Insights · January 31st, 2010
In April of 2008 I had the opportunity to attend a week-long seminar offered by Cambridge University Prince of Wales Programme on Business and the Environment. This U.S. seminar was held in Washington state.
It was a great week in every way, but one activity stood out. Late in the week participants were challenged in teams to create a new business that would help to benefit the environment, and to present a business case to the conference.
My team envisioned a global consulting business that would focus on building next generation cities. That was a good idea, but the presentation that really stood out, to me, was a simple plan to create a business manufacturing solar powered tents, aimed primarily at refugee relief and disaster programs. It was such a good idea, it was a wonder it has not been done before.
I just came across at least a concept for such a tent – whether it is ready for manufacturing or not. It is a concept tent from Orange, with solar panel. seen here:
The concept tent was designed by Orange in association with Kaleidoscope.
Given the tremendous need for tents in refugee situations such as in Haiti, someone ought to take this on as a business.
Glen Hiemstra is a futurist speaker, author, consultant, blogger, internet video host and Founder of Futurist.com. To arrange for a speech contact Futurist.com.
