Each week, we scour the worlds of innovation, tech for good and social impact to bring you seven of our top stories of the week…

1. Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit has succeeded in launching its first satellites in space, according to BBC News.
2. The Times reveals that a third of Britain’s biggest companies have failed to meet targets to increase the number of women on their boards.
3. Scientists in South Africa have identified a new chemical compound that has the potential to kill the malaria parasite before it becomes infectious.
4. Edie breaks down six sustainable innovations showcased at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), from circular water systems to a hydrogen-powered, flying sports car.
5. Reuters reports that Elon Musk tweeted that he would donate $100 million prize for the development of the “best carbon capture technology”.
6. Sifted investigates the companies veering away from gig employment and their quest to find an alternative to the ‘growth at all costs’ model.
7. A team of researchers has restored movement in paralysed mice using a promising gene therapy.