TechHouse
- Brazil
- Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit
Addressing technological inaccessibility, promoting equal and accessible learning for all. According to data from TIC Household 2022, approximately 36 million Brazilians do not have internet access. Additionally, of this total, about 42% are located in the urban area of the Southeast region. Therefore, TechHouse aims to provide access to courses in technological education and skill development for users. The use of technologies within the learning environment provides analytical capabilities and technological skills, which are recurring characteristics in the job market.
The TechHouse is a mobile tent designed to promote inclusion and accessibility. These tents are adaptable, catering to school-age children and adolescents who are already literate, with different abilities and needs. They are equipped with resources and technologies that promote accessibility, wheelchair-accessible spaces, accessible audio and video systems, and monitors available for translation into sign language and Braille. These tents will be used to ensure that all participants have equal access to services and information available. They would be set up for a season and provide technology courses for student development and dissemination of courses and future development opportunities for students. As they progress through the knowledge track set up, students receive certificates in various areas of knowledge, enabling them to enhance their resumes and increase their chances of obtaining a good job. In this way, upon completing all levels of learning, the student would be qualified to work with technology and implement their skills. To choose the location where the tents will be established, we will conduct a study of the main and most accessible areas. Given this, to select students, we will promote the project in schools in the region and on social media.
The project is aimed at school-age children and adolescents who are literate, primarily but not exclusively targeting underprivileged children. With the presentation of existing platforms, trained tutors to facilitate knowledge transmission, and concluding with certificates, all education is focused on the field of technology. The impact of TechHouse is to provide inclusion and accessibility, ensuring equal access to services and information regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations. Additionally, by completing the course, students would enhance their resumes, increasing their chances of securing good jobs. As a result, we would reduce educational inequalities in the region.
I'm fully prepared and excited to start the TechHouse project. As an ambassador for study NGOs, I have experience in working with and promoting educational initiatives. Additionally, my programming skills enable me to significantly contribute to the development and implementation of TechHouse's technological solutions. I'm ready to collaborate with the team and local communities to ensure that the project reaches its maximum potential impact
- Ensure that all children are learning in good educational environments, particularly those affected by poverty or displacement.
- 4. Quality Education
- 10. Reduced Inequalities
- Concept
TechHouse is in the conceptual phase, where feasibility and market research are being explored and conducted for its realization. During this phase, we are developing a clear understanding, goals, and objectives, and outlining approaches to solve the problem.
In this phase, the main tasks are:
Identifying and understanding the problem: comprehending the market, obstacles, and the target audience that TechHouse aims to reach. Additionally, we use brainstorming techniques to generate ideas and potential solutions for the project's realization.
Feasibility assessment and prototypes: conducting market research and creating initial prototypes for visualization.
Feedback: gathering feedback from potential target audience and individuals interested in the project.
I am applying to Solve because I believe in technological innovation and entrepreneurship as a means of positive social impact in the world. Additionally, Solve provides the opportunity to connect with a diverse network of innovators, experts, and supporters, which is invaluable for advancing TechHouse and expanding its impact. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with other innovators to contribute to solving global challenges and to access resources and support from partners and sponsors.
- Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
- Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development)
- Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
The TechHouse addresses the problem of accessibility to education in an innovative way. By being a mobile and itinerant tent, it offers a flexible and adaptable solution, allowing it to reach underserved, rural, and other communities. This project facilitates access to educational materials and promotes community engagement and active participation. In this manner, the TechHouse contributes to positive social impact in the education sector by reducing educational inequalities, increasing employability, and fostering socio-economic development.
Through market research and project feasibility studies, we have identified locations where the TechHouse will be set up for predetermined periods. With this approach, we aim to provide an accessible and tailored learning environment, particularly in underserved communities, in order to narrow the gap in access to learning resources and opportunities.
The unique feature of being a mobile and itinerant tent allows the TechHouse to reach various locations, including rural areas and marginalized communities, which lack adequate and accessible learning infrastructure. By bringing this project to these areas, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their careers.
Through this approach, we believe that TechHouse will promote immediate outcomes, but more importantly, it will contribute to long-term impacts such as increased access to educational materials, leading to enhanced employability and socio-economic development.
The main objectives of TechHouse are:
Access to education: By promoting access to a learning environment in underserved communities or those lacking adequate infrastructure, we contribute to equitable access to educational resources.
Engagement: With this project, we aim to encourage participation and engagement in the areas served.
Employability and socio-economic development: We aim to positively impact individuals by increasing their chances of employment and development.
We use the following progress metrics:
Areas served: Tracking the number of communities reached by TechHouse to assess the extent of our reach.
Participation rate: Monitoring the level of engagement of the served areas, assessing participation in educational activities and events promoted by TechHouse.
Employability: Evaluating the impact of our educational initiatives on participants' employability, tracking how many individuals have secured employment or improved their professional position after participating in TechHouse programs.
TechHouse leverages technologies to drive its solution of mobile and itinerant education, by promoting the mobility and adaptability of the tent structure, enabling its transportation, as well as using digital technologies to enhance access to education; making use of apps and online platforms, and artificial intelligence to personalize individual learning.
- A new business model or process that relies on technology to be successful
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
- Audiovisual Media
- Crowd Sourced Service / Social Networks
- Software and Mobile Applications
- Brazil
Currently, TechHouse is in the concept phase of development. To bring the project to fruition and ensure its operation, we require an engaged and dedicated team consisting of a core team responsible for strategic planning and implementation. In addition to this core team, we need monitors, educators, facilitators, and support staff. Furthermore, we would also enlist collaborators for technology development and logistics support.
Since I began collaborating with education ONGs ,three years ago, I have observed the impact they can have on people's lives. As a result, I began to contemplate solutions that could promote equitable access to education.
For our team, we aim to have a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all members. To achieve this, we offer inclusive recruitment, professional development, and inclusion policies.
The TechHouse business model revolves around providing mobile and itinerant education services, aimed at promoting equitable access to education in underserved and remote communities. In this way, we offer an accessible learning environment. To implement the project, we rely on a dedicated and engaged team, with the main beneficiaries being the communities and areas served. Additionally, we rely on sponsorship, donations, and other forms of financial support that enable us to expand and sustain TechHouse.
- Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)
To achieve financial sustainability for TechHouse, we aim to establish strategic partnerships with organizations and companies that share our vision. Additionally, revenue streams may include ongoing donations, partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations with educational institutions to develop joint educational programs.