Jessica O. Matthews

Overview

Jessica O. Matthews is a Nigerian-American inventor, entrepreneur, and Harvard MBA graduate renowned for her innovative approach to energy access, particularly in developing nations. She co-founded Uncharted Power (formerly Unchartered Play), a company specializing in developing renewable power solutions for infrastructure, starting with a soccer ball that generates electricity. Matthews is a leading voice in sustainable energy and social enterprise, recognized globally for her impactful contributions.

Main Milestones

Birth and Early Life

1987

Jessica O. Matthews was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1987 to Nigerian parents. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong connection to her Nigerian heritage and an awareness of the challenges faced by communities lacking basic infrastructure, especially electricity. This early exposure shaped her future entrepreneurial pursuits.

Harvard University: The Soccket Innovation

2008

While studying at Harvard University, Matthews and her classmate Julia Silverman conceived the Soccket, a soccer ball that generates and stores electricity as it is played with. This invention was born out of observing the lack of consistent electricity access during a trip to Nigeria. The Soccket provided a portable and playful source of power for lighting and charging small devices, demonstrating the potential of merging recreation with sustainable energy.

Founding Uncharted Play (later Uncharted Power)

2011

Following the success of the Soccket project and recognizing the broader potential of kinetic energy, Matthews co-founded Uncharted Play (later rebranded as Uncharted Power). The company aimed to develop and deploy infrastructure-based power solutions that leveraged movement to generate clean energy, expanding beyond the initial Soccket concept.

Transitioning to Infrastructure-Based Power

Early 2010s

Uncharted Play began to shift its focus from consumer products like the Soccket to larger-scale infrastructure solutions. This transition reflected a strategic move to address more fundamental energy needs in developing countries and urban environments. The company developed platforms for powering streetlights, playgrounds, and other public spaces through kinetic energy harvesting.

Renaming to Uncharted Power

2016

Uncharted Play rebranded as Uncharted Power to reflect the company's broader scope and ambitions. This change highlighted the shift from simply 'playing' with energy to 'powering' entire communities and infrastructures. The new name signified the company's commitment to developing scalable and sustainable power solutions.

Harvard Business School MBA

2016

Jessica O. Matthews earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. This further honed her business acumen and leadership skills, allowing her to navigate the complex challenges of scaling a social enterprise and attracting investment in the cleantech sector.

Scaling Uncharted Power and Industry Leadership

2017 - Present

Since graduating from Harvard Business School, Matthews has focused on scaling Uncharted Power and expanding its reach. She has also become a prominent voice in the cleantech industry, advocating for innovative solutions to address energy poverty and promoting the role of women and minorities in STEM fields. She is also working to create an AI grid that can integrate with older electric grids.

Other Themed Timelines

Awards and Recognition Timeline

Early Life and Education Timeline

Entrepreneurial Journey: Uncharted Power (formerly Uncharted Play)

Public Speaking and Advocacy Timeline

Timeline of Nigerian Factory and Business Interests

Timeline on the evolution of the SOCCKET

Themed Timelines

Talks

Media Collections

Overview

Other Themed Timelines