AlterContacts Company Profile

Background

Overview

AlterContacts is an international think tank based in the Netherlands, established in 2019, dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda. The organization operates as a civil society partnership (Vennootschap onder firma) and is recognized for its contributions to sustainable development through research, publications, and initiatives that promote constructive dialogue on international development.

Mission and Vision

AlterContacts aims to eradicate ignorance, empower entrepreneurship, and assist organizations in instilling a sustainability mindset, enabling them to track and measure their contributions to the UN SDGs. The think tank functions as a virtual laboratory of ideas, developing practices for sustainable solutions that help communities become more resourceful and resilient, thereby accelerating the path to a more prosperous world.

Primary Area of Focus

The organization focuses on several key areas:

• Entrepreneurship: Empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses to foster economic growth and equal opportunities.

• Youth Education: Facilitating the school-to-work transition and promoting active citizenship among youth.

• Sustainable Development: Addressing socio-economic and environmental challenges through research and policy recommendations.

Industry Significance

AlterContacts holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), enabling it to share insights from its initiatives with international policymakers. This status underscores the organization's significant role in contributing to global sustainable development efforts.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Building Action Partnerships for SDGs: Collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders across sectors and countries to implement initiatives that contribute to the SDGs.

• Research: Conducting extensive fieldwork and research to gather insights into socio-economic development and inform policy-making.

• Training and Capacity Building: Developing and delivering educational programs that equip individuals and organizations with the skills necessary for sustainable development.

• Informing Policy-Making: Providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers at European and international levels.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Sustainable Entrepreneurship: Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in adopting sustainable practices.

• Youth Development: Enhancing educational and employment opportunities for young people.

• Rural and Coastal Development: Revitalizing rural and coastal areas through sustainable economic and social initiatives.

Key Technologies Utilized

AlterContacts employs various technologies to support its initiatives, including digital platforms for remote education, data analytics tools for research, and virtual collaboration tools for international partnerships.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

The organization primarily targets communities in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, focusing on areas with pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

AlterContacts operates as a non-profit organization, with funding primarily derived from the personal savings of its co-founders and the volunteer contributions of its experts. The organization has also secured grants from various entities, including the European Commission and other international bodies.

Total Funds Raised

Specific figures regarding the total funds raised by AlterContacts are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

Details about recent funding rounds are not publicly available.

Notable Investors

As a non-profit entity, AlterContacts does not have traditional investors. Its funding sources include grants from international organizations and contributions from its co-founders and volunteers.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are utilized to support the organization's various initiatives, including research projects, educational programs, policy advocacy, and capacity-building activities aimed at promoting sustainable development.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

AlterContacts is involved in several ongoing projects and partnerships aimed at advancing sustainable development:

• Sustainable Ecotourism Awareness (SEA): A project focused on bridging vocational training and the green transition in tourism, developing innovative training and consulting programs for sustainable tourism management.

• Circular Competence Training for Aquaculture Waste Management (CIRCU-TECH): A project aimed at promoting sustainability in the aquaculture sector through training programs on waste management using virtual and augmented reality tools.

• AI-powered Next Generation of Vocational Education Training (AI4VET4AI): A project focused on enhancing artificial intelligence skills within Europe's vocational education and training systems.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As a think tank, AlterContacts does not engage in clinical trials or product development. Its focus is on research, policy advocacy, and capacity building.

Target Conditions

The organization's initiatives target various socio-economic and environmental challenges, including sustainable tourism, aquaculture waste management, and the integration of artificial intelligence in vocational education.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

• Sustainable Ecotourism Awareness (SEA): Awarded the ERASMUS+ grant for KA220-VET, to be implemented between 2025-2028.

• CIRCU-TECH: Awarded the ERASMUS+ grant for KA220-VET, to be implemented between 2025-2027.

• AI4VET4AI: Awarded the ERASMUS+ grant for Centres of Vocational Excellence (COVE), to be implemented between 2023-2027.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

AlterContacts develops and utilizes proprietary methodologies for sustainable development, focusing on scalable and impactful solutions. These include innovative training programs, research frameworks, and policy advocacy tools.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Field Research: Conducting extensive fieldwork to gather qualitative data and insights from local communities.

• Data Analytics: Utilizing data analysis tools to interpret research findings and inform policy recommendations.

• Digital Education Platforms: Developing and implementing online educational programs to promote sustainable development practices.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While AlterContacts does not develop AI technologies in-house, it collaborates with partners to integrate AI into its educational and training programs, particularly in projects like AI4VET4AI.

Leadership Team

Co-Founders

• Julia Skupchenko: Co-founder and Executive Officer of AlterContacts. Julia is a Dutch citizen with a background in international development and sustainable entrepreneurship. She has been instrumental in establishing the organization's partnerships and initiatives.

• Massimo Mercuri: Co-founder and Executive Officer of AlterContacts. Massimo is a Dutch citizen with expertise in sustainable development and policy advocacy. He has played a key role in the organization's strategic direction and project implementation.

Key Contributions

Both co-founders have been recognized for their leadership and contributions to sustainable development, with Julia receiving multiple awards, including the Gold Stevie Award in four categories in 2021.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for sustainable development think tanks is growing, with increasing demand for organizations that can bridge the gap between research and practical implementation of the SDGs. AlterContacts operates in a competitive landscape that includes other non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and international agencies focused on sustainable development.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

• Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions (SRISTI): An India-based organization focused on sustainable technologies and institutions.

• Partners for Urban Knowledge Action and Research (PUKAR): An India-based organization focusing on urban knowledge and research.

• ACAF - Associacio Catalana d'Afectades I Afectats de Fibromialgia I d'Altres Sindromes de Sesibilitzacio Central: A Spain-based organization focusing on fibromyalgia and related syndromes.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

AlterContacts collaborates with various stakeholders, including universities, civil society organizations, and international bodies like the United Nations and the European Union, to implement its initiatives and expand its impact.

Operational Insights

AlterContacts differentiates itself through its focus on scalable and impactful solutions, leveraging a global network of experts and volunteers to implement initiatives efficiently. Its consultative status with the United Nations and partnerships with the European Union enhance its credibility and operational capacity.