I’m a strategist and systems thinker working to build a more inclusive digital economy through open networks and public digital infrastructure.
With a background in investment banking and over 15 years in the development sector, I’ve led award-winning initiatives to equip underserved youth in India with critical workplace skills. My work has spanned strategy, operations, and learning design—always rooted in the belief that systems should empower, not exclude.
Today, I focus on open digital ecosystems like ONDC, India Stack, the Beckn Protocol, and other emerging open protocols and DPI initiatives that are reshaping how services and opportunity are accessed. I’m developing learning content and podcasts to broaden participation in these transformative systems.
Work highlights
Pedagogy and Skill Development
In 2008-2009, my professional interests took a significant turn, and I transitioned from navigating the complexities of high finance to embracing a purpose-driven path centered around pedagogy, skill development, and philanthropy. I transitioned from an outlook that prioritized creating and maximizing financial capital to finding value in nurturing human capital. Over the past decade and a half, I’ve dedicated myself to initiatives aimed at empowering individuals, including underserved youth, to unlock their potential. In this journey, I’ve been energized by the opportunity to foster competencies, nurture talents, and create pathways to opportunity for all.
Nurturing Sustainable Societies
My personal ethos as a consultant and business professional revolves around balancing income generation with social purpose. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have received a good education, possess an active mind and body, and have ample opportunities for financial success. It’s a privilege I deeply appreciate, which encourages me to divide my time between for-profit ventures and sharing my expertise and experiences with social organizations working to build sustainable societies through skilling initiatives. This journey thus far has been one of fulfillment, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.
Reimagining Digital Ecosystems
In 2024 my focus expanded to include the design and advocacy of open digital ecosystems that enable broader access to opportunity. Building on my experience in pedagogy, strategy and system design, I now work on initiatives that reimagine how services—such as commerce, skilling and livelihoods—can be made more inclusive and interoperable.
I’m particularly interested in the role of open protocols and public digital infrastructure (like ONDC, India Stack and the Beckn Protocol) in reshaping digital access, empowering small actors, and distributing value more equitably across the economy. Through blogs, learning modules and podcasts, I aim to make these complex but critical transitions easier to understand and engage with—for entrepreneurs, practitioners, and curious citizens alike.
If you’re working on—or simply curious about—how open networks, digital public infrastructure, and emerging protocols can create more inclusive, accessible systems, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re building, researching, or rethinking how digital ecosystems can better serve people and communities, your perspective matters. These are early days, and the more voices at the table, the better the outcomes we can create. Let’s share ideas, collaborate, and help shape the future of open digital systems—together.
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SANDEEP MAHAJAN 