Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Sunify Solardry Technology is a startup that offers mechanical grain and seed drying services using solar-powered mobile dryers to farmers, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and improve grain quality, while empowering smallholder farmers and aggregator

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Sunify Solardry Technology offers mechanical grain and seed drying services using mobile solar-powered dryers to farmers and aggregators in Ghana which takes a shorter period of Time (2-7 hours) as compared to the traditional (3to 21 days). This innovative solution includes mobile drying unit which harness the abundant African sunlight, capacity building, quality control, and extension services. This approach extends the impact mainly focusing on SDG goals 2,7, 8, 12 and 13, reaching more small and medium holder farmers, improving grain quality, and reducing post-harvest losses, ultimately enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in Ghana. By combining technology, sustainability, and mobility, Sunify empowers smallholder farmers and aggregators to boost productivity, income, and food security. We also assist these farmers and aggregators in obtaining buyers for their grains at reasonable prices to enhance their income.

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

High post harvest losses(molding) in grains amongst small and medium holder farmers and aggregators in sub Saharan Africa, specifically Ghana, during drying which affects quality, Income and sales. FOOD SECURITY: SOLAR DRYERS AND EFFECTIVE FOOD PRESERVATION(March 2023)

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

1. Reduced post-harvest losses:Sunify's drying services help prevent spoilage and decay, preserving grains and seeds for longer. 2. Improved grain quality: Sunify's mechanical and solar drying solutions ensure grains meet international quality standards, increasing their market value. 3. Increased income: By reducing losses and improving quality, farmers can command higher prices for their produce, boosting their income and economic growth. 4.Mitigated climate change impacts: By reducing food waste and promoting sustainable agriculture practices, Sunify's services help mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture, supporting farmers' resilience and adaptation.

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

1. Smallholder farmers:Small-scale farmers who produce grains and seeds, and need access to efficient and sustainable drying solutions to improve their yields and incomes. 2. Aggregators: Businesses or organizations that collect and process grains and seeds from smallholder farmers, and need reliable drying solutions to meet international quality standards. 3. Rural communities: Communities living in rural areas where agriculture is a significant source of livelihood, and who benefit from improved food security and economic growth. 4. Women farmers: Women who are engaged in agriculture and need access to gender-appropriate technologies and training to improve their productivity and empowerment.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-02-19

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

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.Vanessa Ivy Dodoo Chief Financial Officer Background in accounting, agribusiness, and finance Email: Vanessaivy7@gmail.com 2. Zakaria Salifu Chief Marketing Officer 2 years Experience in Logistics management at Energieriche Email: Salifuzakaria173@gmail.com 3.Paul Malik Abavana Chief Technical Officer Background in Electrical and mechanical engineering. Email: abavana11@gmail.com

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

Sunifysolardry.com

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

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Sunify's drying solutions help farmers preserve their harvests, reducing losses due to spoilage and decay. This means farmers can sell more of their produce, increasing their incomes. Secondly, by reducing losses and improving grain quality, farmers can command higher prices for their produce. This leads to increased incomes, helping farmers escape poverty.Increasing incomes and promoting economic growth will help reduce poverty among smallholder farmers, their families, and rural communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Sunify's drying solutions reduce post-harvest losses, preserving grains and seeds for longer.Reduced food waste means more food is available for consumption, reducing hunger and malnutrition. Improved grain quality and increased yields contribute to increased food availability. Sunify's services support sustainable agriculture practices, promoting productive and resilient agricultural systems.

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

Sunify Solardry Technology contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by improving grain quality and reducing food waste, which leads to more nutritious food and reduced malnutrition. This is important because nutritious food is essential for good health, and malnutrition can lead to a range of health problems. Practicing improper drying techniques lead to the growth of molds and mycotoxins in the grains and seeds. By supporting sustainable agriculture practices, Sunify promotes healthy food systems and reduces the burden of malnutrition. Finally, by reducing physical labor and improving incomes for farmers, Sunify enables farmers to access better healthcare services, improving their overall health and well-being. This is significant because farmers are often the backbone of rural communities, and their health and well-being are critical to the well-being of the entire community.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Sunify Solardry Technology promotes gender equality by empowering women farmers through technology, training, and economic opportunities, reducing discrimination and bridging the gender gap. This enables women to gain economic independence, make informed decisions, and inspire future generations, creating a more equitable society where women and girls can thrive.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Sunify Solardry Technology supports this goal by using solar power to dry agricultural products, reducing the need for fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions. This innovative solution increases access to clean energy, promotes sustainable agriculture practices, and contributes to a more environmentally friendly future. By addressing energy poverty and promoting renewable energy, Sunify helps achieve SDG 7 and creates a better future for all.

