Akash Upase (Ecosystem node)

WISE City node, Firefly Coder, Spiderling and Anveshi

Akash moves between seemingly contradictory worlds of technology consulting and human centred social change. He holds the tensions and moves with deep inquiry and fluidity to manifest new answers at the intersection.

Over eight years, he has cultivated spaces where youth leadership flourishes and hope takes root in civic action. Through his leadership of the Civic Engagement vertical at Blue Ribbon Movement, Akash has worked alongside 1,500+ young people as a co-conspirator in reimagining active citizenship, social conciousness in urban India. Currently, he leads the WISE city initiative to weave urban initiative to create a city wide systemic response.

His fingerprints span initiatives that matter: South Asian Youth Conference, Human Library Mumbai, Global Shapers Thane, and the Global Youth Alliance on Kindness. Each reflects his conviction that systemic change requires both deep local roots and expansive solidarity.

In a world of performative activism, Akash practices something more subversive: authentic care. His north star remains constant: cultivating care within citizens while constructively engaging all stakeholders.