Tunisia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Kumulus creates machines that turn air into fresh drinking water - Our machines make drinking water more accessible, more sustainable and more economical.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Kumulus offers an innovative solution for drinking water access by developing, manufacturing and operation atmospheric water generator machines that transforms air into fresh and mineralized drinking water. The Kumulus solution is a sustainable alternative to bottled water, and an autonomous smart solution for remote and rural areas. With a focus on B2B in hospitality, CSR, and any institutions that serve water to their collaborators, we offer Water as a Service using a hardware & software hybrid model, reducing plastic usage, CO2 emissions, and logistical challenges. Our technology, backed by patents and EU-certified water quality, ensures reliable and cost-effective access to clean water, while our solar-powered, IoT-enabled machines offer convenience and efficiency.

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

The global distribution of water is unfair. Numerous regions worldwide, particularly, face acute water scarcity and prolonged droughts. Additionally, water infrastructure is deteriorating, directly influencing the reliability of water supplies. Africa has been facing these issues for years, and now, Europe is today facing these same issues: countries like Spain, Italy, France, and Greece are experiencing rapid depletion of aquifers, water cuts and even contamination of its acquirers (PFAS, Pesticides,..). The impact of water scarcity is profound and multifaceted: populations are left without reliable access to tap water affecting their daily life, economic stability, and health. Consequently, many have turned to bottled water, an alternative that is not only environmentally damaging due to plastic waste but also costly and potentially harmful due to contaminants like microplastics. This shift imposes significant financial burdens on households and poses long-term health risks.

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

Kumulus covers benefits on the social and sustainable sides: 1. Access to Safe Drinking Water: Kumulus provides communities with access to safe drinking water using renewable energy sources like solar power. This addresses a critical global need, particularly in regions lacking reliable water infrastructure, thereby improving public health and well-being. 2. Environmental Sustainability: Our technology significantly reduces plastic waste by eliminating the need for bottled water. Each Kumulus machine can replace the consumption of 300 to 500 kilograms of plastic annually, contributing to cleaner environments and sustainable waste management practices. 3. Carbon Footprint Reduction: By decentralizing water production and eliminating the need for transportation and storage associated with bottled water, Kumulus reduces CO2 emissions. Each machine cuts approximately 2 tons of CO2 emissions annually, supporting efforts to combat climate change and promoting eco-friendly practices.

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

Kumulus is dedicated to addressing water scarcity, particularly in regions like MENA and soon, southern Europe, through a comprehensive approach. Firstly, we collaborate with NGOs and engage in CSR initiatives to deploy our machines in communities lacking access to clean water, such as schools and villages. We streamline funding processes and ensure efficient project execution to maximize impact. Furthermore, we partner with hospitality businesses, offices, and factories, enabling them to provide eco-friendly water to guests and employees. This initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also delivers significant long-term cost savings on water expenses. By targeting diverse segments of the population and addressing both ecological and economic concerns, Kumulus is actively working towards ensuring universal access to clean drinking water.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-10-12

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

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.)

Mohamed Ali Abid, as CTO, directs R&D and technical aspects at Kumulus, leveraging his engineering expertise and project management skills from leading large-scale renewable energy projects at Azolis and Aqylon. His technical acumen ensures the development of innovative water solutions. Iheb Triki, an ex-BCG consultant and former advisor to the Tunisian Minister of Energy, brings over 10 years of experience in renewable energies and extensive skills in financing and sales operations. At SWICORP, he co-led a sustainable infrastructure investment platform, overseeing projects worth over USD 1 billion and a USD 200 million PV project in Egypt. Iheb's strategic insight and industry knowledge drive Kumulus's financial sustainability and market expansion. Together, they form a dynamic team dedicated to deploying eco-friendly solutions that effectively address global water scarcity, positioning Kumulus at the forefront of the water technology sector.

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

https://kumuluswater.com/

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

N/A

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

N/A

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

Fresh and safely managed drinking water ensures that people in underserved communities do not deal with the risk of waterborne diseases when exposed to contaminated and badly treated water sources. Reducing disease rates and deaths in young children and toddlers.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

3

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

Kumulus puts water quality at the center of its offering: We provide fresh drinking water to remote areas with no access, and provide a healthier alternatives for hotels, companies, and factories that provide water to their guests and employees

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Innovation is at the heart of what Kumulus offers: we use technology backed by strong research and development to supply innovative drinking water solutions to multipe types of clients in the MENA region. Proprietary technology is being used in our machines to ensure more water production, better water quality, and a lower cost per liter.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

The machines provide water to areas with no previous access to water, bridging the gap between developed and underserved communities in terms of the right of access to clean water

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Kumulus machines are a sustainable alternative to bottled water, requiring no transportation and storage logistics, while also avoiding a lot of plastic and recycling efforts. Kumulus machines reduce CO2 emissions by up to 10 times compared to bottles. Each machine reduces up to 500kgs of plastic and 2 tons of CO2, contributing to more sustainable cities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

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

A more sustainable solution for drinking water: less plastic waste, less CO2 emissions, and better usage for underground and none-renewable water resources.

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

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

3

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Kumulus machines use condensation technology, and add layers of intelligent software and water filtration, to be able to provide fresh and clean drinking water. Our startup represents the first example of such an innovation in our country, and region overall. Our machines respond to the demand of renewable and sustainable water sources. With elevated water cuts and deteriorating quality due to an aging infrastructure, the decentralized model becomes a need in our daily lives.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Kumulus stands out in the atmospheric water generation market with several distinct advantages over both direct and indirect competitors. Unlike direct competitors like Source, which offers a lower production capacity of only 2-5 liters compared to Kumulus's 30 liters, and WaterGen, which primarily serves the U.S. market without specialized adaptations for arid environments, Kumulus machines are optimized for the challenging climates of the MENA region. Indirect competitors, such as bottled water companies and seawater desalination plants, not only have higher per liter costs but also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions from production through logistics. In contrast, Kumulus provides a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, enhancing water availability without the carbon footprint.

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