Skoll Entrepreneur(s): Martin Fisher and Nick Moon
Change(s) Addressed: Environmental Sustainability, Economic & Social Equity

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DESCRIPTION:

Nick Moon grew up in India and Southeast Asia, and he co-owned a woodworking enterprise in London. He sold his share to take up development work in Africa. Martin Fisher, who earned a Ph.D. in theoretical and applied mechanics, was inspired to find solutions for the developing world
during international travel and studies supported by a
Fulbright fellowship. They cofounded ApproTEC in Kenya in 1991. Although their technologies include an oil press and brick-making equipment, irrigation pumps are their
signature product. The organization changed its name to KickStart in 2005.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AS OF 2010

• KickStart has 140,000 pumps sold, which have been used to create 91,000 profitable new businesses.
• These businesses are generating $92 million in new profits and wages each year, lifting 455,000 people out of poverty forever.
• As a direct (if secondary) outcome of KickStart’s work, 143,000 children have been enrolled in school, because their families could afford tuition.