Vertical Atlas
A new atlas to help us navigate the digital geopolitics of the world today.
Impact
The digital reality we find ourselves in is increasingly complex. Geographical maps only yield limited agency as tools for navigating this reality. They do not account for new folded, fractal borders that are created in cyberspace and do not show how national digital borders materialize at odd places in the world such as cobalt mines in Congo, that are owned by Chinese state run companies, or Amazon-owned cloud servers located in Singapore. At the same time, states are increasingly morphing into non-local platforms (like-E-stonia) and cloud platforms themselves are taking over traditional roles of the state, such as cartography (Google) and identification (Facebook, Google). If maps are tools to aid in navigation, new kinds of mappings are needed. These mappings must account for current global techno-political realities as well as alternative technological and cultural histories, they must explore multiple perspectives that embrace different meanings in different zones of the world. Vertical Atlas emphasizes the need for alternative and accessible contemporary mappings. Humans require relatable interfaces that trigger more than only their cognitive capacities. Here, the merging of language, art and design can provide us with approaches and leads that aim to achieve just that.
Service
Fundraising & Project Management
International
2020-2021
Partners
Activities
New Silk Roads was responsible for the fundraising and project management for the realization of Vertical Atlas, a publication that changes the ways in which the geopolitics of technology are discussed today. The Atlas is being made by a group of over 50 international designers, artists and thinkers from a broad range of disciplines spanning over 20 countries across continents.
ReBootKamp
TN
ReBootKamp (RBK) is the first immersive coding bootcamp which trains young people to be employment-ready software engineers and connects them with ICT companies, at scale. New Silk Roads is supporting ReBootKamp’s scaleup across Tunisia and internationally, such that more young people can develop the skills for a successful, dignified career.
Services: Business Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategy
Afkar Fellows
EG
MA
DZ
LY
TN
An unique fellowship program for catalyzers of social change in North Africa that seeks to boost fellows’ social impact and visibility as influencers in the region. New Silk Roads supported What Took You So Long and Wasabi to raise funding at the Swedish Institute. We provided support in project management and strategic services.
Services: Income Generation & Strategic Services
Investor Matchmaking Sessions
TN
EG
DE
Sustainable employment through impact investment.
Services: Project Management
Expedition Bavaria
EG
In what creative way would you promote a new drink on the Egyptian market?
Services: Project Management
Business Development Support Trajectory
EG
TN
Support employability hubs and enterprise development programmes to train young people and support startups to create more jobs.
Services: Fundraising
Madar Innovation
TN
Contribute to the strengthening of a dynamic, resilient and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tunisia.
Services: Fundraising & Project Management