences that inspire action, foster deeper learning, and make complex issues like climate change and conservation more relatable. This is not just about learning—it’s about engagement, retention, and real-world application.
A Vision for AI, Robotics, and Impact Education
The rapid evolution of technologies such as AI and robotics is reshaping industries, but who is it reshaping them for? While these technologies promise efficiency, automation, and growth, they also risk deepening inequalities if access remains limited. Mariappen’s vision is clear: Technology must be democratized, co-created, and designed for positive impact.
Through strategic partnerships, she is working to:
- Make Impact Education Fun and Accessible – gamifying education, integrating AI into learning, and creating immersive experiences that engage students in sustainability, conservation, and real-world impact.
- Bridge the AI and Robotics Divide – Developing learning pathways and interactive experiences that allow underserved communities to engage with cutting-edge technology in meaningful ways.
- Co-Create Solutions for Global Impact – Ensuring that technology is not developed in silos for a select few but with real-world challenges and access in mind, engaging educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to create technology that serves people and the planet.
- Foster Collaboration Across Sectors – Connecting technologists, educators, and impact-driven organizations to build an ecosystem of technology driven tools for social change.
A Collaboration for Inclusive AI: Impactoverse and Hanson Robotics
To scale this vision, Mariappen and CEO David Hanson of Hanson Robotics, one of the world’s leading AI and robotics companies, best known for Sophia the Robot, are embarking on an impactful partnership. It is one that is not just about technological innovation—but ensuring that AI and robotics are used as tools for education, reigniting human connection and creating solutions for communities and the environment.
Through this collaboration, the focus is on:
- Developing AI-Powered Digital Educators – AI-driven avatars and robotics that make learning more interactive, engaging, and accessible for underserved communities.
- Expanding AI-Driven Impact Learning – Using AI to gamify education and sustainability, ensuring that students, even those in marginalized regions, have access to next-generation learning experiences.
- Co-Creating Solutions for Real-World Impact –Providing the education, skills and expertise to support the creation of solutions that address pressing global challenges.
- Promoting AI for Good – Ensuring that AI and robotics are not just commercial tools but ethical, responsible, and aligned with global impact goals.
Why This Vision Should Be Celebrated on International Women’s Day
Noleen Mariappen is a leader rethinking how AI should serve the world. In a space where access remains a privilege, she is working to ensure that technology is not only available but also meaningful, engaging, and co-created for real-world solutions.
On International Women’s Day, we must celebrate not just women in leadership, but women creating access, breaking barriers, and ensuring that the future is one of equity, inclusion, and impact.
Her work is underpinned by the belief that technology’s true value is not in its intelligence, but in how it serves humanity. This is what the future of AI-driven impact should look like.
