India has a way of making you think of social entrepreneurship. I am getting slowly nudged into thinking about it more clearly than before.
Just came across D.Light: Makers of solar powered lanterns for $10 (Rs 450). The key idea is to replace kerosene lamps which are unsafe and have a high associated running cost. User stories from rural India report the products are perceived as absolute godsend.
Looking just at the website and other reports, the key insight for me are two-fold.
* The message: The company's mission and message is very clear. Social good is the aim. Economics are not ignored. Once you look, the product pricing and features/key benefits are presented upfront just like a product company.
* The fellowship program: http://dlightdesign.com/fellowship_program.php Most young, smart people might not be looking for a job when they want to figure out their next dig say after college or after their first corporate stint. Very sweet. An idea I'll try to emulate.