When it comes to developing products that are durable and useful in the developing world, many of the innovative ideas and products that appear in the media come from NGOs and students from the developed world. Recently however, many local companies and startups in the developing world have begun to take matters into their own hands by addressing the problems their countries face, from traffic congestion to securing a reliable data connection.

One such of these innovative products is BRCK, a power source and a reliable mobile data connection for people who experience frequent power outages in both urban and rural areas around the world. The idea for creating a durable power source emerged from Kenya’s power outages that a group of Nairobi-based engineers were experiencing on a daily basis. Realizing that both urban and rural people needed a more secure power source, as well as a reliable connection to data for mobile devices, the engineers came up with BRCK.

The BRCKs were launched this year on July 17, when the first 700 units were shipped out across Kenya and the world. The initial market for the device was for small and medium businesses, but the sales of the first 700 included people from 45 different countries as well as biotech companies and nonprofits operating in the developing world.

The device has eight hours of battery life in full power mode and five different low power states that help extend that time. It can be charged on anything from a computer to a car battery making it versatile for a wide range of people and conditions. It is marketed as a “rugged” power source that can withstand dust and any formidable weather.

Realizing that there were bound to be questions and concerns with the launch of their product, the team behind BRCK included a forum on their website that allows people from around the world to connect and discuss topics from troubleshooting to technical support to bandwidth quotas.

Devices like the BRCK are important because they not only address the energy needs of the bottom billion, but also foster innovation, development and production in the developing countries. However, one challenge that the team behind BRCK faced was the infrastructure to actually manufacture the device in Kenya, something that many African nations are still developing.

As a result, while the idea originated in Nairobi, Kenya, the manufacturing was done in China and the assembly in Austin, Texas. Working to decrease costs and bring assembly to Kenya will be a work in progress for this young company. Despite the challenges however, the need for the product is great, as anyone who has ever lived or visited a developing country can confirm.

In the mean time, BRCK is addressing a much needed energy supply for people in Kenya, by people in Kenya, a truly remarkable accomplishment.

– Andrea Blinkhorn

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, BRCK 1, BRCK 2, BRCK 3
Photo: Forbes