Kurupira

Mission

Kurupira steps into the silence, bridging the communication gap that isolates and endangers communities worldwide. We recognize that for those living on the margins of connectivity, access to information is not a luxury, but a lifeline. Our mission is deeply rooted in empowerment, equipping these often-overlooked communities with essential communication tools: vital information that can inform decisions, timely emergency alerts that can save lives, and enriching educational resources that foster growth and opportunity.

kurupira
kurupira

Radio

Alternative Solution

While the world increasingly relies on internet, cellular networks, and satellite links, radio waves possess an inherent robustness and independence that makes them invaluable in times of crisis. Unlike digital infrastructure, which requires complex systems and can be easily interrupted by power outages, physical damage, or cyber-attacks, basic radio communication can often function with simple, locally-powered equipment.

HERMES

Technology

HERMES is an innovative radio solution created to bridge the communication gap in isolated and threatened communities. Our mission is to empower these communities by providing them with access to vital information, emergency alerts, and educational resources. By promoting reliable communication channels, Kurupira aims to increase community resilience, promote safety, and support sustainable development. This is a crucial step to ensure that isolated communities have the tools and resources needed to thrive in a connected world.

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kurupira

Software

Open Source

Both our software and radio hardware platform are completely open source. Software and documentation available on our Wiki: HERMES WIKI

  • Mercury - Rhizomatica's software-defined digital modem for HF. Also compatible with Vara.
  • Complete email system and app-based chat with global routing. Public messaging and secure, password-protected exchange of images, voice, text, and files between stations.
  • Intuitive web interface for operation and administration
  • Dual mode for simultaneous voice and data transmission

Hardware

What's in the box

In the current version we use the sBitx v3+

  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) with 25 Watts of output power on 80M to 10M bands
  • SSB digital radio with PTT microphone
  • Processing and interface via Raspberry Pi 4/5 with a 7-inch touchscreen
  • Powered by 12VDC. Power consumption in receive: 600 mA, transmit: 9A
  • Measures 25cm x 15cm x 5cm and weighs about 2Kgs. Approximately the size of a hardcover book.

sBitx

Connected Networks

The Hermes system is already making a difference in several communities in the Amazon (Brazil and Ecuador), Bangladesh, and the Central African Republic. It has been a crucial tool for:

  • Keeping people informed and safe.
  • Supporting territorial surveillance and reporting of rights violations.
  • Facilitating contact with the outside world for health, education, and fair trade issues.
See on the map some of the communities we have already connected with the HERMES system

Photos

Some photos of our installations and training sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

The HERMES system is a low-cost, high-resilience communication solution developed by Kurupira. It uses HF radio technology to establish communication networks in communities that lack access to traditional digital infrastructure (internet, cellular telephony), or that have lost it due to natural disasters.

The main goal of HERMES is to empower isolated communities with essential communication tools. This includes the dissemination of vital information, emergency alerts, educational resources, and the promotion of local connectivity, increasing the resilience and autonomy of these communities.

HERMES operates through a network of HF (shortwave) radio stations, which can be easily installed and maintained by the communities themselves. These stations create a local, autonomous, and secure communication "cloud," allowing people to communicate with each other and receive information from external sources, even without an internet connection.

Yes, the HERMES system is built upon open-source principles and open hardware, whenever possible. This allows the technology to be replicable, adaptable, and improved by anyone, promoting the communities' ownership and sustainability of communication solutions.

HERMES can be used for:
  • Local text and voice messaging.
  • Emergency alerts in case of disasters (floods, landslides, fires).
  • Transmission of information about health, education, or agriculture.
  • Connection with community radio services.
  • Sharing educational or cultural content.

No, HERMES is not intended to replace the internet or cellular telephony. It is a complementary and alternative solution designed to work where these infrastructures are non-existent, unstable, or have been compromised. Its main strength is resilience and the ability to operate in scenarios with limited or absent infrastructure.

The benefits include:
  • Enhanced safety: Alerting about imminent dangers.
  • Access to information: Which can be vital for health, education, and livelihood.
  • Reduced isolation: Connecting people within the community.
  • Strengthening autonomy: Communities can manage and maintain their own network.
  • Disaster resilience: Keeping communication active when others fail.

Kurupira is the organization behind the development and implementation of the HERMES system. We work on research, technology development, community training, and collaboration with local partners to ensure that communication solutions are adapted to the needs of each context.

Communities interested in implementing HERMES can contact Kurupira or its partners. We evaluate feasibility, offer training, and technical support so that the community can operate and maintain its own communication infrastructure.
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Partners

We are proud to collaborate with various organizations and communities to achieve our mission.

ardc
CITA
CITA
APC