Ghana - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

PlanetCare Ventures is a social enterprise that delivers climate smart renewable energy solutions to small-holder farmers and farmer cooperatives, SMEs, institutions and rural and peri-urban households to promote sustainable development.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

At our startup, we specialize in designing and installing smart solar water pumping systems integrated with IoT technology. Our innovative solution harnesses solar energy to efficiently pump water, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective water supply. With IoT integration, our systems offer remote monitoring and control, allowing users to manage water pumping operations from anywhere via a smartphone or computer. This feature enhances convenience, optimizes water usage, and reduces maintenance costs by providing real-time data and alerts. Our smart solar water pumping systems are ideal for agricultural, residential, and commercial applications, promoting eco-friendly practices and resource conservation.

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

The inefficiency and high costs of conventional water pumping technologies, especially in off-grid and isolated places, are the key issues that our climate-smart solar water pumping system aims to resolve. Conventional systems sometimes depend on fossil fuels or unstable electrical sources, which deteriorates the environment and results in uneven access to water. Small-holder farmers that also rely on seasonal rainfall get affect in the period of drought or the dry season, causing low crop yield, thus affecting their livelihoods. Our approach solves these problems by offering a solar-powered water pumping system that is dependable, affordable, and ecological. By enabling remote monitoring and control, guaranteeing optimal water usage, and lowering maintenance costs through real-time data and alarms, the incorporation of IoT technology further improves efficiency.

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

1. Our climate smart solar water pumping system solves the issues of low productivity and low crop yield since the technology enables farmers to farm all round year, thus enhancing food security. 2. The system is an Eco-friendly technology that emits no carbon, thus contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation. 3. The IoT sensors enables the technology to optimize and efficiently use water. thus preventing the wastage of water. 4. The incorporation of remote monitoring allow users to monitor and operate the pump from anywhere, enhancing convenience and ensuring efficient water management. 5. Our Technology ensures a consistent and dependable water supply particularly in remote areas where electricity access is limited.

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

1. Small-holder farmers and farmer cooperatives can uses our solutions to ensure a reliable and cost effective water supply for irrigation, enhancing crop yields and promoting sustainable farming practices. 2. Rural and Off-Grid communities without access to reliable water can benefit from a dependable water supply for drinking, sanitation, and agricultural purposes, improving overall quality of life and economic opportunities. 3. Individuals and households looking to reduce their energy costs and environmental footprint can use our system for garden irrigation, domestic water supply, and other residential needs. 4.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-01-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

I am a renewable energy and biodiversity enthusiast with approximately five years of experience in natural resource and sustainable energy management. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Renewable Energy Engineering, specializing in solar, biomass, and water resource management. Currently, I serve as a Senior Programs Officer and head of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency department at an NGO. In my role, I have led several impactful projects, including coordinating a "willingness to pay" study for electric pressure cookers and ethanol cookstoves. I also manage a community-based renewable energy entrepreneurship training program. My hands-on experience includes overseeing numerous solar installation projects and clean stove production initiatives. Additionally, I teach various professional courses in renewable energy, sharing my expertise and passion with others in the field.

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/profile.php?id=61561157641752

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

By offering reasonably priced and environmentally friendly water pumping solutions that strengthen communities and enhance livelihoods, our firm helps achieve the Zero Poverty goal. Our systems enable farmers to boost agricultural output and income by reducing their operating expenses through the utilization of solar energy and Internet of Things technology. Particularly in rural and off-grid locations, reliable access to water promotes food security, improves health, and cuts down on the time and effort required for water collection. This encourages sustainable development, opens up economic opportunities, and aids in bringing people out of poverty both individually and collectively.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup plays a crucial role in achieving Zero Hunger by providing innovative solar water pumping systems that enhance agricultural productivity and food security. By offering a reliable and cost-effective water supply for irrigation, our technology enables farmers to cultivate more crops and increase yields, even in regions with limited or inconsistent water access. This promotes year-round farming, diversifies crop production, and supports sustainable agriculture practices. As a result, our solution helps reduce hunger and malnutrition, ensuring that communities have access to sufficient, nutritious food, ultimately contributing to global food security and resilience.

