Showing posts with label innovation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label innovation. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Poverty-Fighting Mobile Transaction Systems (Part 3): Information Exchange
This is the third installment in our series on mobile transaction systems and their contribution to the fight against poverty. First, we introduced this series with an overview of mobile penetration rates and the mobile phone’s power for impact. Then, last week, we highlighted the first transaction system - mobile money - and the benefits such transactions offer to users. This week, we will look at the different ways mobile phones facilitate exchanges of information and how they benefit the users.
Information Exchange
Mobile phones can provide information to the otherwise isolated citizens at the base of the pyramid. When mobile phones facilitate the exchange of information, this has perhaps the most wide-ranging impact on its users.
For Farmers
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| Source: http://www.grameenfoundation.org/ |
The ability to access information about weather and prices leads to make or break decisions for farmers. To facilitate quality access, organizations like the Grameen Foundation have developed schemes that allow poor farmers in Uganda to gain access to valuable market data. This empowers the farmers by granting them access to information about market prices, weather reports, and planting advice. Without the data and information, farmers can suffer costly losses that would be preventable with timely knowledge. A designated “community knowledge worker” (CKW) identified by Grameen collects information from farmers and uploads it to the database for other CKWs. This sort of data collection and information sharing is hugely empowering, but it’s impossible without access to a mobile phone. Other examples of organizations seeking to fill this gap are mFarm, iCow, and Esoko.
For Job Seekers
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| Source: http://www.assuredlabor.com/ |
There are transaction systems that have revolutionized the job and talent searches in the developing world. As more corporations are moving into emerging markets, they need to source and hire talent. Mobile transaction platforms like Assured Labor (branded as Empleo Listo, think of Monster on SMS), allow companies to access potential employees on existing channels – mobile phones. On the other side, users can search for job openings on their phones. This enables users to find local jobs and avoid emigration where possible. This platform is especially advantageous for those who do not have access to traditional Internet on a PC, where most jobs are posted.
The mobile phone creates opportunities in markets that are beyond the reach of a traditional laptop. You’ll find farmers and job seekers in all populations, but continued innovation in mobile technology can further extend the benefits of information exchange on a mobile phone.
Check back next week for examples of networking, participation, and social capital exchanges made possible on mobile phones.
Monday, October 17, 2011
EGG-Energy Development Innoventures Salon
- Pricing Strategy
- Marketing and Sales Strategy
- Growth and Distribution Strategy
It's important for EGG-energy to grow sustainably and scale its model in order to create maximum impact in the vastly unelectrified Tanzania. Less than 10% of the Tanzanian population has access to reliable energy. EGG-energy's business has the capacity to change that with a "portable grid." The key is being able to offer scalable and affordable solutions with a low upfront cost.
If you're interested in the for-profit social enterprise space, the BoP, innovation for development, and a "Netflix for batteries" business model, then please attend the brainstorm session on Thursday, October 20th at 6:30 pm. Details are registration information are available here.
About Development Innoventures Salon:
"DEVELOPMENT INNOVENTURES SALON is a new forum bringing together Boston's Innovation-for-Development community. We brainstorm with emerging impact entrepreneurs attempting novel market- or technology-based solutions to intractable problems in the developing world. Salon participants problem-solve around key challenges these innovators face in launching and scaling their enterprises. The SALON aims to convene a multidisciplinary group of entrepreneurs, visionaries, business professionals, development professionals, investors, practitioners, technologists, academics, students, and polymaths."
Friday, September 30, 2011
Weekly Review September 26-30
People often ask us why we chose technology as our investment focus. The answer is quite simple: technology has the greatest potential to create impact in the developing world. The following articles for this week share our sentiment and speak to mobile technology’s power for social impact (be sure to check out next week’s Review to see how alternative energy is creating impact).
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| Source |
“Mobile Broadband in Kenya” by Patrick Munyi on iHub Blog
Kenya has been the shining star of mobile technology innovation in Africa, largely fueled by high mobile penetration and the installation of undersea fiber cables in 2009. The folks at iHub Nairobi have collected data regarding mobile technology and mobile broadband usage in Kenya. They have found that broadband speeds are increasing alongside the number of users and that most access the Internet with their phone; “98% of mobile subscribers use mobile internet.” More important are the affects mobile Internet will have on the Kenyan economy. iHub writes, “It is predicted that mobile broadband can potentially increase national productivity and growth by up to 15%.” Access to mobile phones, and therefore mobile broadband, will made a significant improvement in the continued development of Kenya.
“Crises in the Digital Age” by Michael Fertik, CEO and Founder of Reptuation.com, on World Economic Forum Blog
Michael Fertik reflects on the attitude world leaders had on Internet at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year. All agreed and wanted to know more about how the Internet “spreads information, misinformation, rumor, innuendo, and fact.” While the Internet can cause a stir, the information it channels to underserved populations is critical. Fertik writes of the impact the Internet has in times of crisis or disaster. We agree that technology creates impact by absorbing and transmitting information, and add that it doesn’t just have to be in times of crisis.
“2011 Most Influential Women in Technology - Katrin Verclas” by E.B. Boyd on Fast Company
Katrin Verclas, founder of MobileActive.org, has been honored as one of the most influential women in technology this year. Her site is a “hub for people around the world who are building tools for mobile phones that make a difference.” Her site unites the large community of technology innovators who are working to create technologies that empower the world’s underserved populations. This way, innovators can share their experiences and expertise to create affordable and scalable products and services for the underserved. By promoting the development of applications and mobile technologies, we can leverage mobile ubiquity to create social impact. Congratulations to Katrin Verclas and thanks for propelling the technology for impact space forward.
