Regardless of field or industry, project success is amplified when evidence creation, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning are unlocked through best-in-class, contextually tailored approaches, and strategic deployment of technology- and digital-solutions. It was this understanding that led Bixal and Chennai-based Athena Infonomics to launch a strategic joint venture combining decades of expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and the facilitation of adaptive management with cutting-edge, data-driven solutions to help address some of the most complex challenges facing global development.

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What is Aṭala?

Aṭala (pronounced AH-tul) is a Sanskrit word evoking integrity, intellectual honesty, and objectivity—values that guide everything we do. Aṭala brings together the strengths of two highly experienced organizations, Bixal and Athena Infonomics, to offer world-class Monitoring, Evaluation, Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (MECLA) services imbued with cutting-edge, fit-for-purpose, data-driven digital and technology-based solutions. Our combined capabilities equip USAID and other development partners with the insights and data necessary to make informed, evidence-based decisions that drive meaningful, long-term impact.

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A Partnership for the Future

Aṭala 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 us to provide customized, culturally specific approaches that ensure the success of USAID programs across diverse global contexts.

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What We Offer: MECLA Services

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 we make 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 co-created 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: Our 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: We develop tailored digital tools and data systems using advanced analytics and user-centered design to streamline operations and enhance decision-making.
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Why Aṭala?

Aṭala is committed to delivering best-in-class MECLA services, supported by a team of interdisciplinary experts with extensive experience across 60+ countries. Our unique approach combines technology, local knowledge, and innovative methodologies to ensure that development efforts are sustainable and responsive to real-world challenges. Here are just a few reasons why Aṭala stands out:

• Uncompromising Integrity: Aṭala serves as a trusted advisor, bringing transparency and ethical rigor to every aspect of our work.
• Strong Collaborative Team: With deep expertise in data, digital solutions, and MECLA, our cross-functional team meets the diverse needs of USAID’s programs.
• Global South Focus: Athena’s roots in India and our broad experience across the Global South give Aṭala exceptional insight into local development challenges, ensuring that our solutions are culturally informed and effective.
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Looking Ahead

Aṭala is ready to partner with USAID and its development partners to drive sustainable, data-informed solutions that create lasting change. Whether it’s supporting evidence-based decision-making or facilitating collaboration among global stakeholders, we’re committed to helping USAID achieve its mission of making the world a better, more equitable place.

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To learn more about Aṭala and our services, please contact Michael Minkoff at Athena.