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

6

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

Our firm promotes good health and well-being by supplying clean, dependable water using solar-powered pumping devices. Access to safe water is critical for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene, as it reduces waterborne infections and improves general health. Our solutions offer a steady supply of water, particularly in rural and off-grid regions, improving living conditions and promoting community well-being. By lowering reliance on fossil fuels, our environmentally friendly approach improves air quality and reduces pollution-related health concerns. Thus, our technology helps to create healthier, more resilient communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our startup supports Quality Education by ensuring schools and educational institutions have reliable access to water through our solar water pumping systems. Access to clean water is essential for maintaining hygiene and sanitation facilities, which helps create a healthier learning environment and reduces absenteeism due to waterborne diseases. Additionally, by alleviating the burden of water collection, especially in rural areas, children particularly girls can spend more time attending school and focusing on their studies. Furthermore, our technology can serve as an educational tool to teach students about renewable energy, sustainability, and innovative water management practices, enriching their learning experience and promoting environmental awareness.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our startup advances Gender Equality by reducing the time and effort women and girls typically spend on water collection, a task that disproportionately affects them, especially in rural and off-grid areas. By providing reliable and efficient solar water pumping systems, we free up their time for education, employment, and other productive activities, fostering economic and personal development. Additionally, improved access to water supports better hygiene and sanitation, which is particularly important for women's health. By promoting gender-balanced opportunities and reducing the burden of water-related chores, our solution contributes to greater equality and empowerment for women and girls.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Our firm is helping to advance Clean Water and Sanitation by developing unique solar water pumping devices that ensure a consistent and sustainable water supply. Our solar-powered devices provide an eco-friendly alternative to water access, lowering reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental effect. This continuous water supply facilitates the installation and maintenance of clean, safe sanitation facilities, which are critical for preventing waterborne infections and boosting public health. Our technique is especially useful in distant and off-grid locations, increasing water supply for drinking, hygiene, and agricultural purposes, resulting in better living circumstances and well-being.

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

Our startup contributes to Affordable and Clean Energy by providing solar-powered water pumping systems. Solar energy is abundant, renewable, and clean, making it an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources. By harnessing solar power for water pumping, we reduce operating costs for our customers, making clean energy more accessible and affordable, particularly in off-grid and rural areas where electricity access is limited. Additionally, our technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution associated with diesel or grid electricity-powered pumps, thereby promoting cleaner energy use and mitigating climate change. By offering affordable and clean energy solutions, we contribute to sustainable development and a greener future.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

1. Empowering Farmers: By providing reliable water access for irrigation, we enable farmers to increase productivity, leading to higher incomes and economic growth in agricultural communities. 2.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

1. We integrate solar energy and IoT technology into water pumping systems, offering a sustainable and efficient solution that advances industry standards. 2.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

1. We ensure that communities, regardless of location or income level, have access to reliable water pumping systems powered by solar energy, reducing disparities in water access. 2.

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

1. Our systems contribute to building resilient infrastructure by providing reliable water access, particularly in areas prone to water scarcity or unreliable electricity supply. 2. We help cities and communities manage water resources sustainably by providing efficient and renewable water pumping systems, reducing strain on traditional water sources. 3.

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

1. By optimizing water usage through precise irrigation and efficient pumping, we help reduce water waste, promoting responsible water consumption in agriculture and beyond. 2.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

1. We harness solar energy to power our water pumping systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, thus combating climate change. 2. y using solar power instead of diesel or grid electricity, we significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with water pumping, contributing to climate mitigation efforts. 3.

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

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

We have partnered and liased with local NGOs and civil society organizations to create awareness and promote the adoption of sustainable energy and reach out to underserved communities, ensuring that our solar water pumping technology benefits those most in need and supports broader social goals. By working with government agencies, we align our projects with national development plans, receive regulatory support, and contribute to public infrastructure initiatives, thereby enhancing the scale and effectiveness of our efforts. We also engage with local communities to ensure that our solutions are tailored to their specific needs, fosters local ownership of projects, and enhances the sustainability of our initiatives.

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

4

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

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

6

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

1. Our solution has sensors attached to it to regulate water levels and avoid wastages. 2. The system can be operated using an app to enable remote pumping. 3. The "installment payment" and "pay as you go" eliminate the high initial cost of installation, thus allowing more people to patronize it. 4. It is an automated system that requires less operation.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

There are various solar water pumping competitors such as PEG solar, DENG, Solar Enablers but what makes us stand out is our ability to organize community empowerment programs to enable farmer groups and local individual understand the benefit of using sustainable technologies. Aside installations, we also do our best to offer education on agronomic inputs and potential market linkages for the small-holder farmers.

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

With the help of an NGO, we were able to organize a training and a capacity building program to empower women and youth to become climate champion and influence other women with that space. We also embarked on a hands -on solar training where a lot of young women in my community were involve. The purpose of that was to enable the women understand the technical aspect of the training