Humans of ToU: Nadia Ali on Scaling Inclusive Innovation Through Sustainable Entrepreneurship

🎓 MSc in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Technology, Class of 2022

📍 Lisbon, Portugal

🌱 SDGs: 8 – Decent Work, 9 – Industry & Innovation, 12 – Responsible Consumption

💼 Social Entrepreneur | Co-Founder of Aether | Ecosystem Builder

A Journey of Purpose and Positive Change

Nadia Ali is a social entrepreneur and sustainability leader. She has spearheaded numerous programs focused on fostering sustainable and socially responsible business practices. Nadia is committed to developing impactful ventures that not only achieve operational success but also contribute positively to the communities they serve. As the Co-Founder of Aether, a hydroponic system design company, Nadia has secured partnerships with major players in the agricultural sector, paving the way for Aether’s innovative model to incorporate carbon farming for a sustainable impact. Her approach combines growth strategy with a dedication to minimizing resource usage, ensuring both environmental and economic sustainability.

“At the heart of my work is a drive to make social entrepreneurship accessible, impactful, and sustainable. I believe in nurturing startups to reach their potential while also fostering a positive impact on society and the environment.”

Building Sustainable Ecosystems through Strategic Leadership

Nadia’s career spans roles in startup acceleration, social impact investment, and strategic program management. Prior to co-founding Aether, she served as Curriculum Manager and Startup Growth Analyst at the Hult Prize Foundation, where she designed and managed global accelerator programs, mentoring over 100 startups across industries. Her efforts enabled these ventures to secure funding, set measurable growth objectives, and achieve long-term sustainability. Additionally, as Head of Expert Relations, she managed a network of +10,000 experts globally, matching startups with tailored mentorship and resources. Her work with diverse teams and stakeholders has cultivated an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Enriching her Knowledge at Tomorrow University

Driven by her passion for sustainability and impactful business, Nadia chose to enhance her expertise by joining the MSc in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Technology at Tomorrow University. The program’s focus on combining practical challenges with advanced academic insights aligned perfectly with her vision of building ventures that prioritize both economic and social outcomes. Reflecting on her experience, Nadia shares,

“Tomorrow University is more than a learning platform; it’s a community that has empowered me to apply innovative solutions to real-world challenges, and that’s the kind of education that truly transforms.”

Nadia’s Leadership Philosophy: Empowering Through Inclusion and Innovation

Nadia’s leadership style emphasizes empathy, inclusion, and innovation. As a North African woman with a global culture, she believes strongly in creating inclusive spaces that honor diverse perspectives. She is dedicated to fostering a safe yet brave environment for her teams, where members can openly express themselves and contribute to a shared mission of positive change. Her experiences with various global organizations have shaped her understanding of what makes a sustainable and inclusive work culture. For her, collaborative problem-solving and community-building are essential, as they lead to more resilient solutions that prioritize both people and the planet.

Words of Advice: Lead with Empathy

For aspiring social entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates, Nadia’s advice is straightforward yet profound: “Lead with empathy and focus on creating a lasting impact. Short-term gains are important, but real success comes from nurturing sustainable and inclusive systems.” She encourages the next generation to think beyond profit and measure success by the positive impact they make in society.

Want to accompany Nadia on her journey? Follow her on LinkedIn

👉🏻 Nadia at a Glance

• Career: Co-Founder of Aether, former Curriculum Manager and Head of Expert Relations at Hult Prize Foundation.
• Key Experiences: Led global programs for 100+ startups, managed networks of 10,000+ experts, and drove social impact initiatives in agriculture and hydroponics.
• Why ToU: Chose Tomorrow University to deepen her knowledge in sustainability and entrepreneurship, connecting education with real-world impact.
• Mission: To create inclusive and sustainable growth models that prioritize social and environmental goals alongside economic success.
• Advice: “Lead with empathy, focus on building sustainable systems, and measure success by your positive impact on society.”

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