Meet the Entrepreneurs
Addicts 123 November 2013
addicts
Access to Markets
CONTACT INFORMATION
123
Pioneers of GPRS Communications Solutions for Companies in Palestine and Jordan
Jerusalem, Palestine + 972 599268080
dajaniw@hotmail.com
www.addicts123.webs.com
Mr. Wafa Dajani, Founder, Palestine
CHALLENGE The mobile phone is not just a communication tool; it is also a mobile control terminal. An SMS can be used to send a control command to a farm irrigation pump or street lights, or monitor a small electrical generator in a remote rural village. More advanced technologies, such as the ones utilized by GPRS data systems or smartphones, have opened up a number of new opportunities for remote control solutions. In countries such as Palestine or Jordan, where companies are often confronted with problems of accessibility, these remote solutions can solve problems and generate profitable business.
IDEA Addicts 123 Systems provides cost effective and high-tech wireless control and monitoring solutions that enable companies to remotely manage their operations through a mobile phone terminal. This service mainly targets utility companies. Initially, this technology was designed and successfully tested in Palestine with the Jerusalem District Electricity Co. (JDECO). For this client, Addicts 123 provided solutions for GPRS remote control and data acquisition on the electricity grid. Addicts 123 is currently planning to expand internationally; a test was successfully conducted in Jordan with The Jordanian Electric Power Co. (JEPCO), for whom an innovative hybrid internet / GPRS solution was developed in order to provide digital data communication between the central control room and their newly built sub-stations. To adjust to the specificities of different clients, the company offers four different types of GPRS wireless controllers and gateways. Furthermore, the range of services offered by Addicts 123 includes embedded machine-to-machine hardware design services, ICT consulting services in cellular and fiber optical data communications, software outsourcing services, and consulting in renewable solar and geothermal power generation.
BUSINESS MODEL The solution offered by Addicts 123 is unique in terms of the technological added value it provides. The competitive advantage relies on the short development cycles that enable Addicts123 to satisfy customers’ needs very efficiently and cost effectively. Also, this allows the adaptation of new technologies in the market at a faster pace than larger companies. The main customer segment is the utility company sector, but the technology can be easily adjusted and customized to target entities such as municipalities and industrial production sites, and can even be applied to agricultural uses as well as for home automation applications. One of the major challenges facing Addicts 123 is the competition from renowned international companies such as Siemens or Schneider Electrics. However, Mr. Dajani is confident that its model, which is much lighter in terms of infrastructure and network, can bring very quick returns in terms of value added to client companies, as well as very high-quality services.
“OUR MISSION IS TO DEVELOP AND MARKET COST EFFECTIVE, HI-TECH APPLICATIONS, ESPECIALLY FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.”
“WE SPECIALIZE IN DEVELOPING WIRELESS CONTROL AND MONITORING SYSTEMS FOR UTILITIES COMPANIES.”
www.infodev.org
twitter: @infoDev
ENTREPRENEUR’S INSIGHTS
NEXT STEPS
• For commercial success, technical and product oriented start-ups must bring on board marketing specialists. • Goverment has a key role to play in supporting innovation and start-ups by fostering grants for R&D and establishing technology parks. • Learning from success stories from other small countries like ours has shown us that we have the potential to replicate similar experiences.
WORKING WITH infoDev
Diversify the development strategy to include new developments in the mobile communications field and identify market opportunities for new applications Review and adjust market expansion strategy to Addicts 123’s capacities and capabilities Expand to the international market through already established international companies, and by identifying strategic partners in foreign markets
Remote control of technology is made simple and possible for areas that are difficult to access Reducing risks and costs related to maintenance and control of operations
BUSINESS FACTS
AWARDS
• Support and advice on commercialization and internationalization issues
• Re-evaluation of strengths and weaknesses after comparing and contrasting experiences with entrepreneurs and investors
VALUE FOR USERS
INVESTMENT
MAIN BENEFITS FROM ENTREPRENEUR’S VIEW: • Obtaining international notoriety
• Networking with donors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs
KEY OUTCOMES
REVENUE GENERATED
PROGRAM: Top20 Co-incubation pilot SUPPORT PROVIDED: USD10,000 cash award, technical assistance in accessing markets, and participation in infoDev Global Forum (Helsinki, 2011)
USD35,000 (2013)
USD100,000 - infoDev 2011, 4th Global Forum on Innovation & Technology Entrepreneurship - MedVentures Awards, Joint first place, Marseille, 2010 - Made in Arab World, 1st Prize, Cairo, 2009 - Made in Palestine, 1st Prize, Ramallah, Palestine, 2009
Supported by:
www.infodev.org
twitter: @infoDev