Solar-powered technology to level the playing field in underserved communities

October 12, 2020

People from underserved communities will have better access to renewable energy, thanks to new funding from the Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund, which the IKEA Foundation supports.

Today the Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund has awarded 20 organisations a total of £2.9 million for innovative, solar-powered appliance projects.

Around the world, 840 million people live without access to electricity or appliances that help them earn an income or provide access to communications or clean cooking. Vulnerable and marginalised groups such as women and girls, people with disabilities, children and stateless people are particularly affected. That’s why this award supports investment in technology that promotes social inclusion.

Newborns, students and farmers

The winning projects include Neopenda’s wireless vital-signs monitor for newborn babies. The company’s neoGuard technology allows clinical staff to monitor up to 20 babies at a time. Thanks to the new funding, up to eight healthcare facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will be able to use neoGuard technology to help newborns survive their most vulnerable time.

Another project, Jirogasy’s solar-powered computers, aims to make e-learning more accessible in Madagascar. The project will develop an energy-efficient, all in one, solar-powered PC, which can be assembled locally. Once the pilot project is complete, the company aims to provide computer access to over 10,000 students in Madagascar every year. 

Simusolar’s project will help female smallholder farmers in off-grid, off-network areas use solar water pumps and other appliances. Simusolar and the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) will develop an innovative data-syncing method that broadens the coverage of Simusolar’s pay-as-you-go platform.

The Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund aims to accelerate the availability, affordability, efficiency and performance of appliances that are particularly suited to off- and weak-grid communities and promote social inclusion.

Jeffrey Prins, Head of Portfolio – Renewable Energy at the IKEA Foundation, said: “The IKEA Foundation is proud to support these innovative projects through the Efficiency for Access Research and Development Fund’s third funding call. We want to inspire and influence the renewable energy sector to embrace productive use of renewable energy in all aspects of human development work, which will make our societies more inclusive and greener. These awardees will do just that.”

Awardees received funding to support the implementation of their projects over a two-year period, with individual awards ranging from £50,000 to £270,000.

Find out more about the awards here: https://efficiencyforaccess.org/enabling-technologies-call

Partner

International Institute for Environment and Development
https://www.iied.org/
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Partner

Efficiency for Access Coalition
https://efficiencyforaccess.org/
Show our grants

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In a world full of noise and misinformation, credible voices matter more than ever. That’s why nearly 800 @IKEA co-workers applied to join the 2025 IKEA Foundation Ambassador Programme — a journey that connects them with the people and partners the foundation supports as they tackle real-world challenges every day. Ambassadors listen, ask questions, and learn from those closest to the issues — building understanding they bring back to their teams and communities, where awareness grows and perspectives begin to shift. In 2025, the programme: 🌎 reached five hubs across four continents 🇰🇪 launched the first-ever Super Hub in Nairobi 🌟 welcomed 169 new ambassadors 🌱 grew a global learning community of 550+ people in 30+ countries These numbers reflect a growing curiosity — a desire to understand how change really happens and to hear directly from those working closest to the world’s toughest challenges. None of this learning happens without the insight and generosity of our partners. Their leadership continues to inspire and inform us. With our strategy now in motion, we’re doubling down on #ClimateAwareness at a moment when it matters most — and supporting partners creating solutions for people and planet. For 2026, that energy is even stronger: nearly 1,000 IKEA co-workers applied, and we’re excited to welcome 161 new ambassadors, with 38 more joining our Alumni Hub. We’re proud of what last year set in motion, and looking forward to what comes next. #IKEAfoundation #IKEAFoundationAmbassador
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🌟 Celebrating the 2025 UNHCR (@refugees) #NansenAward Winner: Chief Martin Azia Sodea We are honoured to recognise Chief Martin Azia Sodea, whose leadership has helped guide the community of Gado-Badzéré in eastern Cameroon as it welcomes over 36,000 refugees fleeing conflict in the Central African Republic. Through his steady commitment to dialogue, collaboration and shared community life, he has helped create an environment where refugees and local communities can rebuild, work, and thrive together. The IKEA Foundation is proud to support the UNHCR Nansen Awards, celebrating everyday heroes like Chief Sodea, whose dedication strengthens refugee inclusion and inspires others to act. 💙 🔗 Read more, link in bio. #NansenAward #UNHCR
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