Jessica O. Matthews is an inventor, entrepreneur, and visionary who has redefined the way we think about renewable energy. As the founder and CEO of Uncharted Power, Matthews has created groundbreaking solutions that transform everyday activities into opportunities for clean energy generation. Her journey from a college student with a bold idea to a globally recognized innovator exemplifies the power of creativity and determination in addressing global challenges.
The Birth of SOCCKET: Turning Play into Power
Matthews’ journey began at the age of 19 while attending Harvard University. During her junior year, she co-invented the SOCCKET, an energy-generating soccer ball that harnesses kinetic energy from play to produce electricity. The inspiration for this invention came during a trip to Nigeria, where Matthews witnessed firsthand the reliance on diesel generators during frequent power outages. Recognizing the health hazards posed by generator fumes and the lack of reliable electricity in many communities, she sought to develop an alternative solution.
The SOCCKET functions as both a recreational tool and a portable power source. For every 30 minutes of play, the ball generates enough energy to power an LED light for up to three hours. This innovation has proven invaluable in resource-poor areas, enabling children to study after dark and families to access light without relying on harmful fuel-based generators.
Founding Uncharted Power
In 2011, Matthews founded Uncharted Power (formerly Uncharted Play) to scale her vision of clean energy solutions. Initially focused on energy-generating play products like SOCCKET and PULSE (an energy-producing jump rope), the company later expanded its mission to broader infrastructure innovations. Through proprietary Motion-based Off-Grid Renewable Energy (M.O.R.E.) technology, Uncharted Power integrates kinetic energy systems into everyday objects such as sidewalks, speed bumps, and subway turnstiles—transforming urban environments into decentralized power grids.
This shift in focus marked a significant evolution for the company, aligning with Matthews’ belief that decentralization is key to solving global energy challenges. By embedding renewable energy solutions directly into infrastructure, Uncharted Power provides communities with sustainable access to electricity while reducing dependence on traditional grid systems.
Overcoming Challenges
The path to success was not without obstacles. Early iterations of SOCCKET faced quality control issues that led to criticism and product failures. Matthews responded by moving production to New York and refining her company’s manufacturing processes. These setbacks fueled her commitment to innovation and continuous improvement—a mindset that has defined her career.
As a Black female entrepreneur in the tech industry, Matthews also encountered biases and barriers that required resilience and determination to overcome. Her ability to navigate these challenges has made her a role model for underrepresented groups in technology and business.
Global Impact
Uncharted Power’s innovations have reached communities across Africa, Latin America, and beyond. Over 500,000 SOCCKETs and PULSE products have been distributed worldwide, providing clean energy solutions to families in underserved areas. Beyond product distribution, Matthews has emphasized education through initiatives like the Think Out of Bounds program, which aims to teach STEM concepts and innovation skills to one million children.
In addition to empowering communities globally, Matthews has raised significant capital for Uncharted Power—securing one of the largest Series A funding rounds ever achieved by a Black female founder. Her leadership continues to drive advancements in renewable energy technology while fostering equitable access to resources.
Lessons from Jessica Matthews’ Journey
Jessica Matthews’ story offers valuable insights for aspiring innovators:
- Identify Real-World Problems: Her inventions address tangible challenges faced by communities with limited access to reliable electricity.
- Embrace Resilience: Despite setbacks and criticism, Matthews remained committed to improving her products and scaling her impact.
- Think Beyond Boundaries: By integrating renewable energy into infrastructure, she demonstrated how innovation can transform entire ecosystems.
- Champion Equity: Matthews has used her platform not only for technological advancements but also for promoting diversity in entrepreneurship.
Conclusion
Jessica O. Matthews exemplifies how innovation can drive meaningful change in the world. Through her work at Uncharted Power, she has harnessed everyday activities like play and movement to create clean energy solutions that empower underserved communities globally. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and social responsibility—offering inspiration for anyone seeking to make a positive impact through innovation.
