Lighting up Bangalore, India

Many communities throughout India are still burning kerosene as their major source of lighting. This is very expensive, and also highly dangerous, as this open flame creates fumes that cause lung cancer. A fallen kerosene lamp often starts fires that can take up very fast in a slum. Traditional cookstoves have similar problems, as they create a lot of smoke. Throughout the world, more people die each year from indoor smoke pollution than malaria.

But there is a solution!

Solar lanterns are a low cost, free fuel technology that is affordable to the poor. The light source is even better too, meaning that children can study, people can work a little longer than sunset and people no longer need to fear going to use the bathroom at night. Clean cookstoves not only use less fuel, but drastically cut down the amount of smoke. Both these technologies bring health benefits and save poor people money and time - all of which are in short supply. By using a social enterprise model to provide local entrepreneurs with a supply of renewable technologies and the business know-how, a lasting and sustainable solution can be generated that goes far beyond the one month that we'll be there.

Who’s Pollinate Energy?

Pollinate Energy is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to eradicate energy poverty.

There’s a real need throughout India. In the urban slums of Bangalore, thousands of families are still burning kerosene for lighting. This naked flame creates a dangerous living environment as well as fumes that pose a serious health hazard.

Pollinate provide members of the local community with the training and know-how to start their own business and become micro-entrepreneurs. Next, they are supplied with locally made small scale solar lighting systems or cookstoves. These entrepreneurs then sell them to families, by helping them understand that this solution is actually cheaper and safer than burning kerosene or using traditional cookstoves. 

This model creates a lasting and sustainable solution as the entrepreneurs become self-sufficient and the communities appreciate the real value behind this clean technology. This way, your money goes much further than just merely giving lanterns and cookstoves away. Not only do the businesses keep running and keep on selling lanterns, but a portion of the profits come back to Pollinate, and they can start the process of seeding new businesses again!

Who we are

We, Ashwin, Jiefei and Mikaila, are all Renewable Energy Engineering students from the University of New South Wales. 

All of us share a passion for creating a sustainable future, and are privileged enough to be selected for Pollinate Energy’s Fellowship program.

As Fellows, we will be travelling to the headquarters of Pollinate in Bangalore for a month and help with everything from research to assisting local entrepreneurs in developing their business.

To find out more about what we will do in the Fellowship, have a look at this photo essay - www.jeffwangphoto.com/pollinate-energy-fellowship/

How you can help

In order to achieve all of these, we need to fundraise $2000 each. The money goes towards supporting Pollinate Energy. This fund forms the foundation for the entrepreneurs and their new business and helps turn on the lights for the communities in need.

We are very excited for this opportunity and appreciate any help you can contribute!

Please leave a name if you can, we would love to get back to you and show our appreciation!

Official Sponsorship

Bronze Sponsor: For $750, your organisation could  be designated a bronze level sponsor for the three of us, and have some branding and public votes of thanks visible on our donation page.

Silver Sponsor: For $1500, your organisation could be designated the official silver sponsor for the three of us, have some branding and public votes of thanks visible on our donation page and social media, and receive a presentation at your offices on our return. 

Gold Sponsor: For $3000, your organisation could be designated the official gold sponsor for the three of us, have large branding and public votes of thanks visible on our donation page and social media, and receive the rights to photos for promotional purposes and receive a presentation at your offices on our return. 

For more information, please visit - http://pollinateenergy.org/

Ashwin, Jiefei and Mikaila