“HP Invests for Growth in Africa; New operations in 10 countries bring transformative technology solutions to help drive sustainable, long-term growth” Press Release from HP on Market Watch
It’s not just small social enterprises that have caught on the potential at the BoP and technology’s power for impact. The IT giant Hewlett-Packard (HP) is expanding its operations in Africa with 10 new entities throughout the continent. Business customers, governments, and individuals will have improved access to HP’s hardware and software. Governments especially will be able to leverage HP technology “to drive economic growth by modernizing the delivery of services in key areas such as education, healthcare, and e-Government services.” By penetrating the market, HP will drive increased adoption of technology and promote sustainable economic development. HP’s presence alone will create jobs and stability throughout their communities. HP also has plans for many other initiatives to collaborate with universities, innovate in African education and extend social innovation programs.
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Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Innovation for BoP: EGG-energy's Pricing and Distribution Model
In a recent post, we discussed an innovative pricing model for the Base of the Pyramid with the example of Simpa Networks. This post introduces another innovative pricing model that demonstrates affordability a little differently, along with an innovative distribution model. EGG-energy, Simpa Networks, and the other companies in our portfolio understand that the customers they serve need basic affordability and accessibility.EGG-energy has a growing number of charging stations and distribution centers in Tanzania, a country where the majority of the population within five kilometers of a transmission line but only 10% has access to electricity.1 At the charging stations, EGG employees package grid power into portable batteries to extend the reach of the grid. Customers who pay an initial deposit receive a fully charged battery, and EGG sends a trained technician to their home or business to install the required wiring. Along with batteries, EGG also offers applications like lights, radios, and phone chargers. A great product combined with innovative distribution, promotion, and pricing techniques, EGG-energy makes its products and services highly accessible for its customers.
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| via EGG-energy |
EGG-energy deserves a lot of credit for its innovative distribution model. As a small start-up, EGG-energy takes advantage of the distribution channel that already exists throughout rural Tanzania to reach its target customer. Partnering with local dukas, “the Tanzanian version of convenience stores” to provide convenient pick-up and drop-off services for the batteries reduces capital expenses and allows the company to make another valuable revenue source available to small business owners. In this way, EGG benefits the local economy by providing energy access, jobs, and a sense of community.
In addition to a clever, market-ready concept and integration with existing distributors, EGG’s pricing model is also innovatively designed for customers at the Base of the Pyramid. There are three basic subscription plans, available on a 3-month (USD$23), 6-month (USD$40) or a 12-month (USD$65) basis. All require a USD$4 deposit. The plans allow subscribers to exchange their battery for free at the charging station each time the power supply depletes. The typical household gets about five days energy usage from a battery for lighting, radio usage, and mobile phone charging. If they exchange the battery at the distribution centers, rather than charging centers, they do need to pay a small fee to cover the extra travel costs.
Not only is EGG-energy’s model affordable, it actually improves customers' livelihood. EGG-energy recently hosted a consultant from ENEA consulting, a firm specializing in energy and sustainability development. Some major findings in the report include:
· “EGG-energy customers typically reduce their kerosene usage by 83%2”
· “EGG-energy customers spend at least 20% less on their annual energy expenditures2”
· “70% of customers surveyed reported that they now feel safer both that they no longer have to worry about the hazards of using kerosene and have a much improved way of identifying nightly visitors to their homes.2”
EGG-energy is another example of an innovative energy solution with an accompanying affordable pricing model. In addition to short-term affordability, EGG-energy’s model is less harmful in the long run than traditional energy sources. By minimizing their carbon footprint and providing truly affordable and safe energy in rural Tanzania, EGG-energy is contributing to the well-being of the environment and improving the lives of the world’s poorest citizens.
by Christina Tamer
Learn more about BETA
Monday, April 25, 2011
Introducing BETA
WHAT?
BETA offers funding BETA offers funding and support for exceptional innovators each year. As a precursor to seed-capital, BETA support is intended to push each innovator from idea to enterprise.
WHO?
Exceptional mobile tech and alternative energy innovators with creative technological solutions for the underserved in emerging markets.
WHY?
Innovators selected by BETA will spend six months prototyping their innovations and co-creating the new enterprises with Invested Development (ID). ID manages a successful seed-stage investment fund committed to supporting the best mobile and alternative energy technologies targeting the underserved in emerging markets. We know what works, where it’s needed and have the capacity to make it happen. All that’s missing is you. BETA will provide a stipend, office and/or lab space in Boston, legal and technical support.
HOW?
STEP 1 – APPLY! We have made it as easy as possible. Simply send us an email (beta@investeddevelopment.com) describing the innovation you are working on and telling us how it will help the underserved in emerging markets.
STEP 2 - GET TO WORK: If your proposal is selected, you will work closely with ID staff to flesh out your idea and begin prototyping.
STEP 3 – GO TO MARKET: Piloting your innovation outside the lab is the only way to know if it will work in the real world.
WHEN?
NOW! There is limited space available for this year.
WHERE?
Boston, MA
Visit http://bit.ly/IDBETA for more information and to download our flyer and overview.
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