[Script Info] Title: [Events] Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.35,0:00:03.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Living in Africa is to be on the edge, Dialogue: 0,0:00:03.54,0:00:06.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,metaphorically, and quite literally Dialogue: 0,0:00:06.30,0:00:09.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when you think about connectivity before 2008. Dialogue: 0,0:00:09.93,0:00:13.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Though many human intellectual and technological leaps Dialogue: 0,0:00:13.64,0:00:16.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,had happened in Europe and the rest of the world, Dialogue: 0,0:00:16.66,0:00:19.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but Africa was sort of cut off. Dialogue: 0,0:00:19.25,0:00:21.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that changed, first with ships Dialogue: 0,0:00:21.88,0:00:25.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when we had the Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution Dialogue: 0,0:00:25.16,0:00:27.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and also the Industrial Revolution. Dialogue: 0,0:00:27.26,0:00:30.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And now we've got the digital revolution. Dialogue: 0,0:00:30.29,0:00:33.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These revolutions have not been evenly distributed Dialogue: 0,0:00:33.29,0:00:35.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,across continents and nations. Dialogue: 0,0:00:35.62,0:00:38.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Never have been. Dialogue: 0,0:00:38.35,0:00:42.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, this is a map of the undersea fiber optic cables Dialogue: 0,0:00:42.11,0:00:45.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that connect Africa to the rest of the world. Dialogue: 0,0:00:45.02,0:00:47.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What I find amazing is that Africa Dialogue: 0,0:00:47.06,0:00:49.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is transcending its geography problem. Dialogue: 0,0:00:49.87,0:00:51.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Africa is connecting to the rest of the world Dialogue: 0,0:00:51.68,0:00:53.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and within itself. Dialogue: 0,0:00:53.52,0:00:56.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The connectivity situation has improved greatly, Dialogue: 0,0:00:56.79,0:00:58.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but some barriers remain. Dialogue: 0,0:00:58.100,0:01:02.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It is with this context that Ushahidi came to be. Dialogue: 0,0:01:02.68,0:01:07.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In 2008, one of the problems that we faced Dialogue: 0,0:01:07.22,0:01:09.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,was lack of information flow. Dialogue: 0,0:01:09.76,0:01:12.05,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There was a media blackout in 2008, Dialogue: 0,0:01:12.05,0:01:14.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when there was post-election violence in Kenya. Dialogue: 0,0:01:14.43,0:01:17.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It was a very tragic time. It was a very difficult time. Dialogue: 0,0:01:17.25,0:01:20.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So we came together and we created software Dialogue: 0,0:01:20.00,0:01:21.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,called Ushahidi. Dialogue: 0,0:01:21.57,0:01:25.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And Ushahidi means "testimony" or "witness" in Swahili. Dialogue: 0,0:01:25.17,0:01:28.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I'm very lucky to work with two amazing collaborators. Dialogue: 0,0:01:28.34,0:01:30.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is David and Erik. Dialogue: 0,0:01:30.44,0:01:32.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I call them brothers from another mother. Dialogue: 0,0:01:32.52,0:01:35.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Clearly I have a German mother somewhere. Dialogue: 0,0:01:35.53,0:01:38.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And we worked together first with building Dialogue: 0,0:01:38.12,0:01:39.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and growing Ushahidi. Dialogue: 0,0:01:39.57,0:01:42.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And the idea of the software was to gather information Dialogue: 0,0:01:42.56,0:01:45.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from SMS, email and web, and put a map Dialogue: 0,0:01:45.34,0:01:48.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so that you could see what was happening where, Dialogue: 0,0:01:48.25,0:01:50.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and you could visualize that data. Dialogue: 0,0:01:50.36,0:01:52.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And after that initial prototype, Dialogue: 0,0:01:52.61,0:01:55.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we set out to make free and open-source software Dialogue: 0,0:01:55.11,0:01:59.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so that others do not have to start from scratch like we did. Dialogue: 0,0:01:59.96,0:02:01.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,All the while, we also wanted to give back Dialogue: 0,0:02:01.93,0:02:04.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to the local tech community that helped us Dialogue: 0,0:02:04.16,0:02:07.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,grow Ushahidi and supported us in those early days. Dialogue: 0,0:02:07.67,0:02:10.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And that's why we set up the iHub in Nairobi, Dialogue: 0,0:02:10.25,0:02:12.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an actual physical space Dialogue: 0,0:02:12.27,0:02:14.