I flew into Kuala Lumpur yesterday to attend the "Third Global Knowledge Conference". The conference is a annual gathering of folks interested in using information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve the lives of people in the developing world.
The theme of this year's conference is Emerging People, Emerging Markets, Emerging Technologies. I'm in Young Social Entrepreneur track of the conference, representing Profits for People.
So far I have been quite excited about things that I have seen here. I think we have reached a stage where ICT for Development is not just a buzz word anymore, but could actually help improve standards of living, even for the poorest of the poor. Below are some technologies, ventures and ideas that excited me in the first look. I hope to post more detailed posts on on each of them, in the next couple of days.
The theme of this year's conference is Emerging People, Emerging Markets, Emerging Technologies. I'm in Young Social Entrepreneur track of the conference, representing Profits for People.
So far I have been quite excited about things that I have seen here. I think we have reached a stage where ICT for Development is not just a buzz word anymore, but could actually help improve standards of living, even for the poorest of the poor. Below are some technologies, ventures and ideas that excited me in the first look. I hope to post more detailed posts on on each of them, in the next couple of days.
- Intel's Classmate PC. I got a chance to try out this tiny Windows XP running PC, positioned as a competitor for the hundred-dollar laptop (which BTW is sold now for $200). Intel might be actually onto something here with this macine
- OneRoof is an innovate franchising business, focusing on creating jobs and delivering information at affordable costs, by setting up a One Roof branded computer center. They are currently expanding in Tamil Nadu, India.
- Microsoft Unlimited Potential Group, a recently formed group within the tech giant seems to have an interesting mission, creating sustained social and economic opportunity for the next 5 billion people
3 comments:
Hey Santhosh...that sounds like a fantastic conference! If you aren't, try and get onto the india-gii mailling list (yahoogroups I think). ICT for improving the developing world is a fascinating topic. When you're back do give me a buzz if you can and I'd love to catch up.
There's so much happening in the 'for-profit social outfit' sphere! Good to read that corporates like microsoft are really serious about this. Keep us more informed of your interactions in the conference. I am sure it would open new worlds to people like me.
Suresh
Krish,
Its been a fun conference so far. I would love to get on-board the Yahoo Groups and we should also catch up and talk more
Suresh,
"For-Profit Social Outfit" - yeah, its surely becoming a huge buzz. It would be interesting to see where companies like Microsoft are going with this.
--Santhosh--
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