Our Model

Social Impact Generator™

SocialTech Lab’s model is designed to build resilient, inclusive innovation ecosystems in contexts shaped by division, inequality, and rapid transition. We call this approach the Social Impact Generator™, a systems-driven model that enables positive peace through entrepreneurship, innovation, and community-led solutions.

Rather than addressing conflict in isolation, our model focuses on the conditions that allow societies to thrive: access to opportunity, inclusive economic participation, trust across communities, and the capacity of local actors to shape their own futures. By combining technology, innovation programmes, and physical spaces, we create environments where collaboration replaces fragmentation and long-term resilience can emerge.

The Social Impact Generator™ was first developed in Cyprus, one of Europe’s most complex divided contexts, where Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities have lived separated for over five decades. What began as a peacebuilding experiment through entrepreneurship has evolved into a scalable model for positive peace–driven innovation and peacetech, now applied across multiple regions and thematic areas.

1. Research & Local Insight

Our work begins with research grounded in local realities. We conduct ecosystem mapping, participatory research, and stakeholder engagement to understand the social, economic, and institutional dynamics shaping each context. This ensures that our programmes respond to real needs, reflect lived experiences, and are informed by data rather than assumptions. Research also allows us to identify systemic gaps and opportunities, shaping solutions that are locally relevant and scalable.

2. Capacity Building

Capacity building sits at the heart of our model. Through tailored training, mentorship, and peer learning, we support entrepreneurs, young changemakers, and community leaders to develop entrepreneurial, technological, and leadership skills. Our approach prioritises inclusion, cross-community participation, and gender balance, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to access opportunity and build confidence as agents of change.

3. Policy

To ensure long-term impact, we engage with public institutions, municipalities, international organisations, and donors. By connecting grassroots innovation with policy dialogue, we support experimentation, pilot new approaches, and translate local insights into systemic change. This pillar ensures that innovation ecosystems are not isolated projects, but embedded within broader strategies for development, inclusion, and positive peace.

4. Live Innovation Programmes

We translate ideas into action through live innovation programmes, including hackathons, accelerators, venture builders, incubators, and challenge-based labs. These programmes bring together diverse participants to co-create solutions, test ideas, and access expert support, networks, and funding. By convening people across social, political, and geographic divides, live programmes serve as powerful tools for collaboration, trust-building, and shared problem-solving.

5. Digital Tools

Technology enables our ecosystems to scale and remain connected. Through digital tools such as e-learning platforms, AI-enabled solutions, and mobile applications, we extend access to knowledge, resources, and networks beyond physical boundaries. These peacetech tools allow participants to continue learning, collaborating, and building ventures long after programmes end, strengthening resilience in contexts where access and mobility may be limited.

6. Physical Spaces

Physical spaces play a critical role in turning collaboration into lived experience. From coworking hubs to pop-up innovation spaces, we create safe, neutral environments where people can meet, work, and build together. Our flagship space, The Base by CyprusInno, located in Cyprus’s UN Buffer Zone, demonstrates how thoughtfully designed spaces can transform division into collaboration and foster a sense of shared ownership.

A Model Built for Positive Peace - Impact Areas

The Social Impact Generator™ was first applied in peacebuilding, but today it extends across multiple thematic areas. In every context, the model adapts to local conditions while maintaining a consistent focus on inclusion, collaboration, and long-term impact.

At its core, the model is not about exporting solutions, but about enabling ecosystems—supporting local innovators to lead change, strengthening connections across divides, and creating the conditions for positive peace–driven innovation to take root and scale.

Positive Peace &

Social Cohesion

Building trust, dialogue, and collaboration across divided communities to create lasting peace.

Climate & Environment

Driving local solutions for climate action, circularity, and environmental resilience.

Urban Innovation

Reimagining cities through inclusive, human-centered, and sustainable urban solutions.

Sustainable Agriculture

Supporting agrifood innovation that strengthens livelihoods and protects natural resources.

Culture & Creativity

Empowering creatives to shape inclusive identities, narratives, and community-driven change.

Health & Wellbeing

Innovative, tech-driven approaches improving mental health, wellbeing, and access to care.

Ready to create impact together?

We’re always looking to partner with organisations and changemakers who share our vision for a more inclusive and innovative future. Book a call with us to explore how we can collaborate and grow impact side by side.