Microgrid Initiative for Campus and Rural Opportunities (MICRO)
Vision
Mission
Services
Identification & Mapping of Productive End-use Applications
Thoroughly identifying and mapping productive end-use applications entails a diligent assessment of local resources, skills, and market demands within rural communities to uncover viable economic opportunities. This phase encompasses comprehensive surveys, stakeholder consultations, and market research to grasp the distinct strengths, challenges, and aspirations of the rural populace. Factors like access to raw materials, infrastructure needs (e.g., transportation, storage, and processing facilities), availability of skilled labor, and market demand for identified products or services are analyzed. Through this process, we gain invaluable insights into the dynamics of rural economies, laying a robust foundation for sustainable development initiatives.
Design, Development and Deployment of Resource Efficient Systems for Rural Economies
Drawing from our insights into end-use applications and meticulously mapped value chains, we engineer integrated systems that harness local resources like raw material, land, water, energy, and labor efficiently. Our designs embrace principles of circular economy, minimizing waste, adding value to the produce and maximizing resource recovery. Adapted to local contexts, our mapping, research, and technology development ensure alignment with identified end-use applications. We prioritize scalability, replication, and compatibility with existing rural infrastructure and capabilities. But our commitment doesn’t stop there. Following system design, we facilitate the transfer of appropriate technologies, techniques, and best practices to rural communities. Through comprehensive training programs and capacity-building initiatives, we empower local stakeholders with the skills and knowledge needed to operate and maintain these resource-efficient systems effectively.
Business Model Innovation for Rural Economies
At the heart of our approach lies the creation of innovative business models steeped in the principles of the circular economy. We utilize user-friendly technologies powered by Decentralized Renewable Energy, fostering inclusivity and sustainability. Our focus extends to exploring alternative revenue streams, refining value propositions, and forging partnerships tailored to the rural landscape. We particularly validate these business models through pilot testing, market research, and comprehensive feasibility studies, assessing their economic, social, and environmental impacts. By integrating innovative solutions with a deep understanding of local dynamics, we pave the way for transformative change in rural communities.
Facilitation of Micro-credits for Enabling Rural Economies
Access to finance serves as a pivotal catalyst for fostering sustainable economic development in rural regions. Our mission is to streamline the provision of micro-credit facilities to farmers, artisans, and other micro-entrepreneurs entrenched in rural economies. Through strategic partnerships with financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, and key stakeholders, we endeavor to unlock latent economic potential and champion inclusive growth across underserved rural landscapes.
We excel in identifying integration opportunities and optimizing processes throughout the value chain, facilitating both backward and forward market linkages for seamless sourcing and distribution. Through meticulous stakeholder mapping, we establish channels for raw material procurement and facilitate sales of finished goods, fostering collaboration to tackle shared challenges. Our market research and promotion efforts encompass extensive research, targeted campaigns, and facilitating buyer connections to effectively promote rural development initiatives. Moreover, we prioritize capacity building and knowledge transfer, empowering rural entrepreneurs, promoting sustainability, and offering valuable mentorship. With our commitment to monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement, we ensure the sustainability and pertinence of rural market connections, propelling economic development forward.
Focus Areas
Key Partners
Training and Workshop
IHM Training, Ranchi
MICRO in association with IHM Ranchi organized training for product making on 12 different ragi and bakery products such as ragi laddoo, chips, sandwich loaves, burger buns, pizza, cookies, cakes, etc. where around 18 people came forward from Lawagada, Rikwa, and Ranchi (JHARKHAND).
Classes on marketing, finance, budgeting, and conducting market research to set prices for their products, were also part of the workshop, to help new and existing entrepreneurs.