FAIRFAX, VA, November 19, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Bixal, a leader in human-centered solutions, and Athena Infonomics, a leader in global development consultancy, are proud to announce the formation of Aṭala (pronounced "AH-tul"), a strategic joint venture that combines decades of expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and facilitating adaptive management with cutting-edge digital solutions including AI, knowledge management, data engineering, and programming. Aṭala is poised to transform how development organizations like USAID (the United States Agency for International Development) leverage data to facilitate adaptive management and help advance global change.

What is Aṭala?

Aṭala is a Sanskrit word embodying integrity, intellectual honesty, and objectivity—values that are foundational to this new joint venture. Bringing extensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) experience to a range of clients, Aṭala benefits from robust exchange between its experts. The JV is a uniquely positioned entity, bringing together Athena's deep-rooted experience in best-in-class research, data, and technology solutions in the Global South with Bixal's global leadership and expertise as a digital innovation and advanced data solutions provider. This combination allows Aṭala to provide customized, culturally specific approaches that ensure the success of USAID programs across diverse global contexts.

"Aṭala represents the best of both organizations, offering a compelling blend of data-driven insights and contextually aware solutions," said Carla Briceno, CEO of Bixal. "We're excited to help USAID and other global partners achieve meaningful, sustainable impact through this partnership."

A Comprehensive Suite of Services for Global Development

Aṭala's core services focus on monitoring, evaluation, collaboration, learning, and adapting (MECLA). These offerings ensure that USAID and other development partners have access to actionable insights that span the spectrum of real-time and rigorous solutions, all designed to guide program design and management. Aṭala's team of experts utilizes user-centered design to incorporate cutting-edge technologies—such as mobile data collection, and AI-guided modeling—along with time-tested techniques such as adult-centered learning approaches, utilization-focused evaluation, and monitoring systems tailored to programming contexts. As a strategic joint venture, Aṭala's experts approach their work with a deep commitment to fostering collaboration and learning across contexts in all that they do.

"At Athena, we believe that true impact comes from understanding and addressing the local context," said Michael Minkoff, director of business development at Athena Infonomics. "Aṭala embodies this belief by combining global expertise with local solutions to help USAID and other partners adapt to emerging challenges while making data-driven decisions."

Key Services Offered by Aṭala:

Aṭala specializes in MECLA services that align with USAID's mission of promoting global stability, good governance, and an improved quality of life for communities worldwide. Here's how Aṭala makes an impact:

Monitoring: Grounded in human-centered design, Aṭala designs data systems that focus on the decision-making needs of the end users, ensuring meaningful results that can guide programming in real time.

Evaluation: With an equity-focused and utilization-driven approach, Aṭala delivers high-quality evaluations that meet USAID's rigorous standards and provide actionable insights. Aṭala's experts span the full range of methodologies, ensuring exemplary standards where the methods are chosen based on the question.

Collaboration: Aṭala fosters collaboration across all stakeholders—from USAID to local communities—promoting cocreated solutions and shared accountability.

Learning and Knowledge Management: Through continuous knowledge sharing, tailored assessments, and adaptive management techniques, Aṭala facilitates the kind of learning that leads to real-world impact.

Adapting: Aṭala's adaptive management approach helps USAID maintain agility and resilience in the face of emerging challenges, ensuring that programs evolve to meet the changing needs of the communities they serve.

Technology, Data, and Digital Solutions: Aṭala develops tailored digital tools and data systems using advanced analytics and user-centered design to streamline operations and enhance decision-making.

Why Aṭala?

Aṭala's unique strengths lie in its uncompromising integrity, strong collaborative approach, and deep understanding of the Global South. Athena Infonomics' experience, paired with Bixal's innovation in digital transformation, and both organizations' years of work in MEL, ensures that Aṭala is equipped to provide solutions that are not only effective but also culturally relevant and sustainable.

A Shared Commitment to USAID's Mission

Aṭala is committed to helping USAID achieve its mission of promoting global stability, democratic governance, and improving the quality of life for communities around the world. By providing best-in-class MECLA services, Aṭala ensures that USAID programs are both transformative and lasting, driven by data and informed by local voices.

About Bixal
Bixal is a mission-driven consulting firm that partners with governments and organizations to improve lives through human-centered and digital solutions. With a strong focus on equity and innovation, Bixal helps clients embrace technology, data, and user-focused practices to deliver results that are meaningful and lasting.

About Athena Infonomics
Athena Infonomics is a global development consultancy that specializes in innovative approaches to data, technology, and knowledge management. With deep expertise in the Global South, Athena partners with governments, development agencies, and private sector actors to advance sustainable, data-driven solutions for complex challenges.

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