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

Sunify Solardry Technology supports this goal by creating jobs in renewable energy and agriculture, fostering sustainable economic growth through innovation, improving agricultural productivity and efficiency, and reducing poverty by increasing access to clean energy and sustainable livelihoods. By addressing these aspects, Sunify contributes to a more prosperous and inclusive future, where people have access to decent work, economic opportunities, and a better quality of life. This goal is crucial for building a more equitable and sustainable world, and Sunify's innovative technology plays a vital role in achieving it. Sunify's solution helps to create a positive impact on the economy, society, and the environment, leading to a more sustainable future for all.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Sunify Solardry Technology supports this goal by developing clean energy solutions, improving agricultural productivity, and fostering sustainable industrialization. By achieving SDG 9, we can build a more prosperous and sustainable future, where innovation and infrastructure drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and support sustainable development. This goal is crucial for creating a more equitable and environmentally conscious world, where technology and infrastructure serve the needs of all people and the planet.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Sunify's innovative technology helps achieve this goal by providing clean energy access, promoting inclusive economic growth, and addressing disparities in resources and opportunities. While there may be challenges in implementing these solutions, such as initial high costs and limited access to technology, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. By reducing inequalities, we can build a more just and equitable society, where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive, despite lingering disparities and ongoing efforts needed to address deeply ingrained social and economic barriers.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

SDG 11 strives to revolutionize urban landscapes into sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous hubs, and Sunify's cutting-edge technology is instrumental in driving this transformation. By harnessing clean energy and innovative urban planning, we can create resilient cities that offer a exceptional quality of life for all, paving the way for a brighter future. This goal is essential for tackling the complexities of urbanization, combating climate change, and securing a thriving and sustainable future for generations to come.

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

SDG 12 seeks to revolutionize the way resources are consumed and produced, drastically reducing waste and pollution. Sunify's groundbreaking technology plays a vital role in this transformation, fostering sustainable agriculture, minimizing food waste, and promoting resource efficiency. By achieving this goal, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact, embrace sustainable living, and safeguard a thriving planet for generations to come.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

SDG 13: Climate Action is a critical mission to combat the climate crisis by slashing emissions, driving sustainable development, and bolstering resilience. Sunify's innovative technology is a key player in this quest, offering clean energy solutions, sustainable agriculture practices, and climate resilience strategies. By achieving SDG 13, we can avert the catastrophic consequences of climate change, shield vulnerable communities, and secure a thriving future for all.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Life on Land aims to preserve and restore the natural world, including forests, wetlands, and wildlife, by promoting sustainable use and management of terrestrial ecosystems. Sunify's technology supports this goal by enabling sustainable agriculture practices, reducing post-harvest losses through innovative drying technologies, and promoting eco-friendly land use planning. By achieving SDG 15, we can minimize food waste, reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, and preserve the natural resources that sustain all life on Earth, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future.

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

4

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

Sunify Solardry technology has currently collaborated with Kosmos innovation, center and other organizations that would help achieve the goal of reducing post losses in greens, increasing income for farmers and indirectly improving the health of consumers.

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.

4

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

6

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

5

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

3

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

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

In Ghana, mechanical drying is known by a few people. This is because drying in Ghana from ages has been done by the traditional method, which is with direct sunlight. This takes about 3 to 21 days, depending on the current weather condition during which the products are dried, this increases mycotoxins, as well as the growth of mold in these grains. Mechanical mobile dryers are found here in Ghana, but they do have some problems. Firstly, these washing are static making it quiet on assessable for these farmers to patronize. Unlike theirs, Sunify’s machines are mobile and more assessable. Using the same traditional energy which is the solar for the drying, makes it like expensive for these farmers to patronize which takes about 2 to 7 hours depending on the grain moisture, type of grain, and the quantity. Our company has produced the IP to these machines which are locally built

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Sahel grain, pen food bank and the direct sunlight. We outweigh these competitors ( first 2 ) in terms of mobility, making us more or easily assessable, energy source where we use solar energy as they use electricity, and with direct sunlight, the number of days used in drying

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

Introducing them to platforms for self development as well as business development