Virtual telemedicine platforms, charitable clothing brands and accessible mobile banks are just some developing world innovations that are gaining attention thanks to their unique business models.
Breaking down common misconceptions surrounding developing nations, these examples include standouts like OMG Digital, a Ghanian youth media platform that shares cultural content while spotlighting innovations in African film, music, fashion and business. Another notable example is India's Kampus Karma platform that connects college students across the country, giving them a chance to share assignments and notes or to set-up exam study sessions.
Other developing world innovations to take note off include self-testing HIV kits that make crucial medical treatment more accessible for those that cannot afford it, along with solar energy and data-sharing startups that aim to make electricity and internet access more cost-effective for low income families.
22 Developing World Business Innovations
22
Tradition-Protecting Sandals
This Company Aims to Restore An Ancient Shoe-Making Tradition
21
Handcrafted Ghanaian Footwear
Kwame Baah Traditional Shoes Support Artisans in Ghana
20
Solar Energy Startups
This Solar Startup Offers Solar Power Services and Accepts Mobile Payments
19
Contraceptives Delivery Drones
Long-Flying UAVs are Being Used to Prevent Unwanted Pregnancies
18
Solar-Powered Delivery Drones
These Solar-powered Drones Can Deliver Goods to Rural Areas
17
Video Chat ATMs
Singapore's DBS Bank is Testing ATMs with a Live Video Call Option
16
Open-Source Wheelchair Designs
The 'Safariseat' is Designed for People in Developing Countries
15
Hand-Painted Scarf Collections
This Brand of Scarves is Ethically Produced in Bangladesh
14
Ceremonial African Beers
'BUSAA' Positions a Traditional Kenyan Drink as a Contemporary Craft Beer
13
African Youth Media Platforms
OMG Digital Describes Itself as the BuzzFeed for Africa
12
Data-Donating Refugee Campaigns
Three Sweden Lets Customers Donate Their Leftover Data to UNHCR
11
Self-Testing HIV Kits
Project Masiluleke is an HIV Kit That Consumers Can Use to Test Themselves
10
Virtual Campus Platforms
The Campus Karma Platform Aims to Connect College Students Across India
9
Streamlined Telemedicine Startups
This Health-Tech Startup Uses Tele-Consulting For Targeted Care
8
Sugar Sensor Startups
NubeSol's Remote Sensing Services Are Boosting the Indian Sugar Industry
7
Risk-Revealing Conservation Campaigns
The African Conservation Foundation Offers Frightening Stats
6
Slum Beacon Projects
Beacons are Helping Mumbai Slums Compete in Retail and Manufacturing
5
Online African Art Initiatives
'IrokoX' is an Online Platform for Pan-African Artists
4
Cashless Crop Payments
Mastercard's '2Kuze' App Delivers Faster Payments to Farmers
3
Accessible Mobile Banks
The Just Launched Airtel Payments Bank is the First of Its Kind in India
2
App-Free Rideshare Ordering
Uber Patrons in India can Order a Ride Through dial.uber.com
1
Mobile Maternal Health Solutions
The GiftedMom Health Care App Helps Mothers in Developing Areas
Related Ideas
AI Web3 Smartphones
Up Mobile Redefines the Mobile Experience with Integrated AI & Blockchain Tech
Business-Focused Environmental Responsibility Tools
WildSight Targets Corporate Leaders
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Regional Travel Apps
Freedomverse & Tourism Authority of Thailand Debut the Freedom World App
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Kid-Friendly Digital Wallets
Google Wallet for Kids Offers Parents a Digital Way to Give Money
Tech-Driven Sexual Wellness
Experience the Future of Intimacy
Digital Creator Revenue Shifts
Newsletter Platform Beehiiv Lets Readers Set Their Own Price
Beauty Innovation Contests
Estée Lauder Launches The Catalysts Program
Indian Content Creation Platforms
