Tendekayi Katsiga (Deaftronics)
the first solar-powered, rechargeable hearing aid battery
Tendekayi Katsiga is the co-founder of Deaftronics, a Botswana-based organization that developed the first solar-powered, rechargeable hearing aid battery on a mission to make hearing health a reality for underserved communities
Tendekayi, an electronics engineer, was inspired to create the innovative battery while working with a hearing impaired team at a nonprofit called Godisa Technologies Trust.
“During our interactions,” Tendekayi shares, “I realized that the batteries of the hearing aids were running out, they were not available in rural settings, and they were expensive.”
The first model of the solar-powered hearing aid was created in 2002. Today’s version of the batteries can be charged by the sun, fluorescent light or a USB cable.
A Deaftronics employee works on a solar charger.
helping deaf communities impacted by poverty
Deaftronics prioritizes selling the hearing aids at an affordable price point, which, Tendekayi explains, “is of significant value to the hearing impaired, especially in developing countries such as Botswana, where access to disposable income is limited and the correct batteries for hearing aids are scarce.” While most hearing aids start at $1,000 without batteries, the Deaftronics kit—which includes a hearing aid, solar charger and four rechargeable batteries—starts at $100.
In addition to hearing aids, Deaftronics has launched a hearing assessment program called mDREET, which uses an app to conduct affordable hearing tests. Social workers employed by Deaftronics conduct the hearing tests throughout communities in Botswana. They hope to expand this program to 10 additional African countries over the next several years.
deaftronics in the because accelerator
Tendekayi joined the Because Accelerator in the spring of 2022. During the 10-week cohort, he learned about measuring impact and scaling the product.
A social worker conducts a hearing test using the mDREET mobile app.
“My favorite thing about the Because Accelerator is its initiative which builds entrepreneurial ecosystems across the globe,” says Tendakayi. “The Because Accelerator forges partnerships locally and globally among entrepreneurs, angel investors, mentors and experts to foster human progress and prosperity.”
Deaftronics currently employs 10 individuals with hearing impairments and is working to create jobs for 10,000 micro-entrepreneurs and social workers in the next five years. Tendekayi shares that “Deaftronics aims to empower hearing impaired individuals by creating employment opportunities and helping them better integrate into the community.”
The Because Accelerator is a completely free online training and mentorship program for entrepreneurs who have product-focused ideas and business in areas impacted by poverty.