Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Smart cooking transforms organic waste into affordable, clean cooking gas using a circular economy model, empowering low-income households in Africa with sustainable energy solutions that improve health, promote sustainability, and drive economic growth.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Smart cooking is a pioneering startup focused on transforming organic waste into clean cooking gas for low-income households in Africa. Our unique approach leverages biogas technology within a circular economy framework. Households contribute organic waste, which we convert into renewable energy. This not only provides an affordable and sustainable cooking solution but also empowers communities through waste management incentives. Our system allows households to earn points for waste contributions, which can be exchanged for clean cooking gas, thus promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth. With partnerships on the ground and fundraising, we are set to pilot our low-tech prototype in September. Our team, with extensive experience in agriculture, sustainability, and community development, is committed to addressing the pressing issues of indoor air pollution, deforestation, and energy poverty.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

According to International Energy Authority, more than 900 million individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa lack access to clean cooking energy, resulting in reliance on charcoal and firewood. This reliance leads to severe health and environmental consequences. The WHO reports that nearly 600,000 Africans die annually from air pollution caused by inefficient cooking methods.Deforestation has been on the rise amidst climate crisis Although Kenya has made tremendous efforts in improving access to clean cooking energy, the World Bank data, indicates that only 25% of the population have access to clean cooking energy. This leaves 70% of the population, especially in rural and informal settlement areas relying on unsustainable cooking methods especially settlements. The percentage of forest cover has decreased to only 6.3% of land area due to increased deforestation over the years. With only 6 years left to the attainment of SDGs our solution accelerates the adoption of clean cooking energy.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Health Improvement: By providing clean cooking gas, we significantly reduce indoor air pollution, decreasing the risk of respiratory diseases, particularly for women and children who are most affected by smoke from traditional fuels. Environmental Sustainability: Our solution helps mitigate deforestation and reduce carbon emissions by converting organic waste into renewable energy, supporting a circular economy and contributing to climate resilience. Economic Empowerment: We offer an affordable energy solution that lowers household energy costs. Additionally, our circular economy model allows households to earn points for waste contributions, providing a financial incentive and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Low-Income Families: Those who rely on traditional cooking methods using wood and charcoal, which pose significant health and environmental risks. Refugees and Displaced Persons: Individuals and families in refugee camps who often lack access to clean and affordable cooking solutions. Rural Communities: Residents of remote areas where conventional energy infrastructure is lacking or unaffordable, making them reliant on unsustainable fuel sources.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-11-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Elisha Olukanni: Skills: Team and project management, international operations, business development, sales, biogas technology. Experience: Bachelor's in Agriculture, Master's in Sustainable International Agriculture. Led projects in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Sudan. Board Member at the Food and Agriculture Youth Institute and volunteer at the UNSDGs. Klara: Skills: Public relations, project management, research, and data analysis. Experience: Master's in Sustainable International Agriculture, leadership roles in Enactus Göttingen e.V., research assistant at the Graduate School of Forest and Agricultural Sciences. Esther: Skills: Agribusiness management, supply chain management, procurement, financial analysis. Experience: Bachelor's in Agribusiness Management, Master's in Sustainable International Agriculture. Roles in Shamba Bora Uganda Limited and PlantVillage Kenya. Extensive experience in food security, agricultural advisory services, and community development.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our startup, significantly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of No Poverty (SDG 1) by addressing energy poverty and creating economic opportunities for low-income households in Africa. By providing affordable clean cooking gas derived from organic waste, we reduce household expenses on traditional fuels like charcoal and firewood, which are both costlier and harmful. Our circular economy model incentivizes waste collection, allowing households to earn points that can be redeemed for cooking gas, further reducing their financial burden. Additionally, we create job opportunities through our waste collection and biogas production processes, empowering local communities economically. This holistic approach not only alleviates immediate financial strain but also fosters long-term economic resilience, contributing to the eradication of poverty in the communities we serve.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup, contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger (SDG 2) by enhancing food security through our innovative biogas technology. By converting organic waste into affordable clean cooking gas, we promote sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring that valuable food resources are not wasted but instead transformed into energy. This reduces the need for firewood and charcoal, which can divert land and resources away from food production. Additionally, our circular economy model incentivizes households to collect and contribute organic waste, supporting local agriculture and food supply chains. The reduction in cooking fuel costs allows low-income families to allocate more of their limited resources towards purchasing nutritious food, directly improving their food security and dietary diversity. Moreover, our partnerships with waste management and help create a more efficient and sustainable food system, reducing post-harvest losses.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Our startup, significantly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) by providing clean cooking solutions that improve air quality and reduce health risks associated with traditional cooking methods. Indoor air pollution from burning wood and charcoal is a leading cause of respiratory illnesses, particularly among women and children in low-income households. By offering affordable biogas as a cleaner alternative, we help eliminate harmful smoke, reducing incidences of respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections. Our innovative biogas technology also minimizes deforestation, preserving natural resources and promoting environmental health, which in turn supports the overall well-being of communities. Additionally, our circular economy model incentivizes households to collect organic waste, fostering community engagement and awareness about health and environmental sustainability.