The challenges we face—from renewable energy transitions to equitable health care access—are urgent and complex.
At WDI, a global nonprofit affiliated with the University of Michigan, we are dedicated to unlocking the power of business and markets to tackle critical global challenges and drive inclusive economic growth.
We believe that thriving businesses in emerging markets are central to ensuring healthy and sustainable futures.
Our mission is to power entrepreneurs, enterprises, and ecosystems in emerging markets with the business tools to succeed and scale impact where it matters most.
Working as a knowledge builder, enterprise accelerator, and system catalyst, we mobilize entrepreneurs, investors, governments, and academia to drive pioneering solutions across sectors, with a special focus on energy and e-mobility. climate-health, and health.
We blend entrepreneurship expertise with a deep focus on ecosystem-level transformation.
Operating across markets, we connect the dots to enable cross-learning and support businesses at every growth stage.
Our work is backed by top-tier research from the University of Michigan, inspired by Michigan’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, and informed by over three decades of experience in business education, leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and impact measurement in emerging markets.
Entrepreneurs in emerging markets are stepping up to tackle the world’s toughest challenges, from just energy transitions to equitable health care access, but face significant barriers from startup to scale.
We know that best practices and cross-learning can accelerate scale, but practices do not always translate to every setting. Business solutions thrive when adapted to local and regional needs—particularly by those working within those systems. That’s why we partner with local leaders everywhere we work.
We know strong leadership across the entire value chain is critical to overcoming market barriers and delivering inclusive, scalable solutions. We bring a systems lens to all of our work.
Measuring what matters ensures businesses deliver meaningful change that lasts.
We openly share our annual reports and audited financials.
