JikoPower Uses Fire Power to Charge the Smartphones of Kenyans
Michael Hemsworth — September 15, 2016 — Tech
References: jikopowerinc & newatlas
The smartphone has revolutionized communication capabilities around the world, so the JikoPower looks to use fire power to effectively help those in rural Kenya maintain connectivity.
According to the startup, around 80% of Kenyans have cell phones with only 20% of them having electricity. This means that those living in rural locations will have to walk long distances to paid charging stations to maintain connectivity. The JikoPower 'Spark' thermoelectric generator looks to change this by harnessing the power of fires that the user will already have in or around their home.
The JikoPower 'Spark' is crafted from strong materials and can be utilized to charge a smartphone in around two hours. With that said, this is just the prototype from JikoPower, and the brand purports that the final version will use fire power to cut that time down by 50%.
According to the startup, around 80% of Kenyans have cell phones with only 20% of them having electricity. This means that those living in rural locations will have to walk long distances to paid charging stations to maintain connectivity. The JikoPower 'Spark' thermoelectric generator looks to change this by harnessing the power of fires that the user will already have in or around their home.
The JikoPower 'Spark' is crafted from strong materials and can be utilized to charge a smartphone in around two hours. With that said, this is just the prototype from JikoPower, and the brand purports that the final version will use fire power to cut that time down by 50%.
Trend Themes
1. Rural Connectivity - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop cost-effective technologies to provide improved connectivity solutions for people living in rural areas.
2. Off-grid Power Solutions - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore innovative ways to generate power for electronic devices in locations with limited or no access to electricity.
3. Thermoelectric Generators - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop efficient and portable thermoelectric generators that can harness various heat sources for renewable energy production.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create affordable and accessible communication solutions for individuals in remote areas with limited access to electricity.
2. Renewable Energy - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop renewable energy systems that can harness unconventional heat sources to power electronic devices and support off-grid communities.
3. Smartphone Accessories - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and manufacture smartphone accessories that offer alternative power solutions for users in areas with unreliable electricity infrastructure.
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