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our startup, contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education (SDG 4) by fostering an environment where children have better opportunities to learn and thrive. Traditional cooking methods using wood and charcoal result in significant indoor air pollution, which can cause respiratory issues that lead to frequent absenteeism from school due to illness. By providing clean cooking solutions through biogas technology, we help reduce the health risks associated with indoor air pollution. This leads to fewer health-related school absences, allowing children to attend school more regularly and perform better academically. Moreover, the time saved from collecting firewood can be redirected towards educational pursuits. In many communities, children, especially girls, spend hours gathering firewood, which limits their time for homework and study. Additionally, our initiatives often include community education programs about sustainable practices.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Reducing Unpaid Care Work: Women and girls often bear the responsibility of collecting firewood and cooking meals using inefficient and polluting methods. This contributes to gender disparities in time use, limiting opportunities for education, economic participation. Promoting Economic Empowerment: By providing clean cooking solutions through biogas technology, we reduce the time spent on fuel collection and cooking. This frees up time for women and girls to engage in income-generating activities, and attend school. Health Benefits: Traditional cooking methods contribute to indoor air pollution, which disproportionately affects women and children who spend more time indoors. By reducing exposure to harmful smoke and pollutants through clean cooking solutions, we improve the health outcomes of women and girls. Community Empowerment: Our initiatives include education and training programs that empower women and girls with knowledge about clean energy and sustainable practices.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Water Conservation: Traditional cooking methods often require large amounts of water for cleaning utensils and cooking surfaces contaminated with soot and ash. By promoting clean cooking solutions like biogas technology, which produce minimal smoke and residue, we reduce water consumption associated with cleaning. Environmental Impact: Traditional biomass cooking contributes to deforestation and soil degradation, impacting water quality and availability in local ecosystems. Transitioning to biogas reduces the reliance on biomass fuels, thereby mitigating environmental degradation and preserving water resources. Health and Hygiene: Access to clean cooking solutions improves indoor air quality, reducing respiratory illnesses that often require extensive water resources for treatment. This contributes to better health outcomes and indirectly supports sanitation efforts by alleviating the burden of waterborne diseases linked to indoor air pollution.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Access to Clean Energy: We empower underserved communities by harnessing biogas technology to convert organic waste into renewable energy sources. This provides households with access to affordable and environmentally friendly cooking solutions, reducing their reliance on traditional biomass fuels like wood and charcoal. Energy Efficiency: Biogas technology offers efficient energy production from organic waste, promoting sustainable energy consumption patterns. By utilizing biogas for cooking, we mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and enhance energy efficiency compared to traditional cooking methods. Financial Inclusion: Our pay-as-you-go model and circular economy approach enable low-income households to afford clean cooking gas through flexible payment options and incentives for waste contributions. Community Impact: By promoting clean energy access, we improve health outcomes, reduce indoor air pollution, and enhance livelihoods in rural and peri-urban areas.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Job Creation: We stimulate economic growth by creating employment opportunities throughout our value chain. From waste collection to biogas production and distribution, our initiatives generate jobs for local communities, including youth and women, thereby reducing unemployment rates and promoting inclusive economic growth. Entrepreneurship Support: We supports entrepreneurial endeavors by partnering with local businesses and cooperatives involved in waste management and biogas technology. We provide training, capacity building, and business development support, empowering individuals to start and scale their enterprises in the renewable energy sector. Inclusive Supply Chains: Our operations foster inclusive supply chains by sourcing locally available organic waste materials and partnering with smallholder farmers for feedstock supply. This supports agricultural productivity, improves market access for rural producers, and enhances their income-generating opportunities.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Infrastructure Development: We contributes to infrastructure development by establishing decentralized biogas plants in rural and peri-urban areas. These facilities utilize locally available organic waste to produce renewable energy. Promoting Innovation: We drive innovation in the energy sector through the adoption of biogas technology. By leveraging organic waste as a resource, we innovate clean cooking solutions that mitigate indoor air pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. This promotes technological advancements in renewable energy production and distribution. Capacity Building: We invests in building local capacities through technology transfer, training programs, and knowledge sharing. Partnerships for Development: Collaborations with local governments, NGOs, and private sector partners strengthen infrastructure development initiatives. These partnerships facilitate the deployment of biogas infrastructure.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Energy Access for All: By providing affordable clean cooking solutions to low-income households in Africa, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, we address energy poverty. This initiative ensures that vulnerable populations, including women and children, have access to safe and reliable energy sources. Economic Empowerment: Our business model promotes economic inclusion by creating opportunities for local entrepreneurship and employment. Gender Equality: We promote gender equality by engaging women as key stakeholders in biogas technology adoption and entrepreneurship. Community Engagement: We prioritize community-driven development approaches, ensuring that project benefits are inclusive and equitable. Advocacy and Policy Influence: We advocates for policies that support equitable access to clean energy and sustainable development. We collaborate with stakeholders to influence energy policies that prioritize marginalized communities and reduce disparities in access.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Clean Energy Access: By promoting biogas technology in urban and peri-urban areas, we facilitate the transition to sustainable and clean energy sources. This reduces reliance on traditional biomass fuels like wood and charcoal. Waste Management: Our circular economy approach converts organic waste into renewable energy (biogas), addressing urban waste management challenges. This reduces organic waste in cities, mitigates methane emissions from landfills, and promotes sustainable waste-to-energy solutions. Community Resilience: We strengthen community resilience by providing reliable and affordable energy solutions. This enhances urban dwellers' ability to cope with climate change impacts and energy shortages, contributing to more resilient and sustainable cities. Education and Awareness: We educate urban communities about the benefits of clean energy and sustainable practices. By raising awareness and promoting behavior change, we empower residents to adopt sustainable lifestyles

