Who We Are
We support organizations operating in some of the world's most challenging environments—where reliable data is essential for impact, coordination, and accountability.
About Kobo, the nonprofit behind KoboToolbox
Kobo is a nonprofit technology organization that creates and supports open-source tools and services to improve how data is collected, managed, and used in humanitarian, development, and human rights work.
Today, KoboToolbox is driving data-informed action for the world’s most vulnerable
Over 32,000 nonprofits worldwide rely on KoboToolbox every day for humanitarian response, global development, environmental protection, human rights, and many other crucial social impact initiatives.
Run by a global team of dedicated experts, Kobo is ensuring that projects around the world have access to the data they need to achieve better outcomes for the communities we serve.
Our History
Learn how we got here
2005: KoboToolbox first founded
2005: Founded by Phuong Pham and Patrick Vinck (HHI) and adopted for fieldwork
2013-14: Available globally
2013-14: Expanded to a global platform, through partnership with OCHA and IRC; Available to individuals and organizations worldwide via our public servers
2019: Kobo NGO established
2019: Kobo established as an independent nonprofit organization
2023: OCHA server transfer and KoboToolbox Academy launched
2023: Ownership of the OCHA humanitarian server transferred to Kobo; Launched the first KoboToolbox Academy Course
2024: Launched KoboToolbox Ambassadors Program and Kobo Partner Services
2024: Launched the KoboToolbox Ambassadors Program;
Launched Kobo Partner Services to provide expert data support for nonprofits
2025: Launched Kobo Research
2025: Officially launched Kobo Research with flagship project in Colombia
2010: UNDP adopts
2010: Adopted by UNDP as their primary data tool in demobilization efforts
2016: UNHCR adopts
2016: Adopted by UNHCR to improve data collection for refugee and IDP assistance
2022: Gold Anthem Award and DPG recognition
2022: Gold Anthem Award for Best Humanitarian Product, Innovation, or Service; Officially recognized as a Digital Public Good by the DPGA
2024: Awarded Pizzigati Prize and Candid Platinum Seal
2024: Awarded the Pizzigati Prize for Software in the Public Interest
and the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency
2025: Awarded WSIS Prize Champion and Top-Rated from GreatNonprofits
2025: Selected as WSIS Prize Champion 2025; Received a Top-Rated Award from GreatNonprofits
The future of data innovation for social impact
Informed by decades of field experience and over 10 years developing and delivering data solutions for social impact, we’re building for the future.
Our mission is to provide accessible, cutting-edge data technology to support data-driven change that benefits everyone. As the need for assistance continues to escalate globally, this mission has never been more critical. That is why Kobo continues to push the frontiers of data innovation, with purpose-built next generation tools for positive social change and for frontline response where timely, accurate data can save lives.
The future at KoboToolbox means faster, smarter, and more effective tools that will make high quality data technology accessible for everyone.​​
Join our mission to create data-driven social impact
Are you passionate about using technology for social impact? Do you want to join a global team that is dedicated to improving humanitarian and development work? We are always looking for passionate individuals to join our mission, so we would love to hear from you.
NEWS
Kobo In The Press
