Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Caino Africa is a company that create second life lithium-ion battery packs and other accompanying technologies for solar application targeting low-income off-grid communities. Our vision is to empower livelihood with clean and affordable energy solutions

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our 2nd life solar batteries are made from recycled lithium ion cells. These batteries are used for storage in solar home systems for off-grid and low income communities in rural areas. We have also managed to create solar fishing lamps using the same 2nd life battery packs for fishermen in Mombasa for attracting fish at night. In addition, we have developed a PAYGO payment system which we offer as a service to companies that have PAYGO business model for revenue collection.

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

High cost of battery and energy storage solutions affecting uptake of Solar Products for off-grid low-income communities. Batteries are the most expensive part of a solar PV system. Our affordable battery storage solutions promote the adoption of solar PV in off-grid and low-income communities, ensuring access to clean and reliable energy. Many PAYGO solar companies are failing due to inefficient revenue collection resulting from failed remote switching On/Off. We have developed a PAYGO hardware and API for solar companies that are doing PAYGO business. Lack of recycling and refurbishment facilities for used lithium battery waste poses an environmental challenge to communities and e-waste companies. By recycling lithium ion cells, we control the electronic waste which would have ended up in farms or water bodies, thus reducing environmental pollution and health risks.

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

Our battery packs are less costly than those on the market since we utilize E-waste cells. Our battery packs are robust i.e can easily replace damaged cells ensuring longevity. Our battery packs exhibit high efficiency as they can charge fast and have minimal losses during discharge as opposed to Lead Acid batteries. Our battery packs are easily repairable hence increases service life at low cost as opposed to the imported lithium batteries. The quality of our products is guaranteed and we offer up-to 2 years warranty despite the fact that our battery packs can serve you for more than 5 years uninterrupted. We make basic fishing lamps for small fish which can last for more than 12 hours of lighting on a single charge. We also offer professional solar fishing lamps for big fish which can last for 20 hours + of constant lighting with a constant brightness and are submersible.

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

Our beachhead market includes people residing in off-grid areas that have no access to clean and affordable energy, fishermen along the coastal regions and in Nyanza Province, and companies utilizing the pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) business model. The total addressable market comprises over 5 million off-grid households, small businesses, and fishermen in Kenya. Within this market, approximately 1 million households, small businesses, and fishermen constitute our serviceable addressable market, where we can effectively provide our products and solutions.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-02-10

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

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

Amwoka Edwin(CEO):He is the founder of Caino Africa with over five years experience in Product design, Hardware, Firmware and Software design, Energy Efficiency, Battery and storage management, Quality Assurance and Installations and certifications in Renewable Energy. He has a professional background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Robin Blank(CFO):He is a co-Founder of Caino Africa. Over 7 years experience in advanced industrial manufacturing processes and materials development. He has led projects focused on achieving efficient energy production and storage.

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

https://caino.africa/

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

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Caino Africa's provision of affordable and clean energy solutions directly addresses the poverty challenge. Access to reliable electricity is fundamental for poverty alleviation, as it enables households to power essential appliances and engage in income-generating activities. By offering affordable battery storage solutions and implementing PAYGO services, Caino Africa ensures that even low-income communities can access clean and reliable energy, thus breaking the cycle of energy poverty. The economic empowerment facilitated by Caino Africa's initiatives extends beyond basic energy access. With reliable electricity, individuals can establish small-scale businesses, engage in agricultural processing, and develop other income-generating ventures. This economic activity stimulates local economies, creates job opportunities, and enhances overall productivity, all of which are essential components in the fight against poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

5

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

Reducing Indoor Air Pollution: Traditional energy sources like kerosene lamps emit harmful pollutants that contribute to indoor air pollution, leading to respiratory illnesses and other health problems, particularly in impoverished communities where access to healthcare is limited. By transitioning to clean energy solutions, Caino Africa mitigates these health hazards, reducing the prevalence of respiratory diseases and improving overall well-being. Supporting Mental Health and Well-being: Access to electricity provided by Caino Africa's energy solutions enhances quality of life and supports mental health and well-being. Reliable electricity enables individuals to access information, connect with others through communication devices, and engage in recreational activities, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall mental health. Improving Access to Healthcare: Reliable electricity provided by Caino Africa's clean energy solutions enables healthcare facilities to operate mo

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

While Caino Africa's primary focus is on providing clean energy solutions, its initiatives indirectly contribute to Goal 4: Quality Education in several ways: Access to Information and Communication: Reliable electricity provided by Caino Africa's clean energy solutions enables access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as computers, internet connectivity, and educational resources. This facilitates distance learning, e-learning platforms, and access to online educational materials, expanding educational opportunities for students in remote and underserved areas. Enhanced Learning Environments: Access to electricity improves learning environments in schools and educational institutions. Caino Africa's energy solutions ensure adequate lighting for classrooms, libraries, and study areas, creating conducive learning environments that support student engagement and academic achievement.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

N/a

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

Affordable Energy Access: Caino Africa aim to make clean energy accessible and affordable for off-grid and low-income communities. By offering affordable battery storage solutions, PAYGO payment systems, and other accompanying technologies, it ensures that even those with limited financial resources can access clean energy solutions. Environmental Sustainability: The transition to clean energy sources promoted by us helps mitigate environmental pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Caino Africa contributes to environmental sustainability, protecting ecosystems, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Promoting Renewable Energy Adoption: It focuses on providing clean energy solutions, such as solar power, which harness renewable energy sources like sunlight. By promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies, it helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

2

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

2

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

2

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By recycling lithium ion cells, we control the electronic waste which would have ended up in farms or water bodies. Batteries are the most expensive part of a solar PV system. By offering affordable battery storage we promote adoption of solar PV which is a renewable energy and also our solar fishing lamps, powered by renewable energy, significantly lower CO2 emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuel so by so doing, we limit emissions to the environment/atmosphere which are caused by kerosene/fossil fuel equipment like generators and kerosene lamps. Additionally, our battery packs are designed for high efficiency with rapid charging capabilities and minimal discharge losses, ensuring lower energy consumption and enhancing longevity through easy repairability, all contributing to a reduced environmental footprint and fostering a sustainable future.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

2

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

N/A

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

2

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.

3

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

5

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

4

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

6

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

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our project idea is unique and innovative for several reasons. First, we are the only provider of professional solar fishing lamps specifically designed for big fish that offer over 20 hours of constant lighting with consistent brightness and are submersible. This addresses a significant need in the fishing industry for reliable and durable lighting solutions. Furthermore, our use of E-waste cells in our battery packs sets us apart. This not only makes our battery packs less costly compared to those on the market but also contributes to environmental sustainability by repurposing waste materials. Our battery packs are designed for robustness, allowing for easy replacement of damaged cells, thereby extending their lifespan significantly. In terms of efficiency, our battery packs charge quickly and have minimal losses during discharge, outperforming traditional Lead Acid batteries. Additionally, the repairability of our battery packs further increases their service life at a low cost,

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our competitors are local dealers in imported lithium ion batteries. Our competitive advantage is the price and ability to do local customizations and repairs of the batteries. We are also more reliable due to a steady supply of products as opposed to our competitors who have waiting times and uncertainties resulting from importation of goods. The products we offer also have a unique niche given that our targeted market segment is currently being served by lead acid batteries which have a poorer performance as compared to lithium ion. We are able to match their prices with our better quality battery packs.

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

N/A