New solar-powered communications hub connects off-grid communities

The solar-powered platform provides affordable energy and connectivity in emergency situations and for daily activities.

Kumbaya’s goal for its zeroXess connectivity platform is to reach a billion or more of the residents around the world who are not yet online. Currently, four billion people globally are not connected to the internet. More than one billion people do not have regular, reliable access to electricity. By solving the electricity challenge with a sustainable smart solution, Kumbaya will make a significant impact on the United Nations’ number one sustainable development goal. Furthermore, increasing access to technology, education and infrastructure should mean that poverty will be on the decline.

Sustainability is, of course, a key component of the company’s zeroXess product and platform. The home energy system uses 120 watt solar panels to run the touch-screen connectivity hub. The hub has six USB ports, four LED fixtures and built in health sensors. This allows for direct one and two-way communication. Local radio and television stations are broadcast by the hub, as well as internet access. It endeavours to provide educational and entertaining content for all. The content library contains lessons on topics as diverse as entrepreneurship, literacy, nutrition and agriculture. Moreover, the company is always looking for material with which to expand.

The system also makes available the ability to send and receive money securely. This opens up an entire new world to small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Making the zeroXess system affordable is crucial to its success. It is something the company is continuously working on with a number of partners to help make the system as widely available as possible.

Other projects using mobility and renewable energy as the means to bring resources to remote communities include a portable sterilizer and a traveling recycling plant. The sterilizer makes surgery accessible and safe for communities without reliable sources of water and electricity. And the mobile recycling machine turns plastics into indoor/outdoor tiles. What type of information and support could be particularly useful for citizens immediately after they gain regular access to the internet?