At Kopernik, we are committed to 'finding what works'. As an Indonesia-based research & development (R&D) lab, we test potential solutions to tackle pressing social and environmental challenges.
Our mission for today
We find what works by experimenting with potential solutions that address social and environmental challenges.
Our vision for tomorrow
We envision a world where disadvantaged individuals realize their full potential, living with dignity and free from the constraints of poverty. In this world, the well-being of our planet is prioritized, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between people and the environment.
The values that guide us
Experimentation
We value bold ideas that challenge the status quo. We believe in testing and experimentation to find what works to address the real needs of underserved communities.
Professionalism
We undertake our work with professionalism at all times. We deliver a high standard of work to our clients and partners, and practical solutions to those we work with, working honestly, ethically, and transparently.
Collaboration
We believe that finding what works can only be achieved through collective effort. We seek partnerships with those who want to find practical and sustainable solutions from within the development, public, creative, and private sectors.
Efficiency
We are lean and cost-effective, striving to minimize unnecessary bureaucracy while leveraging our strong partnerships to find the most practical and effective solutions possible.
Where We Came From
In 2010, Toshi Nakamura and Ewa Wojkowska founded Kopernik after realizing that life-changing and affordable technologies existed but weren't reaching the most remote and hard-to-reach communities—the last mile. Witnessing this disconnect, they established Kopernik to bridge the technology gap and ensure these innovations reached those who needed them most.
Inspired by Mikolaj Kopernik (Nicolaus Copernicus), who revolutionized the way people view the world, Kopernik was founded to challenge the status quo in the development sector. Our mission is to find smarter, more effective solutions to persistent problems faced by underserved communities. We believe in testing ideas and potential solutions first, demonstrating their impact before making large investments, and sharing our results publicly.
Our approach emphasizes innovation and experimentation in the development sector, striving to create better programs and subsequently to allocate budgets to initiatives with the greatest potential to address social and environmental challenges. At our core, we are dedicated to discovering what works and what doesn’t, empowering communities, contributing significantly to the broader development landscape and the wellbeing of people and the planet.
