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Basics

Describe yourself briefly.

I was born in India and moved to the US with my parents at a young age. Community service became an important part of my life very early on as the stark poverty and disparity between rich and poor in India's pre-tech days left an impression I couldn't forget. I've always had a great interest in electronics, and as a kid, realized the benefits that technology could have in lower-income countries.

I went on to study International Development and Technology Transfer from Tulane University and the School for International Training (SIT). While studying with SIT, I traveled throughout South America, lived with indigenous communities, and met with business leaders to discuss how their policies influenced lives of the under-served. The necessity for business solutions in development became evident here.

Describe your Unreasonable Venture in 100 words or less.

One Degree Solar is a supplier of solar energy and lighting products created specifically for individuals and small businesses in developing countries. We utilize innovative mobile technologies throughout the entire lifecycle of our products, from advertising to after-sale support. This enables us to have direct contact with customers, build customer loyalty, and quantify revenues per end-user.

Currently, we are operating with partners in Kenya, Rwanda, and Liberia. End-users and resellers confirm that our products are brighter, more portable, and more versatile than anything on the market.

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Team

Describe your relevant experience (especially entrepreneurial).

Before One Degree Solar, I spent years in post-conflict Liberia, sponsored by the Clinton Foundation, to work directly with the Deputy Minister of Health. While with the Ministry, I secured $8.5M in emergency funding from the World Bank, contributed to Liberia’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, and led sector-wide energy and technology initiatives. I also started an on-the-job training program that created additional mid-level positions for Liberians, and this model has been replicated across Liberia's government ministries.

Additionally, I worked as a consultant with a USAID renewable energy program in Africa. I've contributed to the USAID Powering Health initiative and created a guide for off-grid clinicians worldwide to better understand off-grid energy systems.

My degree is in International Development and Technology Transfer from Tulane University and the School for International Training, where I focused on renewable energy applications in international healthcare settings.

Why is your team uniquely qualified to run this venture?

One Degree is growing! Updates coming soon.

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Venture

What is the urgent social or environmental need you're addressing?

For over one billion people without electricity worldwide, energy is frequently ranked among other pressing concerns like health, education, or housing. But for these individuals, energy means constantly buying toxic disposable batteries, kerosene lamps, candles, diesel, or firewood. These energy sources are inefficient, expensive, and harmful to the individual and the environment.

To access news or education via radio, or to charge cell phones, individuals without power must spend the time and money to buy batteries or to travel to a local phone charging kiosk and pay for each charge. Small businesses, including those that exist purely to charge cell phones, also depend on diesel fuel, which drastically reduces profits and forces higher prices for the low-income customers they serve.

What is your solution to this need? Describe your business strategy.

Updates coming soon. Please send an email for details.

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Milestones

Convince us it will work. What milestones have you achieved?

The One Degree team is quickly adding to the milestones list. Full updates coming soon.

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