– Catalyst Now leader selected for exclusive program after championing tech-enabled resilience at AWS re:Invent
Las Vegas, NV :– Abheejit Khandagale, Digital Solutions Director at Catalyst Now, has been selected for the Now Go Build Fellowship—an exclusive global program led by Amazon CTO Dr. Werner Vogels.
The recognition caps a journey from Nagpur, India, where Khandagale built robots and a working Batpod (Batman’s motorcycle) as a mechanical engineer, to leading digital transformation for social impact organizations worldwide.
“Growing up in central India, I was always taking things apart to see how they worked,” said Khandagale. “Today, I’m doing the same thing—but with systems that keep communities resilient. We’re showing that technology can create safety nets that last, not just quick fixes.”
At Catalyst Now, Khandagale builds digital platforms that connect private capital with community infrastructure needs—from decentralized healthcare to climate-adapted utilities. His approach addresses a critical moment: as traditional donor funding becomes uncertain, technology offers new paths to sustainable impact.
The fellowship follows his participation at AWS re:Invent 2025, where he discussed how cloud computing and AI can strengthen organizations serving vulnerable communities. His selection, backed by Tech To The Rescue, reflects years of community building—from creating Misfits, a 500+ member social entrepreneur network across South Asia, to founding Vruksh Ecosystem Foundation.
Khandagale’s path includes recognition as a World Economic Forum Top Innovator for ekatra, serving as a US Department of State Professional Fellow, and leading national sanitation innovation initiatives with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF.
“The Now Go Build Fellowship connects impact builders who understand that AI works best when humans are in the loop, not the other way around,” said Khandagale. “This is about putting powerful tools in the hands of people doing meaningful work in their communities.”
The fellowship, now in its second year with four cohorts, provides technology training and strategic support to social impact leaders.