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where we could collaborate, Dialogue: 0,0:02:14.74,0:02:19.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and it is now part of an integral tech ecosystem in Kenya. Dialogue: 0,0:02:19.30,0:02:22.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We did that with the support of different organizations Dialogue: 0,0:02:22.07,0:02:25.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,like the MacArthur Foundation and Omidyar Network. Dialogue: 0,0:02:25.07,0:02:28.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And we were able to grow this software footprint, Dialogue: 0,0:02:28.25,0:02:31.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and a few years later it became Dialogue: 0,0:02:31.02,0:02:33.71,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,very useful software, Dialogue: 0,0:02:33.71,0:02:36.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and we were quite humbled when it was used in Haiti Dialogue: 0,0:02:36.94,0:02:40.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where citizens could indicate where they are Dialogue: 0,0:02:40.01,0:02:41.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and what their needs were, Dialogue: 0,0:02:41.40,0:02:44.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and also to deal with the fallout from the nuclear crisis Dialogue: 0,0:02:44.70,0:02:46.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the tsunami in Japan. Dialogue: 0,0:02:46.74,0:02:50.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, this year the Internet turns 20, Dialogue: 0,0:02:50.13,0:02:52.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and Ushahidi turned five. Dialogue: 0,0:02:52.41,0:02:55.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Ushahidi is not only the software that we made. Dialogue: 0,0:02:55.22,0:02:58.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It is the team, and it's also the community Dialogue: 0,0:02:58.27,0:03:02.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that uses this technology in ways that we could not foresee. Dialogue: 0,0:03:02.56,0:03:05.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We did not imagine that there would be this many maps Dialogue: 0,0:03:05.88,0:03:07.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,around the world. Dialogue: 0,0:03:07.39,0:03:10.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There are crisis maps, election maps, corruption maps, Dialogue: 0,0:03:10.91,0:03:14.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and even environmental monitoring crowd maps. Dialogue: 0,0:03:14.44,0:03:17.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We are humbled that this has roots in Kenya Dialogue: 0,0:03:17.89,0:03:20.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that it has some use to people around the world Dialogue: 0,0:03:20.61,0:03:23.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,trying to figure out the different issues that they're dealing with. Dialogue: 0,0:03:23.96,0:03:26.83,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There is more that we're doing to explore this idea Dialogue: 0,0:03:26.83,0:03:29.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of collective intelligence, that I, as a citizen, Dialogue: 0,0:03:29.45,0:03:32.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,if I share the information with whatever device that I have, Dialogue: 0,0:03:32.38,0:03:34.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,could inform you about what is going on, Dialogue: 0,0:03:34.92,0:03:37.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that if you do the same, we can have a bigger picture Dialogue: 0,0:03:37.78,0:03:39.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of what's going on. Dialogue: 0,0:03:39.63,0:03:41.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I moved back to Kenya in 2011. Dialogue: 0,0:03:41.69,0:03:43.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Erik moved in 2010. Dialogue: 0,0:03:43.84,0:03:45.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Very different reality. I used to live in Chicago Dialogue: 0,0:03:45.98,0:03:48.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where there was abundant Internet access. Dialogue: 0,0:03:48.13,0:03:50.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I had never had to deal with a blackout. Dialogue: 0,0:03:50.96,0:03:53.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And in Kenya, it's a very different reality, Dialogue: 0,0:03:53.85,0:03:56.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and one thing that remains despite the leaps in progress Dialogue: 0,0:03:56.95,0:04:00.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the digital revolution is the electricity problem. Dialogue: 0,0:04:00.73,0:04:03.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The day-to-day frustrations of dealing with this Dialogue: 0,0:04:03.50,0:04:06.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,can be, let's just say very annoying. Dialogue: 0,0:04:06.74,0:04:08.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Blackouts are not fun. Dialogue: 0,0:04:08.70,0:04:11.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Imagine sitting down to start working, and all of a sudden Dialogue: 0,0:04:11.62,0:04:13.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the power goes out, Dialogue: 0,0:04:13.30,0:04:15.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,your Internet connection goes down with it, Dialogue: 0,0:04:15.97,0:04:19.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so you have to figure out, okay, now, where's the modem, Dialogue: 0,0:04:19.62,0:04:21.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,how do I switch back? Dialogue: 0,0:04:21.61,0:04:24.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then, guess what? You have to deal with it again. Dialogue: 0,0:04:24.32,0:04:27.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, this is the reality of Kenya, where we live now, Dialogue: 0,0:04:27.52,0:04:29.