Build a Robot Drone for the Flying Donkey Challenge

Africa is the world's fastest growing continent economically, and is the second largest continent geographically and by population. However, despite a lot of input from China since the 1970s, it is still greatly lacking in roads and general infrastructure. Roads, at the moment, cost around $50,000,000 per mile, so it will be a long time yet before a lot countries in Africa can be connected by could tarmac roads able to transport goods back and forth...

Enter the Flying Donkey!

Ok, it's partly a bit of fun, but has serious issues at its heart. If you think you, or someone you know, can build a machine that can fly and carry goods around Mount Kenya in 24 hours, then check this out!

Have a look at the challenges page, some have expired, one is active and some are yet to come.

This one is current:

Sub-Challenge #5 : Flying Donkey Business Model Competition

The top 5 submissions will be invited (travel and accommodation will covered) to present their Flying Donkey Business Model to the jury and participants of the 2014 Flying Donkey Challenge.

This competition is designed to encourage individuals, or groups, to imagine flourishing new businesses due to the availability of low-cost Flying Donkeys capable of shipping sizeable cargo between communities and to remote locations. How would you justify to your bank manager or investor the acquisition (or rental) of a Flying Donkey or even a fleet of them?  What new revenues could you generate with them? What new business opportunities would open up for your community or venture?

Assumptions:

    Legal to operate Flying Donkeys between communities with at least one high school (size) and remote sites (e.g. construction)
    Range = 50 km (“as the crow flies”) under one hour
    Flying Donkey purchase price = US$ 2’500
    Can travel over 50’000 km over 5 years without a major breakdown (amortisation)
    Total flying costs = US$ 0.40  per km (energy, spare parts, staffing, logistics, training, insurances, taxes, certification, etc)

Deliverables:

    Executive Summary (2 pages max)
    Compact Business Plan (e.g. using The Business Model Canvas) with value proposition, market size, forecasts, financials, environment, etc
    Exhibits (10 MB max)
    10’ Presentation (if selected)

Criteria to win the sub-challenge:

    Business potential and sustainability.