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

We contribute to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by embracing a circular economy approach. We convert organic waste into biogas, promoting sustainable resource use and reducing landfill waste. Our model encourages responsible consumption by offering affordable, clean energy alternatives to traditional fuels. By minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency, we support sustainable production practices, fostering environmental stewardship and economic growth in communities across Africa.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

We directly supports SDG 13: Climate Action by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of biogas technology. By converting organic waste into clean cooking gas, we reduce reliance on fossil fuels and traditional biomass, which are major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions and deforestation. Our initiative promotes climate resilience by offering communities in Africa access to affordable and renewable energy solutions, thereby contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, we advocates for sustainable land use practices and environmental conservation, aligning with targets set under SDG 13 to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

we contributes indirectly to SDG 14: Life Below Water by promoting sustainable practices that reduce land-based pollution. While our primary focus is on terrestrial biogas production and energy solutions, indirectly, by mitigating deforestation through reduced reliance on traditional biomass, we support freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity. This approach helps in safeguarding aquatic habitats and marine life, aligning with SDG 14's targets to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

We directly support SDG 15: Life on Land by addressing key issues such as deforestation and land degradation through its sustainable energy solutions. By promoting biogas technology, which utilizes organic waste to produce clean energy, we reduce the pressure on forests and natural habitats that are crucial for biodiversity conservation. Our initiative aims to mitigate the adverse effects of traditional biomass use, which contributes to land degradation and habitat destruction. By promoting sustainable land management practices and reducing dependence on unsustainable energy sources, we contributes to SDG 15's targets of restoring and conserving terrestrial ecosystems, combating desertification, halting biodiversity loss, and ensuring the sustainable use of terrestrial resources. This helps in preserving biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem services, and promoting sustainable development on land.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

By providing clean cooking solutions through biogas technology, we alleviate socio-economic pressures on communities, especially in rural areas. This reduces reliance on traditional biomass fuels that can contribute to conflicts over scarce resources like firewood. Moreover, our initiative supports capacity building and community empowerment, enhancing local governance and fostering inclusive decision-making processes. By promoting sustainable energy access, we contribute to creating resilient communities less vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks, thereby promoting peace and stability. Furthermore, we collaborate with local institutions and stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective governance in the implementation of our projects.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

We actively contribute to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by forging strategic alliances with local communities, governments, NGOs, and private sector partners. These partnerships are crucial for achieving our mission of providing sustainable energy solutions across Africa. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, we leverage collective expertise, resources, and networks to maximize our impact on energy access, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Our partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and technology transfer, essential for scaling our clean cooking solutions effectively. We engage in joint initiatives that promote innovation, support policy advocacy, and mobilize funding for sustainable development projects. By fostering inclusive partnerships, We promotes sustainable practices and strengthens local institutions, contributing to SDG 17's objectives of enhancing global cooperation, and promoting multi-stakeholder partnerships

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

5

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our startup brings innovation by introducing a novel product that addresses an unmet demand in the market. Unlike existing products, our solution represents a new technology that significantly improves upon current offerings. It fills a gap where customers are seeking more advanced features and capabilities not provided by current products or services. Our approach extends beyond mere improvement—it introduces a completely new type of product that stands out in its category. This innovation is poised to capture a substantial portion of the market by meeting the needs of customers who are currently underserved by existing options.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors in the market are companies offering biogas solutions and traditional cooking fuels like charcoal and firewood. These competitors typically focus on providing renewable energy solutions but often face challenges such as high initial costs, limited scalability, and incomplete integration of circular economy principles. What sets us apart is our innovative approach that combines biogas technology with a circular economy model. Unlike traditional biogas solutions that primarily target farms and larger households, our solution is tailored specifically for low-income households in urban and peri-urban areas of Africa. We utilize organic waste from households and communities to produce affordable and clean cooking gas, thereby addressing both energy poverty and waste management issues simultaneously. Moreover, our model incentivizes waste management through a point-based system, where households earn points for contributing organic waste.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

NA