National Geographic Society and EPAM Partner to Inspire Next Generation of Changemakers

Strategic partnership will accelerate the Society's global impact and digital transformation.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:23am

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The National Geographic Society and EPAM, a leading global provider of digital engineering and consulting services, have announced a partnership to inspire the next generation of Explorers and solution-seekers. Through this collaboration, EPAM will utilize innovative technologies to modernize the nonprofit's infrastructure and engage global audiences with digital and physical experiences designed to inspire learning and action.

Why it matters

By integrating conservation efforts with advanced digital capabilities, the National Geographic Society can scale its scientific and educational endeavors to meet the urgent challenges facing the planet more effectively. The partnership also demonstrates how the Society's legacy of storytelling offers valuable insights that EPAM is incorporating into solutions for its diverse client base.

The details

The partnership will see EPAM designated as the Society's preferred digital transformation partner, with the goal of leveraging innovative technologies to create AI-native experiences that are distinctive, meaningful and deeply engaging. This includes the opening of EPAM-powered interactive ecosystems at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration this summer.

  • The partnership was announced on January 28, 2026.
  • EPAM-powered interactive ecosystems will open at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration this summer.

The players

National Geographic Society

A global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of the world.

EPAM Systems, Inc.

A leader in AI transformation engineering services and an integrated consulting company, providing digital engineering, cloud and AI-enabled transformation services, and business and experience consulting for global enterprises and startups.

Jason Southern

Chief technology & information officer at the National Geographic Society.

Elaina Shekhter

SVP, chief marketing & strategy officer at EPAM.

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What they’re saying

“The Society recognizes the transformative power of combining our legacy of storytelling with innovative technology to shape our understanding of the world.”

— Jason Southern, Chief technology & information officer (National Geographic Society)

“We're committed to supporting the National Geographic Society's digital transformation strategy and implementation through this first-of-its-kind partnership, creating AI-native experiences that are distinctive, meaningful and deeply engaging.”

— Elaina Shekhter, SVP, chief marketing & strategy officer (EPAM)

What’s next

The EPAM-powered interactive ecosystems are set to open at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration this summer.

The takeaway

This partnership between the National Geographic Society and EPAM demonstrates how the power of storytelling and innovative technology can be combined to inspire the next generation of Explorers and solution-seekers, helping to address the urgent challenges facing the planet.