Cambridge Judge Business School launches new Case Study on Simprints

In this guest blog post, Anna Hoff, Executive MBA alumna, shares news on the launch of a new case study at the prestigious Cambridge Judge Business School.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment, bringing Simprints’ real-world impact and innovative approach into the academic spotlight, fostering deeper understanding and inspiring future leaders in business and social impact.

Our shared vision: driving change through innovation

Simprints’ mission is clear: to transform the way the world fights poverty and disease. They achieve this by building technology that radically increases transparency and effectiveness in global development, ensuring that every vaccine, every dollar, and every public good reaches the people who need them most. 

Their groundbreaking biometric identification solutions, including fingerprint scanning and AI-powered facial recognition, are designed for the last mile, helping governments, health organizations, and frontline workers accurately connect individuals to vital services, even in challenging environments. Simprints’ work has already impacted over 3 million people across 17 countries, improving healthcare delivery, land rights, and humanitarian assistance.

Cambridge Judge Business School, part of the world-renowned University of Cambridge, is a fitting partner for this endeavour. Known for its rigorous thinking, transformative education, and a strong focus on innovation and real-world impact. The School’s commitment to exploring how business can address complex global challenges aligns perfectly with Simprints’ ethos.

A student interacts with Simprints Vero fingerprint scanner at the inaugural Simprints Case Study lecture.

A deep dive into real-world impact

This new case study at Cambridge Judge Business School will provide an invaluable opportunity to examine Simprints’ unique model and operational complexities, delving into critical areas such as:

• Scaling impact: How a non-profit technology company effectively scales its solutions across diverse geographical and cultural contexts, reaching millions of people.
• Ethical technology deployment: The considerations and strategies involved in deploying sensitive biometric technology in vulnerable communities, emphasizing privacy, consent, and user acceptance. Simprints prioritizes data security and privacy, and has even published a handbook on responsible biometrics deployment.
• Sustainable business models: The development of robust partnerships with governments, NGOs, and foundations to create sustainable pathways for technology adoption and long-term impact.
• Measuring effectiveness: How Simprints rigorously measures its impact through evidence-based evaluations, including randomized controlled trials, to demonstrate improved service delivery and reduced fraud. For instance, studies have shown their technology can increase maternal health visits by 38% and significantly reduce enrolment times for frontline workers.
  

This academic exploration will offer business students a rare glimpse into the operational realities and strategic decisions behind a leading Tech for Good organization.

Anna (far-right) exploring the Simprints Case Study with a class of Cambridge Judge Business School students.

Why this matters

The launch of this case study is significant for several reasons:

• For Simprints: It provides an academic platform to showcase their work and stimulate new ideas and research that can further their mission. It also validates their innovative approach to solving some of the world’s most pressing development challenges.
• For Cambridge Judge Business School: It enriches their curriculum with a compelling, real-world example of social innovation, preparing students to lead purpose-driven organizations and make a tangible difference in the world.
• For the global development sector: It highlights the critical role that ethical technology and innovative business models can play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, fostering greater transparency and accountability in aid delivery.

Looking ahead

We eagerly anticipate the insights and discussions that will emerge from this case study. It represents a powerful confluence of academic rigour and on-the-ground impact, demonstrating how strategic business thinking can be applied to create profound social change.

Stay tuned for more updates on the case study and the valuable lessons it will undoubtedly uncover. Together with partners like Cambridge Judge Business School, Simprints continues to build a future where every individual can be seen, counted, and reached with the services that are meant for them.

Read more

• Access Simprints’ Responsible Biometric Deployment Handbook
• Learn about our impact in 2024
• Delve into our evidence base

Header image courtesy of University of Cambridge Judge Business School.