South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Hydrowize Solutions, a black-youth-owned start-up based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, aims to tackle water wastage in communal taps and tanks with auto-mechanical taps. These taps automatically stop water flow once containers are full.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Hydrowize Solutions is a black-youth owned start-up based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, dedicated to combating water wastage in communal taps and tanks. Our innovative product, the auto-mechanical tap, automatically stops the flow of water once a container is full, ensuring no water is wasted due to negligence. This technology does not require electrical power, making it perfect for remote or underdeveloped areas. The taps are user-friendly and easy to operate, requiring no specialized training. Water wastage is a significant issue, causing water service authorities to lose millions of rands annually. This loss not only depletes valuable water resources but also diverts funds that could be used to improve water access and community development initiatives. Our auto-mechanical taps enhance water resource management by reducing wastage, thereby helping authorities save money. These savings can then be redirected to other essential community needs.

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

The main problem we aim to solve with our auto-mechanical tap solution is the significant water wastage in communal taps and tanks due to negligence and irresponsible use. Our team investigated and discovered that this wastage is a critical issue, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where water service authorities spend millions of rands annually on water tankers. These tankers are deemed unsustainable, yet authorities have no alternative but to rely on them to meet community water needs. This financial drain not only strains resources but also diverts funds that could be better used for sustainable water solutions and community development initiatives. Our auto-mechanical taps address this by automatically stopping the flow of water once a container is full, preventing wastage.

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

The auto-mechanical taps by Hydrowize Solutions offer several major benefits: Prevent Water Wastage: Automatically stopping water flow when containers are full, these taps prevent wastage due to negligence or irresponsible use, crucial for conserving water in communal areas. No Electrical Power Required: Operating without electricity, these taps are ideal for remote or underdeveloped areas, making them a practical and sustainable solution for diverse communities. Cost Savings for Water Authorities: By reducing water wastage, these taps help water service authorities save millions of rands annually. The savings can be redirected to sustainable water management and community development, addressing long-term water supply challenges and improving community welfare.

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

Hydrowize Solutions' auto-mechanical tap targets diverse beneficiaries to address water wastage: Business To Government: Water Services Authorities (Rural Municipalities) in South Africa, targeting at least 10 in each province. Government offices in rural areas, targeting at least 5 in each province. Business To Business: Businesses in rural areas and townships in South Africa, targeting at least 10 in each province. Schools in rural areas, targeting at least 5 in each province. Local South African tap retailers, such as OnTap and Plumblink. Business To Consumers Eco-conscious individuals committed to sustainable water use. Our solution aims to reduce water wastage, save costs, and promote sustainable water management in these critical areas.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-12-04

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

5

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.)

Hydrowize Solutions is co-owned by a skilled and diverse team: -Mzwakhe Xulu (Myself): Experienced in business development and fundraising, Mzwakhe also provides strategic guidance as a business consultant. -Joseph Mathaba: A metallurgical engineer with business management training, Joseph is currently an MBA candidate, blending technical and managerial skills to strengthen our operations. -Nontobeko Mathaba: A geologist with a certificate in total quality management, Nontobeko ensures our products meet the highest standards. -Smangele Xulu: A teacher by profession, Smangele contributes organizational skills and community engagement experience, fostering strong relationships. -Yanelisa Menzangabom: A lawyer, Yanelisa offers crucial legal advice, ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting our intellectual property. -Njabulo Mbatha: As an innovator of our auto-mechanical taps, Njabulo’s expertise is vital to our mission of preventing water wastage.

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

https://web.facebook.com/hydrowize

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Hydrowize Solutions is committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by addressing water wastage in communal areas. Our innovative auto-mechanical taps automatically stop the flow of water when containers are full, conserving water and reducing wastage. This technology ensures efficient water use, particularly in underserved communities, helping to maintain water availability and sustainability. By promoting responsible water management , Hydrowize Solutions plays a crucial role in enhancing water security and supporting the health and well-being of communities.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Hydrowize Solutions contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting sustainable water management, which is crucial for climate resilience. Our auto-mechanical taps reduce water wastage, conserving this vital resource and lowering the energy consumption associated with water extraction, treatment, and distribution. Efficient water use helps mitigate the impacts of climate change, as less energy is needed for pumping and treating water, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By fostering sustainable practices and improving resource efficiency, Hydrowize Solutions supports efforts to combat climate change and its effects, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

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

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

6

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

3

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

3

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

4

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

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our product (the auto-mechanical tap) is an improvement of an already existing concept of supplying water through taps in rural areas or townships in South Africa. The difference with our tap is that it can automatically close itself, without the requirement of energy/power, as sensor taps used in cities do.It can also close itself (once the water container used is full) without intervention from a person. This is what promotes responsible water management in those taps. Water taps currently used to supply water in South African rural areas and townships cannot automatically close themselves, and this is how our project is innovative.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Hydrowize Solutions faces competition from established manufacturers like Isca Taps, Cobra Taps, and water tanker companies that supply water directly. Isca Taps and Cobra Taps are experienced industry veterans with advanced manufacturing technologies, while water tanker companies have longstanding relationships with water service authorities. Although we are a newer startup, our innovative auto-mechanical taps stand out by offering superior water and cost savings for our potential customers, exceeding the efficiency of current taps on the market. This unique advantage positions us to make a significant impact in water conservation and financial savings.

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

No