Morocco - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

ALGUNO converts marine algae into potent biostimulant fertilizers, promoting sustainable agriculture while conserving underwater biodiversity.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

ALGUNO is a pioneering startup focused on transforming marine algae into high-performance biostimulant fertilizers. Our innovative approach aims to address agricultural challenges such as soil degradation and water pollution caused by chemical fertilizers. By harnessing the natural properties of algae, we provide farmers with a sustainable solution that enhances soil fertility and promotes healthy plant growth. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and technological innovation sets us apart in the agricultural industry, positioning ALGUNO as a leader in the transition towards eco-friendly farming practices.

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

The main problem we are addressing is the detrimental impact of chemical fertilizers on soil health and water quality. Chemical fertilizers contribute to soil degradation, leading to reduced fertility and diminished crop yields. Moreover, their runoff can pollute water sources, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. ALGUNO's solution aims to mitigate these issues by providing farmers with an organic alternative that improves soil fertility and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

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

The major benefits of using ALGUNO's biostimulant fertilizer include: 1. Enhanced soil fertility: Our product enriches the soil with essential nutrients, organic matter, and beneficial microorganisms, leading to improved soil structure, nutrient availability, and overall fertility. 2. Environmental sustainability: Unlike chemical fertilizers, which can harm soil, water, and ecosystems, our biostimulant is derived from marine algae and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. It helps reduce reliance on synthetic inputs and minimizes environmental pollution and degradation. 3. Increased crop yields and quality: ALGUNO's biostimulant stimulates plant growth, root development, and nutrient uptake, resulting in higher crop yields, improved crop quality, and enhanced resistance to stressors such as drought and disease.

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

ALGUNO's biostimulant fertilizer is aimed at serving farmers, agricultural producers, and growers who seek sustainable solutions to improve soil health, enhance crop productivity, and promote environmental stewardship. Our targeted beneficiaries include smallholder farmers, commercial farms, nurseries, and greenhouse operators across various crops and regions.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-05-13

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

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.)

The co-founders of ALGUNO bring diverse expertise and experience to the team. Abdelilah Hammada, CEO and founder, has a background in agriculture and entrepreneurship, with extensive experience in project management. Mohamed Talha and Zakariae Benali, co-founders, have expertise in project development, with a focus on aquaculture and biotechnology. Additionally, Khadija Sbahou brings horticultural and landscape engineering skills, Soukaina Alazzouzi contributes expertise in agri-food and food safety, and Maha Boughardaien brings experience in social media marketing. Together, the team possesses a comprehensive skill set to drive ALGUNO's success.

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

alguno-maroc.com

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: bluetech

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

ALGUNO contributes to the goal of ending poverty by providing sustainable agricultural solutions that enhance soil fertility and increase agricultural productivity. By improving soil health and crop yields, our biostimulant fertilizer helps smallholder farmers generate higher incomes, thereby lifting them out of poverty. Additionally, our project creates employment opportunities in local communities, further contributing to poverty reduction.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

ALGUNO contributes to the Zero Hunger goal by promoting sustainable agriculture through the production of biostimulant fertilizers. Our products enhance soil fertility and crop yields, helping to increase food production and improve agricultural productivity. By providing farmers with effective and eco-friendly solutions, we support efforts to achieve food security and ensure access to nutritious food for communities, thus contributing to the goal of ending hunger.

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

I responded 'Strongly Agree' (7) because our startup directly addresses critical issues related to clean water and sanitation through the development of sustainable biofertilizers. By utilizing algoculture, we produce biofertilizers that enhance soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, which often contaminate water sources through runoff. Our algae-based solutions also contribute to bioremediation, helping to clean up pollutants from soil and water, thus improving water quality. Moreover, the sustainable nature of our products promotes long-term soil health and water conservation, supporting the availability of clean water and proper sanitation practices. This aligns with global efforts to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.

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 promotes the use of sustainable algoculture, which contributes to affordable and clean energy indirectly. Algae farming for biofertilizers is an energy-efficient process compared to traditional chemical fertilizer production, which is energy-intensive and relies heavily on fossil fuels. By reducing the dependency on chemical fertilizers, we lower the overall energy consumption in agriculture. Additionally, algae can be used to produce biofuels, offering a renewable energy source. Our commitment to sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprints aligns with global efforts to provide affordable and clean energy solutions.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

our startup significantly contributes to decent work and economic growth. By developing innovative biofertilizers, we create new job opportunities in research, development, and production within the sustainable agriculture sector. Our focus on sustainable practices promotes long-term agricultural productivity, benefiting farmers economically by improving crop yields and reducing costs associated with chemical fertilizers. Additionally, our commitment to environmentally friendly solutions supports the broader green economy, fostering economic growth while ensuring decent work conditions and promoting sustainable development goals.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

our startup drives industry innovation and infrastructure development. By introducing advanced biofertilizers derived from algoculture, we pioneer new agricultural technologies that enhance soil health and crop yields. Our innovative approach reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting a more sustainable agricultural infrastructure. Additionally, our research and development efforts contribute to advancements in biotechnological applications within agriculture, fostering an environment of continuous innovation. Our work supports the creation of resilient agricultural infrastructure, ensuring sustainable food production and contributing to the overall growth of the agricultural industry

