Disaster is a growth industry -- in a good way. Dire circumstances affecting lots of people can be a crucible for the kind of problem-solving and collaboration that can yield long-term entrepreneurial opportunities. That's because few things highlight unmet needs and important gaps more vividly than disaster.

 

Last month when sudden, severe floods struck Boulder, Colo. and the surrounding area, many local tech startups and professionals leapt into action and started volunteering. And they continue to lend their unique skills to the long-term recovery effort.

 

Here's what they're doing and how it might help their business as well as their community:

 

 

Evert Bopp, founder of Disaster Tech Lab, connected with several eager volunteers when he spoke recently at a biweekly gathering of Boulder's vibrant tech startup scene. Disaster Tech Lab quickly deploys wireless "mesh networks" to provide local communications, internet access, voice-over-internet (VOIP) phone service and more in disaster-stricken areas. This can help emergency responders and traditional relief organizations work more effectively, as well as help residents connect with their families, insurance companies, and resources for help.

 

In the first days of the Colorado floods, Bopp's team and equipment arrived in Lyons, Colo. -- a town just north of Boulder that was completely cut off when all surrounding roads were destroyed. And he needed more help in the form of volunteers.

 

How can tech professionals and companies benefit from volunteering during disasters? Besides the sheer good of helping people in need, the tech industry particularly thrives on collaboration, innovation, experimentation and strong personal ties.

 

"Tech-sector folks who volunteer for disaster relief gain a clear picture of acute systemic needs and gaps," Bopp says. "And they also see quickly which solutions really work -- not just locally, but also for major relief organizations, government agencies, utilities, and even the National Guard. Those contacts can lay the groundwork for very lucrative business relationships -- or for new products, services or even new companies or nonprofits."

 

Tech volunteering also can sharpen your business skills. "There are lots of similarities between disaster relief and launching a startup. Talk about instant bootstrapping," Bopp observed. "Sadly, we're only going to see more and more natural disasters. People are going to need a lot of help, so why not set up your career and business to do some real good in the world?"

 

 

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