Connected Communities Worldwide Stuart Gannes Digital Vision Program Stanford University September 19, 2006

Mission: Connected communities …Update on initiatives that seek to apply the tools of high tech innovation and entrepreneurship to the needs of underserved communities worldwide.

Connected world status report: Not yet Digital divide runs deep –2 Billion on-line –4.5 Billion still waiting Infrastructure lags social needs –Beyond the enterprise –Beyond the consumer Applications lag infrastructure –Social services –Humanitarian services –Development initiatives Where should we focus: Infrastructure, applications, or both?

Report card for infrastructure: “B” Accelerated expansion of data networks –Phone and cable networks nearly 50% broadband capable, but principally in developed world –Cellular networks now reach nearly ~2 billion people worldwide, but have limited data capabilities Cellular networks (led by India and China) signing up >10 million new users per month. Wireless build-out still lags in many regions of Africa, Latin America, and rural poor world-wide –Lack of electrical power –Inability to respond to natural disasters

Report card for application building: “D-” In so-called BOP markets business and technology ‘as usual’ not enough Connecting urban and rural poor requires innovative solutions: –New services –New interfaces –New support capabilities –New business models

Sources of technology innovation Major technology platform providers -Hardware -OS -Apps 2 Billion established technology customers - Enterprise - Consumer 4.5 Billion emerging global customers - Rural poor - Urban poor - Public sector

Digital Vision Program at Stanford A campus studio where entrepreneurs design - and implement - innovative solutions Unique resources to accelerate applications design and deployment: –Resident Fellows: “Social Entrepreneurs” and “Social Researchers” in residence –Experienced staff: DV and H*STAR Institute (Human Science and Technology Advanced Research) directors –DV Core Program: nine month “how-to course” Understanding community needs Designing and testing prototype technology-based services Creating SROI and sustainability models Obtaining financial support

DV studio track record since Stanford fellowships awarded 58 Community-oriented technology ventures created 37 pilot tested or implemented (65% survival rate) 18 Handed off to partner organizations 11 Incorporated $12+ million invested

Examples of DV impact Bracnet - Distributed wireless telecenter network, plus news and communications portal for Bangladesh - Voices in Your Hand - Giving people their own voice in the digital world. A humanitarian project to bring ICT to the underprivileged Planet Read - Helping people in India read by putting subtitles in their own language on popular music videos Project Market Light - Providing the world poorest families affordable, accurate, relevant and up to date market data Retool - Re-engineering employment training through outsourcing opportunities in developing countries Creative Commons Africa - A web portal dedicated to showcasing the work of local creators, educators and administrators who use Creative Commons licenses

Current DV initiative themes Financial Services (microfinance, micro insurance, remittances, market information, e-commerce) Health and Welfare (health administration, health research, public health and safely, telemedicine, relief services, advocacy and social justice) Knowledge and Empowerment (literacy and numeracy, e-learning and training, e government, social networks and community building)

Motorola DV supporters

Digital Vision Program Stanford University Cordura Hall 210 Panama Street Stanford, CA Tel: Fax: Stuart Gannes: Karen Coppock: Contact Information