Mozilla’s Responsible Computing Challenge (RCC) initiative hosted the first global conclave of partners, educators, and students in Kerala, India on October 21st - 24th.

The summit’s goal was to strengthen collaborations within the global RCC community, bringing together government officials, funders, students, and RCC awardees from India, Kenya, and the US. Spotlighting the contributions of practitioners in the field of responsible computing. This was in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Indian Institute of Information Technology Kottayam (IIIT Kottayam).

Over 100 stakeholders participated in the event, featuring keynotes, workshops, and a series of cultural events, all tethered to imagining and co-creating a sustainable future of responsible technologies.

The conference kicked off with a showcase of RCC awardees’ projects, a student-led panel discussion, a co-creating workshop on RCC’s future, and a presentation by Anuroop K.B, Chief Innovation Officer at IIIT Kottayam on advancing Ayurvedic healing through innovation.

On the second day, participants heard from experts about the current landscape of responsible computing in India, the U.S., and Kenya, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Christi Thomas, Senior Tech & Innovation Advisor, British High Commission.

A dedicated student feedback session was held by Gretchen Adams (Student Youth Coordinator - RCC South Africa), and a fireside chat by Steven Azeka (RCC, Lead) with Andrew Merluzzi (USAID). Later on, there were welcome remarks by K. Francis George, Member of Parliament for Kottayam (who is also a member of the science and technology committee of the Indian Parliament).

The final day was hosted by the events co-partners for participants to see firsthand what responsible computing looks like in the Indian context, led by the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Kottayam. This featured a presentation by Supriya Bhuwalka, Founder of Coding and More, on developing AI-driven Digital Literacy Programs.

​​The conference gave students a platform to actively participate, leading to fresh, youth-driven ideas on how to integrate responsible computing into everyday technology use and educational frameworks.

Jibu Elias, the host convener, and RCC’s India Program Lead says: “The conference was a defining moment in fostering responsible computing by bringing together global and local voices to reimagine the role of technology in education and society.” He adds, “Hosting the inaugural event in Kottayam, a city renowned for its educational legacy, highlighted the importance of grounding innovation in ethical practices, with contributions from diverse student groups, academicians, and industry experts”

The conference underscored RCC’s collective responsibility in shaping the development of technology to serve humanity sustainably, and a future where building responsibly is the standard practice.

The conference was a defining moment in fostering responsible computing by bringing together global and local voices to reimagine the role of technology in education and society.

Jibu Elias, RCC India, Program Lead

What's Next?

The RCC team is exploring a series of collaborative opportunities to forge a shared vision of the future of responsible computing, across the Global North and Global Majority countries. This will include close partnerships with learning institutions, and governmental officials to support similar initiatives. They are also integrating feedback mechanisms for students to be significant drivers of the initiative. With attendees from diverse regions and backgrounds, the conference broadened RCC’s reach, bringing in new voices and perspectives, and enriching RCC’s community and future programs.