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TEDGlobal 2009

Kenya

Researcher, Strathmore Research and Consultancy Center; Mobile Technology Evangelist

Websites

Bio

Jessica Colaço is the principal researcher at Strathmore Research and Consultancy Centre and a mobile technology evangelist in Kenya. Jessica holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Nairobi School of Computing and Informatics and is a certified researcher. As an undergraduate student in 2007, she had been exploring the possibility of studying mobile Geographic Information Systems systems for her thesis work. She developed a mobile application known as Wireless Map Service, which received accolades from the public during the tenth annual IEEE Engineering Students Exhibition in 2007. Her passion to evangelize technology impelled her to organize the first-ever Nairobi Facebook Developer Garage and Mobile Boot Camp in East Africa in March 2008 and November 2009 respectively. Business Daily recently named her one of the top 40 women under 40 in Kenya because of her achievements.

Q&A

What projects are you working on now that are most meaningful to you?

I enjoy working and mentoring students at Strathmore University, a leading private university in Kenya. I am currently working with a few of them to implement and commercialize their innovations and make Strathmore University a research and innovation hub. I recently conducted a follow-up survey for the World Council of Credit Unions across nine SACCOs (Credit Unions) in Kenya to establish the facts on the ground with regards to the income and level of education of their members. I am also in the process of developing Wireless Map Service further for application areas such as health and tourism.

Besides your work, what issues/ideas/pursuits are you passionate about?

I am passionate about using technology and research to help the society around me to better their lives. My motto is to make the world a better place through the use of global technological solutions. Young people around the world are engaging in ICT activities. They are leading innovators in ICT development. For instance, the youth in Kenya have mobile phones, but many have not used them for entrepreneurship. They need to tap into this. How? By organizing developer garages and technology camps to create awareness and innovations, thereby putting Kenya and Africa on the map.

What do you do for fun?

I have a zeal for music and love to play the guitar. I play in an all-girl band and also in a church choir. I like to learn about things related to culture, religion, wildlife and sports. I occasionally go out with my friends over the weekend to the national park, musical concerts and plays. I also love to watch football with my mum and dad when Manchester United is playing. I jog and play with my adorable dog called Tiger and enjoy a good movie with my sister.

Recount a surprising anecdote about yourself that few people know.

I am renowned for playing the guitar in the Goan community. In April 2008, when I was profiled in the newspaper for my application -- Wireless Map Service -- I received an accolade from my fellow Goans who were shocked that I was also an IT guru. I received numerous telephone calls, text messages and emails from them that week congratulating me.