Microsoft: Building Tech Hubs to Empower Students

THE CLIENT

Microsoft is a global technology leader, enabling digital transformation for billions of people worldwide through its software, services, devices, and solutions.

THE CHALLENGE

Microsoft’s Finance Division wanted to create a leadership program that went beyond the classroom - one that would challenge leaders to collaborate across regions, develop critical skills in resilience and innovation, and make a meaningful social impact.

The goal was to immerse leaders in real-world environments that would push them out of their comfort zones, strengthen cross-functional relationships, and deliver tangible benefits to underserved communities.

OUR SOLUTION

LeadUp partnered with Microsoft to design Leadership for Impact - a flagship program bringing together 60 finance leaders from Denmark, India, the US, and the Middle East.

Over three projects, each lasting four months, cross-functional teams worked with the NGO Periamma to establish fully equipped tech hubs at three schools in underserved communities.

The hubs provided 2,500 students with access to Wi‑Fi, computers, and Microsoft software, and were fully integrated into the school curriculum to ensure long‑term sustainability.

Leaders navigated cultural differences, co‑created solutions with teachers and students, and learned to innovate under real‑world constraints - building skills directly transferable to their roles at Microsoft.