Designing a human-powered washing machine for Gujarat's lower middle class

Worldwide, roughly five billion people do not have the funds for purchasing an electric washing machine or the means (piped water and an electricity connection) to operate one. As a result, mostly housewives are left washing their clothes by hand. This is a labour-intensive and time-consuming task, commonly taking place on a daily basis. Not...

Building a Portfolio Expansion Strategy: Selling Solar Products in Rural Communities in Mexico

Electrification can have a major impact on the lives of those enduring energy poverty. A solar home system offers a sustainable and affordable electricity source for households in Mexican rural areas which are not connected to an electricity grid. Iluméxico, a social enterprise based in Mexico City, wishes to expand its current product portfolio...

A User Friendly Biogas Socket for the BoP: A case study for TNO in Rwanda

This master thesis is carried out for independent research organisation TNO, who initiated the Biogas Socket project in 2008. The Biogas Socket project is part of TNO’s ‘Innovation for Development programme’, wherein high tech development and low-tech innovations contribute to stimulate economic growth and prosperity in BoP countries. This...