Amazon India Launches the 'Creator Central' Influencer Platform
Skincare Research Hubs
The Ordinary’s New Website Grants Free Access to White Papers
All-In-One Mobile Platforms
TPT Global Tech Has Unveiled VüMe Live, the First Super App in the US
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Streetwear Awareness Initiatives
Streetwear Brand, Worldclass Debuts on Giving Tuesday
Remote Job Platforms
Users Can Connect Remote Talent with Global Companies Through Flexrem 2.0
Personalized Wellness Platforms
Wellbuilt Ventures's Precision Health Platform Targets Businesses
Specialized Ethical Commerce Platforms
Caro Holdings and Kisqueya Promote Black-Owned Businesses
Global Payment Solutions
A-Pay Starts Processing Payments in One Day With Global Reach
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
Simplicity-Focused Mobile Banking Apps
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Debuts the #BRImoWorldXperience
Dating-Style Bar Discovery Platforms
Heineken® Debuts an Innovative Digital Platform — Bar Dating
Charity Health-Tech Apps
Helpster Charity Connects Sectors to provide Essential Healthcare
Philanthropic Kid Fashion Brands
Mini Rodini Supports Doctors Without Borders for Black Week 2024
Engaging Airline Platforms
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Launches a New Travel Well Platform
Teen Skincare Hubs
Indu 101 Educates, Empowers and Inspires Young Beauty Consumers
Multi-Use Non-Payment Wallets
Google Wallet India Unveils an Expansion for Non-Payment Services
Healthcare Innovation-Enhancing Platforms
Chiesi Launches 'The Impulse' for Healthcare Innovations
Marketing Idea Generators
Thunderbucket Provides Marketing Ideas and Observations at Speed
Comprehensive Health Care Suites
Bright Sits on the Intersection of Technology and Health
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
African Heritage-Inspired Fashion Brands
D’IYANU Draws Inspiration from Nigerian Traditions
Pay-What-You-Want Gaming Platforms
Humble Bundle Changes Game Distribution with Flexible Pricing
Tech-Powered Business Solutions
Apple Business Connect Leverages the Brand's User Base
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Imaginative Shopping Platforms
Walmart Realm Shares Influencer-Curated Shopping Environments
Comprehensive Wholesale Retail Platforms
TVCMALL Seeks to Redefine the Wholesale Experience
CPG Goods-Focused Initiatives
Ignite20 Launches CPG VC Fund & Accelerator Program
Purpose-Driven Leadership Schools
The African School of Governance is Accepting Its First Cohort
Startup Networking Platforms
Foundity Connects Founders with Peers, Resources, and AI Tools
Simplified Payment Platforms
Alternative Payments Has Introduced DPMax, an Open Banking Platform
Online Idea-Sharing Platforms
Collaborate, Share, and Discover Projects with Oasis of Ideas
Expanded Technology Marketplaces
Best Buy Has Plans to Launch a New Third-Party Marketplace
Sustainable Banking Solutions
IDEMIA Unveils the GREENPAY Wallet for Sustainably Minded Bankers
Entrepreneur-Focused Online Marketplaces
Agora Exchange Caters to the Need of Creatives and More
Early Wage Solutions
Tapcheck Provides On-Demand Pay Access for Employee Financial Flexibility
Virtual Learning Playgrounds
GlobeKin Offers Real-World Learning Experiences for Children
Small Business Support Initiatives
Mastercard Awards Ten Female Entrepreneurs with Grants
Personality-Focused Dating Apps
The Bokay App Expands Its Services Across Canada
Gamified Digital Learning Platforms
Khired Kids Teaches Children Robotics, Coding, and More
Global Digital Marketplaces
Renaissance Hotels' R FINDS Shares Goods from Local Artisans
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Community Engagement Platforms
Dmany Builds Loyal Communities to Fuel Growth and Success
Digital Business Card Platforms
Digital Business Card Claims to Offer an Eco-Friendly Approach