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and other parts of Africa. Dialogue: 0,0:04:29.88,0:04:31.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The other problem that we're facing Dialogue: 0,0:04:31.84,0:04:36.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is that communication costs are also still a challenge. Dialogue: 0,0:04:36.12,0:04:38.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It costs me five Kenyan shillings, Dialogue: 0,0:04:38.29,0:04:44.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or .06 USD to call the U.S., Canada or China. Dialogue: 0,0:04:44.34,0:04:48.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Guess how much it costs to call Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria? Dialogue: 0,0:04:48.91,0:04:52.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thirty Kenyan shillings. That's six times the cost Dialogue: 0,0:04:52.19,0:04:54.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to connect within Africa. Dialogue: 0,0:04:54.30,0:04:56.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And also, when traveling within Africa, Dialogue: 0,0:04:56.43,0:04:59.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you've got different settings for different mobile providers. Dialogue: 0,0:04:59.70,0:05:02.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the reality that we deal with. Dialogue: 0,0:05:02.40,0:05:05.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So we've got a joke in Ushahidi Dialogue: 0,0:05:05.02,0:05:09.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where we say, "If it works in Africa, it'll work anywhere." Dialogue: 0,0:05:09.82,0:05:11.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,[Most use technology to define the function. We use function to drive the technology.] Dialogue: 0,0:05:11.97,0:05:14.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What if we could overcome the problem Dialogue: 0,0:05:14.22,0:05:18.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of unreliable Internet and electricity Dialogue: 0,0:05:18.08,0:05:20.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and reduce the cost of connection? Dialogue: 0,0:05:20.11,0:05:22.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Could we leverage the cloud? Dialogue: 0,0:05:22.07,0:05:23.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We've built a crowd map, we've built Ushahidi. Dialogue: 0,0:05:23.90,0:05:26.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Could we leverage these technologies Dialogue: 0,0:05:26.33,0:05:31.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to switch smartly whenever you travel from country to country? Dialogue: 0,0:05:31.39,0:05:32.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So we looked at the modem, Dialogue: 0,0:05:32.69,0:05:35.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an important part of the infrastructure of the Internet, Dialogue: 0,0:05:35.97,0:05:38.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and asked ourselves why Dialogue: 0,0:05:38.48,0:05:40.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the modems that we are using right now Dialogue: 0,0:05:40.44,0:05:42.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are built for a different context, where you've got Dialogue: 0,0:05:42.66,0:05:46.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,ubiquitous internet, you've got ubiquitous electricity, Dialogue: 0,0:05:46.62,0:05:51.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,yet we sit here in Nairobi and we do not have that luxury. Dialogue: 0,0:05:51.65,0:05:54.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We wanted to redesign the modem Dialogue: 0,0:05:54.15,0:05:57.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for the developing world, for our context, Dialogue: 0,0:05:57.20,0:05:59.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and for our reality. Dialogue: 0,0:05:59.11,0:06:02.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What if we could have connectivity with less friction? Dialogue: 0,0:06:02.78,0:06:06.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This is the BRCK. Dialogue: 0,0:06:06.31,0:06:09.22,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It acts as a backup to the Internet Dialogue: 0,0:06:09.22,0:06:12.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so that, when the power goes out, Dialogue: 0,0:06:12.99,0:06:19.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it fails over and connects to the nearest GSM network. Dialogue: 0,0:06:19.14,0:06:21.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Mobile connectivity in Africa is pervasive. Dialogue: 0,0:06:21.98,0:06:24.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's actually everywhere. Dialogue: 0,0:06:24.32,0:06:27.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Most towns at least have a 3G connection. Dialogue: 0,0:06:27.25,0:06:30.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So why don't we leverage that? And that's why we built this. Dialogue: 0,0:06:30.16,0:06:32.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The other reason that we built this Dialogue: 0,0:06:32.36,0:06:34.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is when electricity goes down, this has eight hours Dialogue: 0,0:06:34.94,0:06:36.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of battery left, so you can continue working, Dialogue: 0,0:06:36.96,0:06:39.05,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you can continue being productive, Dialogue: 0,0:06:39.05,0:06:43.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and let's just say you are less stressed. Dialogue: 0,0:06:43.27,0:06:45.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And for rural areas, it can be Dialogue: 0,0:06:45.60,0:06:47.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the primary means of connection. Dialogue: 0,0:06:47.70,0:06:50.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The software sensibility at Ushahidi is still at play Dialogue: 0,0:06:50.44,0:06:53.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when we wondered how can we use the cloud Dialogue: 0,0:06:53.50,0:06:55.