ABOUT US
Our Story
DeFuTech was founded as a spin-off from one of the largest Applied Research Institutes in Europe (Fraunhofer Institute) in 2014. Our first task was to convert WiBACK – the Wireless Backhaul technology of Fraunhofer FOKUS – into a product for global adoption. Today, DeFuTech has deployed WiBACK in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe connecting rural regions to the Internet – at comparatively low cost. In addition to the marketing of current products, DeFuTech participates in Research and Development (R&D) projects and consultancy services. Prof. Karl Jonas, Dr. Mathias Kretschmer and Jens Mödeker sit on the advisory board.
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WE ARE A TEAM OF EXPERTS, FREELANCERS AND VOLUNTEERS
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team
Tosin
Oluwatosin T. Afeni is a Business development expert. She brings to DeFuTech her market intelligence expertise, passion for technological innovation and work experience from Nigeria, Kenya and Germany. Her experience as a Research Analyst and previous work with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) as well as on Millennium development goal is very beneficial everyday at work. She is currently working on her doctorate in development economics.
Carolina
Carolina Wienand is a world class business manager and innovation marketer. A German with roots in Peru, her passion for creating opportunities for the people who need a voice has led to her taking up multiple roles and projects in Peru and Germany. She is currently a project lead promoting research around the world. Carolina has supported the adoption of WiBACK in South America and participation in the Global Research Alliance. Working with DeFuTech, she is focussed on facilitating solutions that would empower local communities and develop skills to create their own future.
Larissa
Larissa Glidja-Yao is an expert on harmonized business Law in Africa with a comparative perspective of the German law. Growing up in Ivory Coast, she understands first hand the impact connectivity solutions have on the economy and lives of individuals. She was research assistant at the Center for Advanced Studies in Law and Economics (CASTLE) and at the Institute for International Private and Comparative Law. She is completing her Ph.D in private law specifically on efficiency of movable security rights.
Senka
Dr. Senka Hadzic is a telecommunications engineer and ICT4D researcher with expertise in low cost connectivity solutions for developing countries.
In 2014 she was a Marie Curie postdoctoral fellow at the Fraunhofer Institute and published several papers on WiBACK technology. She is based in Cape Town, South Africa where she is facilitating the deployment of community networks. She also does research on alternative spectrum policies to enable small scale operators and allow communities to connect themselves.
Glenn
Dr. Osianoh Glenn Aliu is an expert in mobile and satellite communication systems. As part of the Network Research Department at the Fraunhofer Institute, he was actively involved in the development of WiBACK technology and has published several papers on the technology. He grew up in Nigeria and appreciates the impact that connectivity solutions can have on people and communities. He is very interested in providing low cost wireless connectivity solutions, for those who do not have internet available.
Caroline
Caroline Gasse has gifted hands. She is an expert in electronic hardware with over 7 years hands on experience in Germany. This includes working with PCB, embedded systems, assembly of electronic and mechanical devices as well as safety testing. Growing up in Zambia and running a charity organization developmental projects are a priority. Operating with Technologies and Electronics on a daily basis brings her into view of the importance of communication through connectivity solutions.
Caroline
Caroline Gasse has gifted hands. She is an expert in electronic hardware with over 7 years hands on experience in Germany. This includes working with PCB, embedded systems, assembly of electronic and mechanical devices as well as safety testing. Growing up in Zambia and running a charity organization developmental projects are a priority. Operating with Technologies and Electronics on a daily basis brings her into view of the importance of communication through connectivity solutions.
