On 15 November 2016, the UNICEF Innovation Fund announces its first portfolio of investments in open source technology solutions – SayCel and Open Source Cellular Solutions is among the first five companies to receive investment.

How would you describe your solution to a child?

There are 700 million people in the world who  don’t have cell phone coverage – most of these people live in rural communities. This means that if they are in trouble they can’t instantly call anyone for help. SayCel is an open source cellular system that makes it easier and cheaper for these small towns to have their own communication network. We work with local governments to  provide these communities with a low cost, solar powered turnkey system allowing families to communicate with each other, locally and internationally.  

What is unique about your solution?

SayCel’s Cellular System is much cheaper, and more energy efficient than what most traditional telecoms typically provide. Additionally, through working with a global  community of open source developers with a wide array of skill sets and expertise, we are able to quickly address various issues experienced at a local level, and to work rapidly and efficiently within the small communities we serve.

What inspired you to start your company?

The inspiration to tackle this problem came from the high cost of cellular calls in I observed in Nicaragua. Legally, telecoms can charge up to U$0.48 a minute which can be very expensive for people making $200 dollars a month.

SayCel initially started as a masters thesis project at NYU Interactive Telecommunications Program. Through this research, I found that up to 25% of people’s income was spent on communication. This money could be better used for food, medicine, or other needs of families in rural communities.  When I realized that building a cellular network is possible, I decided to dedicate my time to developing a solution for communities living on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua – an area that lacks a lot of basic infrastructure.