Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We are a biotech company that is committed to using bamboo to empower small scale farmers and manufacture a biodegradable future. We do this by converting eucalyptus farmers into bamboo farming and deriving high value products from the stems (biopolymers)

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

We are passionate about conversion of small-scale farmers from Eucalyptus farming to bamboo farming in order to not only address the soil health concerns, water stress concerns but also to secure our supply chain. On this front we have secured 30 farmers from the harmful eucalyptus and the goal is to scale this up to 10,000 farmers in Kenya. Our main application for the hydrogels we extract from the stems is in drug delivery systems where specifically we intend to pioneer the first painless transdermal vaccines for hard to reach children. In the vast landscape of medical challenges across the continent, the introduction of bamboo hydrogels emerges as a promising solution. In a region where quality healthcare is often a privilege reserved for the well-connected or affluent, innovations like bamboo hydrogels present a beacon of hope. This biopolymer, inherently hydrophilic, possesses remarkable attributes conducive to applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing.

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

Traditional drug formulations, while life-saving, grapple with inherent limitations – poor solubility, low biocompatibility, and a short shelf life necessitating frequent dosing. The systemic exposure of non-targeted sites, resulting in undesired side effects, further compounds these challenges. This is not to mention the logistical challenges of delivering life-saving drugs/vaccines to hard to reach communities such as pastoralists. The cold-chain(s) costs required to preserve these medicines until they reach the desired target groups is immense. This is why there is still a 77% immunisation average coverage but noting that urban centres influence highly the average, some counties are even approaching less than 50%.

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

1. Painless Transdermal Vaccines: Your innovation offers a major advantage by enabling painless vaccine delivery through the skin. This could be a game-changer for childhood immunization in hard-to-reach areas, improving reach and compliance. 2. Reduced Costs: Bamboo hydrogels can potentially lower healthcare costs by allowing for lower drug concentrations and eliminating the need for expensive cold-chain logistics for storage and transport. 3. Targeted Delivery & Fewer Side Effects: By delivering smaller, targeted doses through the skin, bamboo hydrogels may minimize side effects as less tissue and fewer cells are exposed to the medication, improving patient comfort and potentially increasing treatment adherence. 4. Biocompatible and Sustainable: Made from natural bamboo, these hydrogels are biocompatible and potentially more sustainable than traditional materials. This aligns with the need for accessible and environmentally-friendly solutions in Africa.

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

1. Children in Hard-to-Reach Areas: This encompasses children residing in remote, rural regions or those associated with nomadic communities in Africa. Traditional needle-based vaccinations can be difficult to administer due to logistical challenges and limited access to healthcare facilities. Our painless transdermal approach offers a more accessible and potentially more compliant solution for childhood immunization programs. 2. Cost-Conscious Patients and Healthcare Systems: The reduced drug concentration and elimination of cold-chain requirements associated with our hydrogels can significantly lower healthcare costs. This benefits patients in resource-limited settings and healthcare systems in Africa striving to deliver quality care while managing budgetary constraints.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-08-18

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

1. Fasika Legesse Solomon - Female - 51% Share capital - Landscape Architect | Product Manufacturer | Project Manager 2. Joseph Kimani Kamau - Male - 49% Share Capital - Entrepreneur| 8+ FMCG Manufacturer | Financial Analyst | Project Manager

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/97873528/admin/feed/posts/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Improved Health Outcomes: By enabling painless and accessible childhood vaccinations in remote areas, our innovation can significantly improve health outcomes for children. This translates to fewer illnesses, reduced healthcare costs for families (who might otherwise struggle to afford treatment), and potentially better school attendance and future earning potential. Reduced Healthcare Costs: The lower drug concentration and elimination of cold-chain needs associated with our hydrogel patches can significantly decrease healthcare system expenses. This frees up resources that can be directed towards other vital health services, benefiting underprivileged communities who often lack access to quality care due to financial constraints. Economic Empowerment: In addition to sourcing for bamboo from farmers thereby earning income, by improving overall health and reducing healthcare burdens, our startup can indirectly contribute to economic empowerment, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Improved Nutrition Absorption: Healthy children with better immune systems might absorb nutrients from food more efficiently, potentially reducing malnutrition rates.

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

1. Increased Vaccination Rates: Painless and accessible transdermal vaccines, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, can significantly improve childhood immunization rates. This directly combats infectious diseases, a major threat to good health and well-being. 2. Improved Health Outcomes for Children: By ensuring children receive vital vaccinations, our innovation reduces illness, improves overall health, and promotes healthy development. This contributes to SDG 3's target of ensuring healthy lives for all at all ages. 3. Reduced Healthcare Burden: Lower drug dosages and elimination of cold-chain needs decrease healthcare costs. This frees up resources for broader healthcare access and improves well-being across communities, especially those struggling financially.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

