Why We’re Evidence-Based
Symbiosis was built to fix a known problem in the social impact world: too many good intentions fall short due to poor collaboration, inefficiency and lack of validation. Our model is different – we apply evidence at every level, from how projects form to how impact is measured.
Too often, good intentions aren’t enough. Research from the World Health Organization shows that inefficiencies in health-focused projects alone contribute to millions of preventable deaths every year [1]. The World Economic Forum adds that ineffective collaboration can waste billions in global development efforts [2]. Without data-backed approaches and aligned systems, even well-funded initiatives fall short. Symbiosis was founded to change that.
Symbiosis enables organizations and individuals to work together across sectors — without competing for resources. Inspired by successful models like Operation Warp Speed, we create a shared space to accelerate outcomes through collective effort [3]. Our Circles of Expertise bring together stakeholders around key themes like Health and Education, enabling time-limited Challenges that resemble lean, nonprofit accelerators.
We use lean frameworks (including Six Sigma) to minimize inefficiency and reduce friction in collaboration. Project ideas undergo validation through structured pilots, A/B testing, or iterative prototyping — depending on the scope. Our Challenge model allows for rapid execution, learning, and scaling of what’s proven to work. This approach aligns with methods endorsed by McKinsey, Deloitte, and Stanford Social Innovation Review [4][5][6].
Shared platforms like Symbiosis can reduce duplication, increase knowledge sharing, and save up to 25–30% in overhead costs for mission-driven projects [7]. McKinsey estimates that smarter cross-sector collaboration could reallocate billions in wasted nonprofit funds toward more impactful work [5]. Our operational backbone is built to capture those gains and reinvest them in community-driven action.
As a neutral nonprofit facilitator, Symbiosis is uniquely positioned to coordinate collaboration without creating hierarchy or competition. We focus on enabling — not owning — projects. The platform is modular and lightweight by design, allowing organizations and individuals to engage at their own pace. This reduces burnout, builds trust, and ensures everyone stays focused on outcomes [8][9].
[1]: WHO, Primary Health Care on the Road to Universal Health Coverage, 2019
[2]: WEF, 3 Ways We Can Collaborate Better for a Circular Economy, 2022
[3]: Harvard Business Review, What Operation Warp Speed Can Teach Us, 2021
[4]: McKinsey, Collaborating to Create Value, 2019
[5]: Stanford Social Innovation Review, The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle, 2009
[6]: Deloitte Insights, The Future of Work: Accelerating Innovation Through Collaboration, 2021
[7]: McKinsey, The Power of Platforms in Social Impact, 2020
[8]: WEF, Building Trust Through Neutral Platforms, 2020
[9]: Harvard Business Review, How to Prevent Collaboration Fatigue, 2018