Insightful Fraud-Battling Initiatives
TPAY Addresses Fraud in Mobile Payments
Luxury Adventure Travel Platforms
UNCHARTED Recently Introduced the EVOLVE Multimedia Platform
Mobile Course Creators
KwaKwa Enables Creators to Easily Monetize Expertise with Mobile Courses
AI Africa-Based Travel Apps
The Akwaaba App Provides Insights and Boasts Sustainable Travel
Retail Crop Yield Programs
Walmart is Working with Agritask to Combat Climate Change
Significant E-Commerce Expansions
NextPlat Corp. & OPKO Health, Inc. Expand Their Presence in Asia
Mobile Produce Markets
GROW-on-the-GO Nourishes Communities in Food Deserts
Business Idea Development
Think Tank Pro Helps Turn Ideas into Actionable Business Plans
Localized Enterprise Programs
Unilever Introduced a Suppliers’ Recruitment Drive in Thailand
Innovative AI Health Solutions
VivaWell Partners with Keyzell Holding to Lead Innovation
Business Operation-Optimizing Tools
Vemlo Debuts Tools for Business Operations & Online Visibility
Blockchain-Focused Developer Tools
Okto's Testnet Platform Aims at Efficiency and Simplicity
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative To Save the Forests
Educational Agriculture Platforms
The Accountability Framework Initiative Emphasizes Ethics
Creator-Focused All-In-One Platforms
MediaClub.app Serves Creators in the Middle East
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
Personalized AI-Driven Wellness Apps
UMeWorld Has Introduces the WellGenix™ Mobile App
Cross-Border Startup Pitching Competitions
Seoul Seeks to Ignite Global Startup Collaboration
3D-Printable Toy Ranges
MakerWorld 'CyberBrick' Has Reusable Electronics and 3D-Printed Models
Startup Growth Strategies
Do Things That Don't Scale Offers Startup Tactics for Growth
Web3 Game Development Platforms
Play and TapNation Launched 'Build Play' to Streamline Development
Social Good Computer Drives
Digitunity Partners with OBAE to Address Technological Barriers
Culture-Focused Crowdfunding Campaigns
NTD International Competitions Runs a Crowdfunding Campaign
Convenient Remote Healthcare
DrOnCall Offers Quality, Remote Patient Experiences
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
AI-Powered Farming Insights
Safaricom and NGO Introduce AI Solutions for Small Farmers
Chronic Desease Advocacy Groups
A Coalition of Wellness Companies Form End Chronic Disease
Youth Education Partnerships
FP Markets and Cricket Brasil Debuted a Youth Development Initiative
Pre-Loved Clothing Platforms
Zara is Expanding its Pre-Owned Platform for Eco-Shopping
Digital Gifting Platforms
On Me Makes the Traditional Gift Card Experience Modern & Personal
At-Risk Youth-Targeted Initiatives
Victoria's Secret Notes Its Work with Pacific Links Foundation
Community-Based Selling Platforms
Build, Sell, and Thrive with Digital Creations with YouTribe
Omnichannel Messaging Platforms
DIDWW Aims to Streamline Global Business Communications
Mental Health-Focused Brand Initiatives
Maybelline New York Partners with WHO Foundation
Visually Immersive Global News
Newsflask Offers a New Perspective on Current Events
APAC-Focused Protein Alternatives
Kinoko-Tech and Metaphor Foods Debut Sustainable Protein Options
International Professional Neobanks
'Zolve' Offers Financial Solutions for High-Skilled People
Business Feedback Platforms
Two Cents Helps Gather Constructive Feedback for Products and Services
Tradition-Focused Digital Libraries
Nestlé Brands Introduced the Living Traditions Library
Inclusive Design Business Initiatives
Microsoft’s #BuildFor2030 Initiative Emphasizes Inclusivity
Financial Accessibility-Focused Partnerships
BitMobile South Africa Partners with AstraBit
Real-World Business Ideas
People Problems Discovers Real Business Opportunities From Daily Needs
Idea Feedback Platforms
Only Ideas Helps You Showcase, Share, and Improve Your Startup Concepts
Global Phone Call Solutions
