For the Light is a dual-purpose system designed to improve energy access and enhance disaster response in vulnerable coastal communities. It combines a solar-powered lighting unit with a GSM-GPS-enabled emergency alert device, offering both daily utility and life-saving functionality. The design addresses two critical problems: (1) lack of reliable electricity in remote areas, and (2) high drowning and disaster mortality rates among fisherfolk and low-income families living near rivers and the Bay of Bengal. The safety feature is a rugged, waterproof device embedded with a SIM800L GSM module, GPS receiver, and ESP8266 microcontroller. If a user carrying the device falls into water or triggers an emergency button, it automatically sends a real-time GPS location to a pre-configured emergency contact via SMS. This function is essential in remote zones where immediate rescue can save lives during cyclones, tidal surges, or fishing accidents. The system can also be integrated with community disaster alert networks. While solar lanterns and GSM-based devices exist individually, “For the Light” uniquely merges clean energy and real-time emergency communication into a single, ultra-affordable unit tailored for disaster-prone, off-grid communities. Unlike traditional products that focus solely on lighting or alert functions, this design offers a dual-function resilience toolkit—a standalone solar lighting system combined with a self-activating GSM-GPS distress beacon that transmits location during submersion or manual trigger. Its intelligent controller uses event-driven firmware, enabling automated response during river falls, sea storms, or blackout emergencies.

Market Potential:

Target users include over 15 million Bangladeshis living in coastal belts, and tens of millions more across South and Southeast Asia with similar challenges. NGOs, disaster response agencies, and local governments are potential partners for distribution. The design also has export potential in other climate-vulnerable regions.

Production Cost & Scalability:

Compared to commercial emergency beacons or solar kits (which range from $50 to $150), this solution is highly affordable and scalable, with production costs estimated at less than $25 per unit. Bulk procurement and local assembly can reduce costs further, making it suitable for mass humanitarian deployment.