Personal Information
Organization / Workplace
Morogoro Tanzania, United Republic of
Occupation
Social Entrepreneur
Industry
NGO / Public Service
Website
About
Graduated in Antwerp, Belgium, product designer Bart Weetjens has a focus on appropriate technologies for developing countries. After a couple of years of industrial experience in Europe, Bart initiated the use of trained giant African pouched rats as an alternative and sustainable landmine detector, in response to the global landmine challenge. With support from Antwerp University, Bart created the social profit organization APOPO in 1998, and with a team of researchers he developed detection rats technology (HeroRATS). Since 2000 APOPO’s headquarters are situated at the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. In 2003 HeroRATS were firstly tested in the real minefields in Mozambiqu