1. Improved School Attendance: By ensuring children receive vital vaccinations through painless and accessible means, our innovation can lead to fewer illnesses and better overall health. This can translate to improved school attendance rates. Children who are healthy are more likely to be present in class, engaged in learning, and able to reach their full potential. 2. Reduced Long-Term Health Impact: Timely vaccinations prevent serious diseases that can have long-term health consequences, sometimes leading to cognitive impairments or chronic conditions. Effective childhood immunization through our hydrogel patches can help children avoid these issues, allowing them to better concentrate and participate in school activities.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Prioritising Women: By promoting women's employment within our company and actively sourcing supplies from women-led ventures, we're directly empowering women economically. This creates opportunities, fosters financial independence, and challenges traditional gender roles in the workplace. By making vaccinations more accessible, our invention can contribute to better health outcomes for girls, potentially leading to: Reduced School Absences: Fewer illnesses due to vaccinations could mean fewer missed school days for girls. This allows them to stay caught up in their education. More Opportunities: Improved health allows girls to participate more actively in school and extracurricular activities, potentially leading to better educational attainment and future opportunities.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

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

1. Job Creation: As our business grows, it will directly create employment opportunities in various sectors: a. Research and development: Scientists, engineers, and technicians involved in hydrogel development and production. b. Manufacturing: Jobs in facilities producing the hydrogels and any necessary equipment. c. Distribution and logistics: Personnel involved in delivering the hydrogels to healthcare providers in remote areas. 2. Empowering Local Economies: Sourcing bamboo, a natural resource, from local communities can provide income opportunities for farmers and contribute to the economic development of these regions.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Pioneering Innovation: Our invention represents a significant advancement in drug delivery technology. The use of natural bamboo hydrogels for painless transdermal vaccines is a prime example of fostering innovation in the medical field, directly contributing to SDG 9's target of promoting technological advancements. Improved Infrastructure for Healthcare: By enabling easier and more accessible vaccination delivery, particularly in remote areas, our hydrogel patches can contribute to improvements in healthcare infrastructure in these regions. This aligns with SDG 9's goal of building resilient infrastructure in support of economic development and human well-being.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Addressing Healthcare Disparities: Traditional vaccination programs often struggle to reach remote areas, creating healthcare disparities. Our painless and accessible transdermal vaccines delivered through hydrogels have the potential to bridge this gap. By ensuring children in these areas receive vital vaccinations, we directly contribute to reducing healthcare inequalities. Cost-Effective Solution: The reduced drug concentration and elimination of cold chain requirements associated with our hydrogels can significantly lower healthcare costs. This makes vaccinations more accessible and affordable for underprivileged communities and healthcare systems with limited resources, fostering greater equity in healthcare access. Focus on Women and Youth: Our company policy is to hire 80% women and youth, and/or outsource products/services from women-led or youth-led businesses.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Sustainable Material Choice: Our startup prioritizes sustainability by utilizing bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, for hydrogel production. This avoids dependence on synthetic polymers that often have a higher environmental footprint during production and disposal. Reduced Environmental Impact: By choosing bamboo, we contribute to SDG 12's target of promoting sustainable resource management and reducing environmental impact associated with production processes.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Sustainable Material Choice: Our startup prioritizes sustainability by utilizing bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, for hydrogel production. This avoids dependence on synthetic polymers that often have a higher environmental footprint during production and disposal. Reduced Environmental Impact: By choosing bamboo, we contribute to SDG 12's target of promoting sustainable resource management and reducing environmental impact associated with production processes.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Sustainable Bamboo Sourcing: Our company prioritizes sustainable bamboo harvesting practices thereby directly contributing to SDG 15's targets on promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and combating desertification. Responsible harvesting ensures minimal disruption to natural habitats and promotes the long-term health of bamboo forests. Reduced Environmental Impact: By choosing a natural resource like bamboo, we minimize reliance on synthetic polymers that might contribute to land degradation or pollution during production. This aligns with SDG 15's focus on sustainable management of resources.

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

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Collaboration for Wider Impact: Our emphasis on employing women and youth, as well as sourcing materials from women-led or youth-led businesses, exemplifies SDG 17's call for multi-stakeholder partnerships. By working with diverse groups, we contribute to a collaborative approach for achieving broader health goals in underserved communities. Synergy for Sustainable Development: Partnerships with local communities for sustainable bamboo harvesting and collaboration with healthcare providers for vaccine deployment demonstrate our commitment to SDG 17's target of mobilizing resources and knowledge to achieve sustainable development goals.

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.

5

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.

4

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Painless Transdermal Delivery: Our invention offers a significant departure from traditional needle-based vaccinations. By utilizing hydrogels for painless transdermal delivery, we address a major hurdle in childhood immunization programs, particularly in remote areas. Reduced Costs & Doses: The lower drug concentration required with hydrogels and the elimination of cold-chain logistics present a novel approach to reducing healthcare costs associated with traditional vaccinations. This makes our solution more accessible to resource-limited settings. Sustainable Material : The use of bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, for hydrogel production sets our innovation apart. This focus on sustainability aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the medical field.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Microneedle patches: These emerging technologies might compete for painless vaccine delivery. However, your focus on hydrogels avoids the potential discomfort of microneedles, making your solution potentially more suitable for children. (around 200 characters) Established vaccine manufacturers: Traditional pharmaceutical companies delivering vaccines through injections remain competitors. Your competitive edge lies in offering a more accessible, potentially more compliant solution for childhood immunization programs in remote areas.

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

Yes. I train young teenage girls on financial literacy and entrepreneurship where I grew up