Erik Hersman
Founder of BRCK | Connecting Africa Through Emerging Tech
About
Erik Hersman is a technologist and entrepreneur dedicated to connecting Africa to the digital world. As the founder of BRCK, he created a rugged, solar-powered WiFi device to provide reliable internet access in remote areas.
Hersman also co-founded Ushahidi, a non-profit tech company that specializes in developing free and open-source software for information collection, visualization, and interactive mapping. With a focus on emerging technologies, his keynotes explore how Africa is leapfrogging traditional infrastructure to harness the power of connectivity, data, and innovation.
Talks1
Reporting crisis via texting
At TEDU 2009, Erik Hersman presents the remarkable story of Ushahidi, a GoogleMap mashup that allowed Kenyans to report and track violence via cell phone texts following the 2008 elections, and has evolved to continue saving lives in other countries.
At a Glance
Topics
Industries
Is this you?
Claim this profile to edit your bio, add talks, and get verified.
Know a talk we're missing?
Get in Touch
Save for Later
Frequently Appeared With
Speakers who have appeared at the same events
Aaron Horowitz
Co-Founder & CEO, Sproutel | Designing Therapeutic Robots for Children
1 shared event · TED
Aaron Maniam
Government Advisor | Navigating the Future of Work
1 shared event · TED
Aaswath Raman
Renewable Energy Researcher | Pioneering Space-Based Cooling Technologies
1 shared event · TED
Abe Davis
Video Technology Researcher | Revealing Hidden Properties Through Advanced Imaging
1 shared event · TED
Abha Dawesar
Fiction Author | Navigating the Digital Age
1 shared event · TED
Abigail Disney
Workers' Rights Advocate | Champion of Workplace Dignity and Fair Labor Practices
1 shared event · TED
Abigail Marsh
Researcher | Exploring the Psychology Behind Human Altruism
1 shared event · TED
Abigail Washburn
Musician | Bridging Folk and Global Sounds
1 shared event · TED
Similar Speakers
Related by topic and shared stages
Dan Ariely
Duke Professor | Behavioral Economics & Bestselling Author
Both at TED 2009
Alexis Ohanian
Reddit Co-Founder | Tech Investor & Startup Advisor
Both at TED 2009
Mathieu Lehanneur
Designer | Exploring Human-Centric Innovation
Both at TED 2009
Barry Schwartz
Psychologist & Decision Expert | The Paradox of Choice in Modern Life
Both at TED 2009