Callmama is a Virtual Phone Numbers App Spanning 150 Counteries
Couple Investment Platforms
Plenty is a Tool Revolutionizing Investment for Modern Couples
PWYW Learning Platforms
Heights Platform Introduces Flexible Pricing for Educational Content
Youth-Targeted Finance Campaigns
Little Learners, Big Earners Teaches Money Basics to Gen Alpha
Curated Startup Pitches
Startup Pitch Videos Curates Top Startup Pitches From Global Accelerators
Interactive News Platforms
NewsFlask Presents Global Headlines Through an Immersive 3D Globe
Internet Access-Expanding Initiatives
The Kenya DigiSchool Connectivity Project Supports Students
Beginner Business Wisdom
Beginner Maps Uses Insights From Experts to Help New Businesses Thrive
Virtual Retail Solutions
Simbe's Store Intelligence™ Solutions Provide Results on a Global Scale
Revenue Cycle Management Platforms
WoundZoom Aims to Simply Billing Processes with ZoomBill
Millet-Based Healthy Snacks
Govindjee Unveils a New Selection of Millet-Based Products
Optimized Communication Network Solutions
The O-RAN ALLIANCE Debuts Innovations at Mwc Barcelona
Multi-Currency Market Tools
Waza Introduces the Lync Platform for FX Liquidity
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Mobile Device Addiction Campaigns
The Women's Brain Health Initiative Highlights a Growing Concern
Sustainable Mongolian Cashmeres
Nativa Debuts the Nativa Cashmere Fiber with Blockchain Technology
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Business Plan Development Services
Akademily Pivots to Serve the Needs of Entrepreneurs
Effective Work Environment Technology
HP Inc. Unveils Advancements Within Its Workforce Solutions
Digital Student Opportunities
Campus Connect Links Students to Tailored Opportunities Worldwide
Professional Networking Platforms
JustNetwork Helps Monetize Business Connections And Expertise
Self-Paced Goal Setting Apps
Attayn Live Helps Users to Monetize Their Knowledge
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
South African Retail Expansions
Amazon Unveils its First Expansion into the African Continent
Virtual Entrepreneurial Workshops
autonom.me is Bridging the Gap Between Entrepreneurs and Makers
Commercialized Research Platforms
Atlantix Discovers, Develops, and Commercializes Innovations
Pre-Loved Ancestral Apparel
McCann Japan and SAFARI Debut the Second Life Social Commerce Platform
Traveler Marketing Platforms
Koflluence Introduces the Rare Travel Platform for Travel Influencers
Health System Improvement Initiatives
Eli Lilly and Company Has Announced a Donation to UNICEF
Anonymous Gratitude-Exchanging Platforms
'A Little Optimism' Let's People Share Weekly Gratitudes
Pre-Launch B2B Startup Apps
Faindrr Focuses on Growth and Connections Between new Startup Founders
eBook-Creating Content Platforms
'Ebookany' Transforms Web Content into an eBook
Quick Monetized Expertise
'20min' Lets Experts Offer Quick, Paid Advice Via Text, Voice, or Video
Digital Diversified Beverage Programs
Diverse Powered Brands Provides Online Operations Solutions
Digital Commercial Payment Apps
Mastercard Unveils the Mobile Virtual Card App for Businesses
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Entrepreneur-Specific Global Hubs
Endeavor Has Launched a New Global Hub in London
Local Economic Growth Initiatives
Hershey's is Supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations
Accessible Tourism-Focused Initiates
Explore Siouxland Receives a Grant to Bolster Accessibility
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Developer Sharing Platforms
Devlopea Enables Developers To Share Code Snippets, Media, & Diagrams
Comprehensive Indian Payment Tools
BharatPe Unveils the Country's First All-in-One Payment Device
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
Digital Entrepreneur Directories
WebKits Aggregates Boilerplate Templates Across Tech Stacks