Everlasting Technology is on a mission to bring efficient and reliable cooking tools to off-the-grid communities in Africa. They have developed the ecostove– a clean and efficient solar cooking solution that reduces reliance on firewood and minimizes indoor air pollution. The team is currently in the process of assembling their pilot units and preparing for field testing.
Summer Accelerator Objectives
The TIA Summer Accelerator, said founder MacDonald Chirara ’25, is a pivotal milestone for Everlasting Technology. “The program’s vibrant community is an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas, gaining insights, and fostering meaningful connections that can shape the future trajectory of Everlasting Technology.”
Over the course of the seven-week program, participating members, Honorine Kwizera ’24 and Chirara, have a few goals in mind, including refining their business model, fine-tuning their value proposition, and developing their comprehensive go-to-market strategy.
Ultimately, they aim to leverage the resources and expertise provided by the program– whether that be workshops, mentorship sessions, or networking events– to accelerate growth and maximize their impact in underdeveloped regions.
A Sense of Community
The team noted that the most interesting part of the program thus far has been the incredible support system within the community.
Most notably, Chirara recalled, was an interaction with Travis Millman, Colgate’s first entrepreneur in residence, a new full-time, on-campus position to support student entrepreneurs. “On a random Sunday evening, I found myself grappling with a complex challenge that Everlasting Technology was facing. Without hesitation, I reached out to Travis Millman, expecting to receive a response on Monday. To my surprise and immense gratitude, Travis promptly replied, offering his expertise and guidance to help navigate the obstacle.”
This experience, Chirara said, exemplifies “the unwavering commitment and dedication of the entire team at the program. The responsiveness, knowledge, and genuine interest in our success have been truly remarkable. The support we have received, even during unexpected moments, reaffirms the passion and dedication that the E&I team has in fostering our growth and ensuring our progress during the accelerator.”
“I was very thankful to have been able to make several major business decisions with a team of like-minded people who are always eager to learn about each one’s business progress while also encouraging another” Kwizera said. “TIA made sure to provide all the best resources in order for each venture to reach its full potential.”
Connecting with Alumni
As the weeks proceed, Everlasting Technology would like to connect with Colgate alumni in order to gain guidance and support in forging strategic partnerships within the renewable energy space. Additionally, the team would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with investors to serve as an aid to securing necessary funding.
“Contributions and spreading the word about our initiative among their networks would be a tremendous help in reaching our fundraising goals” explained Chirara. They hope to do so through extending an invitation to alumni to check out their crowdfunding campaign for the pilot phase of their project.
Words of Wisdom
Chirara concluded with some insightful reflection: “For students aspiring to embark on the path of entrepreneurship, I encourage you to follow your passion, identify real-world problems worth solving, and build a supportive network of mentors and like-minded individuals. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, remain resilient in the face of adversity, and continuously seek to learn from the experiences of others.”
With these principles as their compass, Everlasting Technology is poised to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence and make a meaningful impact on the world.