Uganda - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Lumi-Guard Health is a solar-powered mosquito repellent bulb (IoT Enabled) tailored for malaria prevention and sustainable lighting in off-grid regions of Uganda.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Lumi-Guard Health, a solar-powered, IoT-enabled mosquito repellent bulb tailored for underdeveloped communities in Uganda that lack access to electricity. This innovative device combines a standard light bulb with a reservoir system that periodically diffuses natural mosquito repellents, such as citronella or peppermint oils. The release mechanism, controlled by a programmed timer on our circuit/microcontroller, ensures consistent and effective distribution of the repellent throughout the night, even when the bulb light is off. This dual functionality provides a sustainable source of lighting while significantly reducing mosquito populations. By addressing both energy scarcity and malaria prevention, Lumi-Guard Health offers a holistic solution for improving the quality of life in remote communities.

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

The primary problem we aim to solve is the high incidence of malaria in Uganda, which causes significant mortality, especially among children under five, and leads to substantial economic losses. In 2022 alone, there were over 12.7 million reported cases and 17,556 deaths due to malaria. Additionally, about 70% of the Ugandan population lacks access to electricity, which hampers efforts to use the available malaria prevention strategy that leverage technology. Our solar-powered mosquito repellent bulb addresses both issues by providing a reliable source of light and a method to reduce mosquito populations, thereby lowering malaria transmission rates and improving public health in areas without electricity.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

-Malaria Prevention: By periodically diffusing natural mosquito repellents like citronella or peppermint oils, the bulb effectively reduces mosquito populations. This significantly lowers the risk of malaria, enhancing the health and well-being of residents in vulnerable areas. -Energy Independence: The bulb harnesses solar power, providing a sustainable lighting solution for communities without reliable access to electricity. This reduces dependence on expensive and often unavailable energy sources. -Automated Efficiency: The integrated microcontroller and programmed timer ensure consistent and effective repellent distribution, even when the light is off. This automation enhances the reliability and convenience of the device, ensuring continuous protection throughout the night without user intervention.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Lumi Guard Health serves low-income households in underdeveloped areas of Uganda, starting with Buyende in the Busoga region, which faces high malaria rates and limited electricity access. In Buyende: - Malaria is prevalent, with 14 out of 18 families interviewed having experienced it in the past month, resulting in one death. - Electricity is scarce; few households have solar power for basic needs like lighting and phone charging. Our beneficiaries are families who: 1. Experience high malaria rates and need continuous protection. 2. Lack reliable electricity and need sustainable lighting. 3. Rely on ineffective malaria prevention methods like mosquito nets and repellent soaps, which are costly. At Lumi Guard Health, we aim to improve health outcomes and quality of life for these vulnerable communities.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-05

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Martha Toni Atwine, holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from Makerere University. She is the Co-founder and CEO of Lumi Guard Health. During university, she gained experience working on solar project. Her understanding of rural health and electricity issues, especially malaria, inspired her. Mesach Luminsa, holds a BSc in Software Engineering and a CPA in Accounts from Makerere University. As CTO and co-founder of Lumi Guard Health, he drives technological innovation. Previously, he developed the Safe Bungle, a device combating gender-based violence, benefiting 500 women and children in Northern Uganda. Anatoli Kirigwajjo, an 8 year expreineced comuputer scientist, is a part-time COO and advisor at Lumi Guard Health. He previously founded Yunga Technologies, selling over 2000 community-based security devices. He also has startup finance knowledge from Regus University, South Africa. His entrepreneurial experience and strategic insights are crucial to Lumi Guard Health's growth.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

f) Healthcare (healthcare equipment and services)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

4

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Good Health and Well-being (By addressing malaria prevention through its mosquito repellent technology)

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

By reducing malaria through its repellent feature, the device promotes better school attendance and cognitive function in children. The solar-powered light extends study hours, crucial in areas with unreliable electricity. A reduced risk of mosquito bites creates a comfortable learning environment at home and school, allowing for better focus.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Lumi Guard provides a solar-powered lighting solution to off-grid communities in Uganda, offering sustainable and reliable light while reducing dependence on costly and polluting kerosene lamps. This device harnesses solar energy to ensure continuous, affordable, and clean energy access. The integration of a mosquito repellent function adds value by enhancing utility without additional energy costs, addressing both lighting and health needs.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

3

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

4

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

3

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

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

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

Our project at Lumi Guard Health is uniquely innovative, integrating IoT technology with solar-powered lighting to tackle both sustainable energy and malaria prevention. This breakthrough combines functionalities on a single PCB, distinct from traditional products. Unlike existing solutions, our compact device tailored for off-grid areas like Buyende - Jinja enhances user convenience and addresses local health challenges with effective mosquito control. By leveraging advanced solar and repellent technologies, our approach ensures sustainability and affordability in resource-limited settings. This pioneering solution not only meets unmet needs but also lays the groundwork for future integrated health and energy innovations worldwide, underscoring our commitment to sustainable development and societal progress.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Lumi Guard Health distinguishes itself from competitors by integrating IoT technology on a single PCB to simultaneously address energy scarcity and malaria prevention. This innovation combines efficient mosquito repellent distribution with reliable solar-powered lighting, a unique solution not replicated in the market. Our product's scalability and automated repellent release cater specifically to off-grid communities, surpassing the efficacy of traditional methods like nets or standalone devices. By filling a clear market gap, we improve health outcomes and empower vulnerable populations, contributing to global health and sustainable development goals.

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

I Participate in the Women in Energy Forum where I take part in outreaches to different universities and hubs to teach girls skills and inspire them to participate in energy related innovations.