What is the Antenna Foundation?
The Antenna Foundation is a Swiss nonprofit that’s been around for over 30 years, dedicated to scientific research and spreading technologies aimed at meeting the basic needs of the most disadvantaged populations. Their mission? To reduce extreme poverty and improve public health in developing countries. They work closely with an international network of scientists, tackling projects in nutrition, clean energy, drinking water, agriculture, medicine, and other essential technologies. After testing these technologies in the field, Antenna develops practical implementation methods and training programs to help communities adopt them effectively. The foundation’s approach is all about creating sustainable economic models to ensure these technologies keep reaching people long-term. They even market some of their research products at prices suited to the purchasing power of the target groups, reinvesting profits back into their programs.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Here are some key highlights that showcase the impact and scope of Antenna Foundation’s work:
- Over 30 years of commitment to scientific research and technology dissemination
- Focus on essential needs: nutrition, clean energy, drinking water, agriculture, and medicine
- Collaboration with an international network of scientists and field actors
- Development of sustainable economic models for long-term technology dissemination
- Products priced according to the purchasing power of disadvantaged groups
- Reinvestment of profits into ongoing programs and research
Antenna House: A Hub for Innovation
Antenna House is more than just a building — it’s a vibrant third place for innovation. This space brings together partners, scientists, beneficiaries, and field actors to co-construct and innovate solutions that align with Antenna’s mission. It’s a collaborative environment where ideas flow freely, and everyone contributes to developing technologies and strategies that truly serve the needs of populations in challenging contexts. The House embodies the spirit of cooperation and collective intelligence, making it a cornerstone of Antenna’s approach.
Network of Contributors: Sharing Knowledge
At the heart of Antenna’s work is a collaborative platform designed to facilitate cooperation, mutual aid, and knowledge sharing. This network connects contributors from various backgrounds, enabling them to pool expertise and resources for the benefit of vulnerable populations. The idea is simple but powerful: by sharing knowledge openly and working together, it’s possible to overcome complex challenges more effectively. This network supports the foundation’s belief that collective intelligence and an adapted ecosystem are essential to empower communities and foster sustainable development.
Commons to Overcome Today’s Challenges
Facing the essential needs of populations requires more than just technology — it demands a shared commitment to commons. Antenna works hand in hand with field actors and beneficiaries to co-construct the levers, science, and technologies necessary to respond to these needs. They believe that knowledge sharing and hospitality, combined with a collective intelligence approach, are key to enhancing the agency of populations. This ecosystem approach helps facilitate cooperation and ensures that solutions are not only effective but also embraced and sustained by the communities themselves.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – Reducing extreme poverty through accessible technologies
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Improving nutrition and agricultural practices
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Enhancing public health with medical technologies
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Providing access to safe drinking water
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promoting clean energy solutions
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Supporting innovation and sustainable infrastructure
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with international networks and local actors
Contact and Social Presence
Located in Grand-Lancy, Switzerland, Antenna Foundation is reachable at Chemin des Liserons 3, CH-1212 Grand-Lancy. For those who want to connect or learn more, they can be contacted by phone at +41 22 737 12 40. The foundation also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn, making it easy to follow their latest projects and updates. This accessibility reflects their commitment to openness and community engagement.