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to be more intelligent so that Dialogue: 0,0:06:55.44,0:06:57.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you can analyze the different networks, Dialogue: 0,0:06:57.82,0:07:00.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and whenever you switch on the backup, Dialogue: 0,0:07:00.96,0:07:03.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you pick on the fastest network, Dialogue: 0,0:07:03.47,0:07:05.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so we'll have multi-SIM capability Dialogue: 0,0:07:05.87,0:07:07.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so that you can put multiple SIMs, Dialogue: 0,0:07:07.97,0:07:11.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and if one network is faster, that's the one you hop on, Dialogue: 0,0:07:11.38,0:07:14.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and if the up time on that is not very good, Dialogue: 0,0:07:14.73,0:07:17.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,then you hop onto the next one. Dialogue: 0,0:07:17.14,0:07:20.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The idea here is for you to be able to connect anywhere. Dialogue: 0,0:07:20.88,0:07:23.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,With load balancing, this can be possible. Dialogue: 0,0:07:23.77,0:07:27.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The other interesting thing for us -- we like sensors -- Dialogue: 0,0:07:27.62,0:07:31.05,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is this idea that you could have an on-ramp Dialogue: 0,0:07:31.05,0:07:32.98,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for the Internet of things. Dialogue: 0,0:07:32.98,0:07:36.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Imagine a weather station that can be attached to this. Dialogue: 0,0:07:36.60,0:07:39.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's built in a modular way so that you can also attach Dialogue: 0,0:07:39.34,0:07:41.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a satellite module so that you could have Dialogue: 0,0:07:41.11,0:07:44.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Internet connectivity even in very remote areas. Dialogue: 0,0:07:44.63,0:07:47.38,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Out of adversity can come innovation, Dialogue: 0,0:07:47.38,0:07:51.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and how can we help the ambitious coders and makers Dialogue: 0,0:07:51.42,0:07:55.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in Kenya to be resilient in the face of problematic infrastructure? Dialogue: 0,0:07:55.49,0:07:57.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And for us, we begin with solving the problem Dialogue: 0,0:07:57.75,0:08:00.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in our own backyard in Kenya. Dialogue: 0,0:08:00.69,0:08:03.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It is not without challenge. Dialogue: 0,0:08:03.09,0:08:05.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Our team has basically been mules carrying components Dialogue: 0,0:08:05.85,0:08:09.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from the U.S. to Kenya. We've had very interesting conversations Dialogue: 0,0:08:09.04,0:08:10.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with customs border agents. Dialogue: 0,0:08:10.97,0:08:12.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"What are you carrying?" Dialogue: 0,0:08:12.77,0:08:15.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And the local financing is not Dialogue: 0,0:08:15.54,0:08:20.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,part of the ecosystem for supporting hardware projects. Dialogue: 0,0:08:20.89,0:08:23.61,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So we put it on Kickstarter, and I'm happy to say that, Dialogue: 0,0:08:23.61,0:08:25.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,through the support of many people, Dialogue: 0,0:08:25.85,0:08:27.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not only here but online, Dialogue: 0,0:08:27.85,0:08:30.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the BRCK has been Kickstarted, Dialogue: 0,0:08:30.10,0:08:34.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and now the interesting part of bringing this to market begins. Dialogue: 0,0:08:34.19,0:08:37.09,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I will close by saying that, if we solve this Dialogue: 0,0:08:37.09,0:08:39.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for the local market, it could be impactful Dialogue: 0,0:08:39.65,0:08:42.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not only for the coders in Nairobi Dialogue: 0,0:08:42.10,0:08:44.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but also for small business owners Dialogue: 0,0:08:44.45,0:08:47.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who need reliable connectivity, Dialogue: 0,0:08:47.11,0:08:49.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and it can reduce the cost of connecting, Dialogue: 0,0:08:49.31,0:08:53.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and hopefully collaboration within African countries. Dialogue: 0,0:08:53.99,0:08:58.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The idea is that the building blocks of the digital economy Dialogue: 0,0:08:58.96,0:09:02.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are connectivity and entrepreneurship. Dialogue: 0,0:09:02.48,0:09:04.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The BRCK is our part Dialogue: 0,0:09:04.92,0:09:07.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to keep Africans connected, Dialogue: 0,0:09:07.51,0:09:11.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and to help them drive the global digital revolution. Dialogue: 0,0:09:11.29,0:09:12.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you. Dialogue: 0,0:09:12.50,0:09:16.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)