About

We believe that doing good can always be done better

Catalpa exists to make public services work better for people. We partner with governments and development agencies across the Asia-Pacific to co-design services and systems that improve lives—whether through healthcare access, education delivery, or transparent governance.

We combine human-centered design, service innovation, and deep technical expertise to strengthen government systems and deliver impact at scale. With roots in Timor-Leste and work spanning over 20 countries, our approach is practical, respectful, and collaborative.

We started with a scooter, a $5,000 grant, and a big idea

Catalpa began in the mountains of Timor-Leste, where we spent two years designing and implementing programs to strengthen rural health and emergency services. With a tiny team and a single scooter, We set out to explore how human-focused digital tools and co-design could improve access to frontline services—and build stronger, more responsive systems from the ground up.

We quickly learned that transformation doesn’t come from the top down—it happens when you work alongside the people closest to the problem. That creating value and utility for the person at the end of the service is not just a design principle—it’s a necessity in fragile systems. And that small things—a working printer, a consistent data report—can make or break national reform.

We saw firsthand how purposeful design, digital tools, and true co-creation could drive meaningful change. When these elements come together—with the right people and the right partnerships—they don’t just improve systems, they unlock social impact. Catalpa was built to harness that potential: to work alongside governments and communities to create practical, human-centered solutions that deliver lasting public value.