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November 3rd, 2009
SPOUT concludes successful site assessment and partnership formation in Niassa Province, Mozambique!
SPOUT spent the last three weeks working in the "forgotten province" of Mozambique, Niassa. Even in this isolated region of the world, SPOUT was able to work successfully with its partner, Malo Ga Kujilana, and the local Nomba community to identify sustainable point-of-use water treatment methods that will improve health in the community. Currently in Niassa, most people get their water from shallow wells or springs which get contaminated during the rainy season. SPOUT is helping the community build simple water treatment systems that will provide a robust barrier against harmful pathogens in the water.
A summary of the trip and future directions will be posted on the website soon.
May 1st, 2009
SPOUT TO BEGIN PROGRAMS THIS SUMMER
The last few months have been fruitful for SPOUT. SPOUT's founder was recognized as a finalist in the Lemelson-Illinois Student Innovation Competition in March on the basis of his work to develop SoChlor, a new point-of-use water treatment approach.
More recently, SPOUT was awarded startup funds through the Cozad Business Plan Competition through the TEC Center at UIUC. SPOUT placed 2nd overall and won first place in the "Best Social Venture" and "Best Green Technology Venture" categories. SPOUT will be awarded $12,000 in total, along with participation in an entrepreneurial boot camp for technology developers.
SPOUT also had its first annual Board of Directors meeting. The board had wonderful discussions on the mission, programs, and logistics that will drive SPOUT to success. The board members and their positions will be announced soon.
SPOUT is completing its application for tax-exempt status with the IRS. After this, work on finishing the SPOUT facilities and starting the programs will begin.
January 1, 2009
SPOUT HAS LAUNCHED!
SPOUT has successfully filed its Articles of Incorporation and is now registered as a non-profit organization with the State of Illinois. SPOUT will now focus on filing for tax-exempt, charitable status with the federal government before soliciting donations. Construction of the SPOUT launch facilities continues with completion expected in the next three months. During that time, SPOUT will continue planning and networking with global development practitioners who could benefit from collaboration with SPOUT. Research, Design, and Educational programming will begin this spring.
September 17, 2008
SPOUT UNVEILS SCHEMATICS OF STARTUP FACILITY
Construction of SPOUT's base of operations has commenced in the basement of the SPOUT director's home. This facility will serve as SPOUT headquarters for at least the first year of operations. The facility includes an office/studio, for administrative operations and Water101 video production, and a biosafety level 1 laboratory, for research and design activities.
This site was selected for economic and environmental efficiency. Economic advantages include a free lease for the facility and a donation of the core infrastructure by SPOUT's founder/director, who has been constructing the facility in advance of launching SPOUT. Sustainable aspects of the facility include a rainwater harvesting system, low heating/cooling requirements, and minimal commuting for SPOUT's primary employee.
This current facility will be sufficient for launch operations. Construction is expected to be completed by January 2009, which will allow SPOUT to hit the ground running. SPOUT will eventually upgrade to a larger facility to accommodate growing programs and additional staff.
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