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

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

our startup plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable cities and communities. By developing eco-friendly biofertilizers, we support urban agriculture initiatives, enhance green spaces, and improve local food production. Our sustainable practices reduce the environmental impact of traditional farming, promoting cleaner air and water in urban areas. Additionally, our focus on bioremediation helps rehabilitate contaminated sites, making them safer for community use. By fostering sustainable agricultural practices and improving local food systems, we contribute to the creation of healthier, more resilient urban communitie

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

because our startup significantly advances the goal of responsible consumption and production. Our biofertilizers are produced sustainably through algoculture, minimizing environmental impact and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. This promotes more responsible agricultural practices by enhancing soil health and increasing crop yields without depleting natural resources. Furthermore, our focus on bioremediation helps manage agricultural waste and pollutants, ensuring cleaner production processes. By encouraging the use of natural, renewable resources, we support a circular economy and promote responsible consumption patterns within the agricultural sector.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

our startup directly supports the climate action goal. Our biofertilizers, derived from sustainable algoculture, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Algae farming captures CO2, helping to mitigate climate change. Additionally, our practices improve soil health, enhancing its ability to sequester carbon. By promoting sustainable agricultural methods and reducing the environmental footprint of farming, we actively contribute to climate action and support efforts to limit global temperature rise.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

because our startup significantly contributes to the Life below water goal. Our biofertilizers are eco-friendly and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers, which often cause harmful runoff into aquatic ecosystems, leading to issues like eutrophication and dead zones. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, we help protect water quality and marine life. Additionally, our use of algae in biofertilizer production not only supports cleaner water but also contributes to marine health by providing a natural means of nutrient cycling and bioremediation. This helps preserve marine biodiversity and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

our startup makes a substantial contribution to the Life on Land goal. Our biofertilizers enhance soil health and promote sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the need for harmful chemical fertilizers that degrade soil quality and harm terrestrial ecosystems. By improving soil fertility naturally, we support biodiversity and create healthier habitats for various land-based species. Additionally, our algae-based products contribute to bioremediation, helping to clean contaminated soils and restore natural landscapes. Our commitment to sustainable farming ensures the protection and preservation of terrestrial ecosystems, fostering a more resilient and biodiverse environment.

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

because our startup contributes to the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions goal by promoting ethical business practices, transparency, and community engagement. We prioritize fair labor practices, ensuring decent work conditions and equitable treatment for all employees. By fostering partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, we build trust and encourage collaborative decision-making processes. Our commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management aligns with broader efforts to create fair and just systems. Furthermore, our focus on sustainable agriculture supports food security and stability, which are fundamental to peaceful and resilient communities. Through these practices, we contribute to building strong institutions and promoting justice within our sphere of influence.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

because our startup actively contributes to partnerships for the goal. We prioritize collaboration with various stakeholders, including agricultural organizations, research institutions, and local communities. By fostering partnerships, we leverage collective expertise and resources to address complex challenges in sustainable agriculture. These partnerships enable knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and capacity building, accelerating progress towards achieving our shared goals. Furthermore, by engaging in partnerships, we promote inclusivity and ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making processes, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and 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.

6

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.

5

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.

6

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

5

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 because it harnesses the power of algoculture to develop sustainable biofertilizers. Unlike traditional fertilizers, our products are derived from natural algae, offering a renewable and eco-friendly solution to enhance soil health and improve crop yields. This approach not only reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers but also promotes environmental sustainability by minimizing pollution and supporting biodiversity. By leveraging cutting-edge biotechnological methods, we are pioneering a new era of agricultural innovation that prioritizes both productivity and planet-conscious practices.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include companies producing conventional chemical fertilizers and those developing alternative organic or bio-based fertilizers. However, what sets us apart is our unique approach utilizing algoculture to produce sustainable biofertilizers. Unlike traditional fertilizers, our products are derived from natural algae, offering a renewable and eco-friendly solution that enhances soil health and crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. Our innovative technology allows us to harness the power of algae's nutrient-rich properties, providing farmers with a more effective and environmentally sustainable option for fertilization. Additionally, our commitment to research and development ensures that we stay at the forefront of agricultural innovation, continuously improving our products to meet the evolving needs of farmers and the environment.

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

I have integrated Femmal into my project, where I served as a team leader in Enactus. Additionally, I collaborated closely with the Vice team leader