Mobile tech firm TxtEagle becomes Jana

The company said the change signifies a broadening in its focus. Founder Nathan Eagle (pictured) explained that the name Jana comes from the Sanskrit word for people.

The company, founded in 2009, uses a crowdsourcing approach, recruiting people to perform ‘microtasks’ by sending information by text message. In return they receive free mobile airtime. As well as surveys, the system can be used for things like monitoring hospital blood supplies, auditing TV advertising or translating documents into local languages.

It has now branched out into mobile marketing activity, while its research division offers end-clients and research agencies “on-the-ground market intelligence and real-time insights from consumers in emerging markets”.