An annual event hosted at Hubli since 2008, the Development Dialogue is the premier event of the Deshpande Foundation.

The conference gathers together the partners and grantees in the Hubli Sandbox to collectively take stock of our progress and to dialogue about the Sandbox and what we can do to move forward. The conference also serves as a vehicle for outsiders to learn about the challenges within development and the NGOs/nonprofit sector and to allow them to explore alternative forms of engagement through philanthropy and/or activism. The event brings together hundreds of practitioners, academics, investors, grassroots activists, philanthropists and entrepreneurs from across the world.

Each year, we feature site visits to NGOs working in the field, keynote speakers by dynamic leaders in development and entrepreneurship, cases and stories from our partners, and cultural showcases. Through discussions, panels, and small-group breakouts, delegates share and collaborate on strategies to improve our approach to social innovation and entrepreneurship.