INTERVIEW | Humans of 510: Stories Behind the Data

In conversation with Ira Badyal

At the Netherlands Red Cross’ data and digital team, 510, we believe that behind every innovation is a person whose skills, dedication, and vision make humanitarian action faster, smarter, and more inclusive. Our Humans of 510 series shines a light on these individuals: the journeys that brought them here, the projects they’re proud of, and the real-world impact of their work. In this edition, we catch up with Ira Badyal, Product Manager of our Digital Engagement Hub (DEH) and Social Media Listening (SML) tool, to explore how digital solutions can strengthen community connections and transform humanitarian response.

Can you tell us about your background and how it led you to 510?

I studied computer science and engineering in India, followed by a master’s degree in business administration in Spain. This combination of technical foundation and strategic thinking has guided me towards the application and scaling of digital tools to solve real-world challenges. What motivates me is the immense potential of technology, especially in areas where it still has a lot of ground to cover. That’s what drew me to 510: it’s a place where digital innovation is guided by humanitarian needs, and where a human-driven approach is at the core of everything we build. It’s the sweet spot of what technology should enable: impact at scale, driven by empathy.

What’s something unique about working at 510 that you did not expect?

One of the most unique aspects is the global scope of our work. At 510, we collaborate with partners across the entire world in a truly neutral and needs-driven way. Within one week, I might work with the Netherlands Red Cross, pitch a product to the Colombian Red Cross, and then explore technical solutions with the Kenyan Red Cross Society. Few organizations offer that kind of reach and continuity. It’s a privilege to help solve shared challenges across National Societies within the Red Cross Red Crescent network, using digital tools to optimize humanitarian work and create global impact.

How do you see data and digital tools changing the humanitarian sector?

The humanitarian sector is still catching up in terms of digital maturity, which comes with its setbacks, but also huge opportunities. There is increasing recognition of the complementarity between technology and humanitarian efforts. Technical solutions facilitate the disbursement of efficient and unbiased aid, without taking the human out of humanitarian aid. Tools like the Digital Engagement Hub (DEH) help frontline responders connect with communities and manage cases more effectively. This way, they enable people to help people. Similarly, our Social Media Listening (SML) tool gives National Societies insights into what their communities are saying, what they need, and what frustrates them – so that humanitarian actors can design better aid programmes. These tools bring feedback loops into humanitarian work, making it more responsive and inclusive.

What motivates you to keep doing this work, even when it’s difficult?

The potential of a good day. Every job comes with its ups and downs, but in this space, the good days are deeply rewarding. When the right tools, the right information, and the right people click together to deliver effective humanitarian action, whether it’s cash assistance or informational aid, that’s when you see the real value of digital transformation. Helping someone through a solution you helped build and scale is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

DESCARGO DE RESPONSABILIDAD: Tenga en cuenta que las versiones en árabe, francés y español de este artículo se han generado automáticamente mediante Inteligencia Artificial. No podemos garantizar la total exactitud de estas versiones.