buffalogrid and techfugees launch education, solar charging initiative for refugees, aim to raise $3m
BuffaloGrid and Techfugees Partner to Support Displaced Communities
BuffaloGrid, a company specializing in providing mobile charging and digital content access in areas lacking traditional infrastructure, is collaborating with Techfugees. This partnership aims to deliver free educational resources and device charging capabilities to displaced populations throughout East Africa and the Middle East.
Deployment of Solar-Powered Hubs
The initial phase of this initiative will involve the installation of BuffaloGrid Hubs – powered by solar energy – within refugee camps located in Kenya and Uganda. These hubs will offer unrestricted access to vital educational and healthcare information.
Furthermore, the hubs will provide access to various streaming services and essential mobile power charging facilities.
“Knowledge is Freedom” Campaign
The joint campaign, titled “Knowledge is Freedom,” has set an ambitious fundraising target of $3 million over the next two years.
Statements from Leadership
Daniel Becerra, CEO of BuffaloGrid, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding internet access. He stated: “Our core objective is to eliminate obstacles to internet adoption and equip the next billion people with information, energy, and crucial digital skills.”
Becerra continued, expressing hope that the campaign will increase awareness regarding the challenges faced by displaced individuals and highlight the collective power to effect positive change. He also voiced excitement about the collaboration with Techfugees, believing their combined expertise will yield significant results.
Raj Burman, CEO of Techfugees, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in a rapidly evolving world. He said: “Our mission is to ensure that forcibly displaced people are not left behind in an increasingly digital and climate change-affected world.”
Burman noted that approximately 400,000 marginalized refugees currently reside in the Rwamwanja and Kakuma-Kalobeyei settlement camps in Uganda and Kenya, respectively. He believes this collaboration with BuffaloGrid offers a unique and responsible digital solution.
The Growing Crisis of Displacement
Techfugees reports that currently, around 80 million people – approximately 1% of the global population – have been displaced due to factors such as climate change, conflict, economic hardship, and persecution.
Projections indicate this number could surge to over 1 billion displaced people by the year 2050.
BuffaloGrid’s Funding and Investors
Based in Belfast, BuffaloGrid has successfully raised $6.4 million in funding to date.
Key investors include Tiny VC, ADV, Seedcamp, Kima Ventures, and LocalGlobe.
(Disclosure: Mike Butcher is chairman of Techfugees)
Mike Butcher
Mike Butcher: A Profile of a Leading Tech Voice
Mike Butcher, M.B.E., is a highly respected figure in the technology landscape. Previously serving as Editor-at-large for TechCrunch, his journalistic background includes contributions to prominent UK newspapers and magazines.
Recognition and Influence
Wired UK has recognized Butcher as one of the most influential individuals shaping European technology. This acknowledgement underscores his significant impact on the sector.
Speaking Engagements and Interviews
Butcher is a sought-after speaker, having presented at prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum, Web Summit, and DLD. He has conducted interviews with a diverse range of prominent figures.
Among those he has interviewed are former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev, actor Kevin Spacey, model Lily Cole, Telegram founder Pavel Durov, and Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales, alongside numerous other technology executives and celebrities.
Broadcasting and Advisory Roles
As a frequent broadcaster, Mike Butcher regularly appears on major news networks. These include BBC News, Sky News, CNBC, Channel 4, Al Jazeera, and Bloomberg.
His expertise extends to policy advising, having consulted with UK Prime Ministers and the Mayor of London regarding technology startup initiatives. He also served as a judge on the UK edition of The Apprentice.
Awards and Founding Ventures
GQ magazine once listed him among the 100 Most Connected Men in the UK. This highlights his extensive network within the industry.
Butcher is also the co-founder of several notable organizations:
- TheEuropas.com: A platform showcasing the Top 100 European startups.
- Techfugees.com: A non-profit organization.
- TechVets.co: Another non-profit initiative.
- Startup Coalition: Focused on supporting startups.
In 2016, he was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E.) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. This was in recognition of his services to the UK technology industry and journalism.