Watly, a multi-award winning cleantech organisation, is set to provide internet connectivity to communities across the continent of Africa through smart infrastructure which is powered by solar energy. Unlike other endeavours aimed at bringing connectivity to the continent, the Watly 3.0 thermodynamic computer provides clean water and electricity as part of the same self-sustaining infrastructure system.
The number of Internet users in Africa has grown by 7300 per cent over the past fifteen years, with the total now at 330 million, but the total penetration rate is still well below the rest of the world. Watly 3.0 will provide Wi-Fi, powered by solar energy, to boost Africa’s current rate of 29 per cent, and make it catch up with the rest of the world, which stands at just below 50 per cent.
Marco A. Attistani, CEO and Founder of Watly, comments, “Our mission is to improve global living standards for the most in-need people in the world. By delivering Internet connectivity, along with clean water and electricity, we give people the three pillars that are required for modern civilisation. The digital empowerment of the citizens of these nations, allows them to dedicate their vital energy to socioeconomic evolution, rather than mere survival. The construction of vital infrastructure will enable many more opportunities for businesses to flourish and find their place on the international stage. In other terms, we are providing the ‘Internet of Things’ where there is no Internet, and very few things.”
The innovative combination of technologies has seen Watly win numerous accolades – most notably funding from the European Union Commission’s programme for innovation: Horizon 2020. The programme is the largest research fund in the EU and is all about taking great ideas from the lab to the market. Additional accolades that Watly has received include being awarded with the Premio Corporate Marzotto in Milan 2015, European Pioneers champion in Berlin 2015, Top 7 start-up at Pioneer Festival in Vienna 2015 as well as many more.
“This funding and recognition shows that we are increasingly considered by our peers as a company to watch. However, this is only the beginning; it is our responsibility to put this funding to the best use possible, which is why we are building our ultimate product, the Watly 3.0. Each Watly will communicate with the Central Network Management Platform, as well as with other machines via radio-link, existing networks (3G/4G), and/or satellite connections. This can give the many communities across Africa the connectivity they need to leapfrog and catch up with the developed world,” added Marco A. Attisani.
