Tunisia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

AquaDeep is a Tunisian startup leveraging AI and IoT to enhance aquaculture productivity and sustainability. We provide innovative solutions for hatcheries to raise healthier fish while minimizing environmental impact.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

AquaDeep is the first tunisian based startup leveraging patented AI and IoT technologies to revolutionize aquaculture and the fish hatchery sector. Our mission is to enhance the productivity and sustainability of hatcheries and aquacultures. Supported by the FAO, our advanced data analytics and smart tools help fisheries optimize yields, manage costs efficiently, and reduce their ecological footprint. Our innovative solutions are user-friendly and cost-effective, ensuring healthier fish and more sustainable operations. Developed within Tunisia's largest hatchery, AquaDeep’s unique products are designed to meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), driving the industry towards a blue future​.

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

The main problem AquaDeep addresses is the lack of precise monitoring in hatcheries regarding the number of fish larvae present per tank post-hatching. This lack of visibility leads hatcheries to either overestimate or underestimate the larval count, resulting in high mortality rates, poor product quality, and a significant environmental footprint. By leveraging patented AI and IoT technologies, AquaDeep provides accurate, real-time data on larval counts, enabling hatcheries to optimize their feeding, management practices, and resource use. This not only improves the survival rates and quality of the fish but also reduces the overall environmental impact of aquaculture operations​

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

The main benefits of using AquaDeep's innovative aquaculture solutions are: Instant Data Generation: Our system provides real-time, accurate data on the number of fish larvae in each tank post-hatching, a critical piece of information that hatcheries previously lacked. This data allows for better management and decision-making, leading to optimized operations. Optimized Raising Parameters: With precise data, hatcheries can adjust raising parameters, such as feeding and oxygen levels, to match the actual needs of the larvae. This results in higher survival rates, reduced food and oxygen consumption, and overall more efficient resource utilization. Reduced Environmental Impact: By optimizing the aquaculture process and reducing waste, our system minimizes the environmental footprint of hatcheries. This leads to a lessened impact on surrounding fauna and flora, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly aquaculture practice

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

Hatchery Managers and Operators: These individuals will benefit from real-time data on fish larvae counts, enabling them to make informed decisions about feeding, oxygen levels, and other critical parameters. This helps in optimizing the rearing conditions, reducing mortality rates, and improving overall efficiency. Aquaculture Farms: Farms that raise fish for commercial purposes can use AquaDeep's technology to enhance their productivity and sustainability. By minimizing resource wastage and improving fish health, these farms can achieve better economic returns and reduce their environmental impact. Environmental Regulators and Sustainability Advocates: Organizations and individuals focused on promoting sustainable practices in aquaculture will find value in AquaDeep's solutions, which help in reducing the ecological footprint of fish farming operations, thereby contributing to environmental conservation efforts​

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-07-23

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.)

Our startup, AquaDeep, was co-founded by Mohamed Ali Chaambi and Youssef Chahed, who have been close friends since primary school. Mohamed Ali Chaambi holds a Master’s degree in Business Engineering and has significant experience as a headhunter in Lyon and Paris. He is responsible for customer acquisition and operations, leveraging his skills in client relations and strategic business development. Youssef Chahed is a double Master's degree holder in Finance and Audit. With extensive experience working at top firms like EY and KPMG, he manages our financial strategy and audit processes. His expertise ensures robust and transparent financial operations. Our team is highly complementary and cohesive, combining diverse skills and experiences to drive AquaDeep’s success. Together, we bring a strong foundation of business acumen, operational expertise, and financial oversight to our innovative aquaculture solutions.

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

https://aquadeep.com.tn/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

AquaDeep addresses the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty, by enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture, a vital industry for food security and economic development in many low-income regions. By providing hatcheries with accurate, real-time data on fish larvae counts through our patented AI and IoT technologies, AquaDeep helps to optimize resource use, reduce waste, and improve fish survival rates. This leads to increased productivity and profitability for aquaculture operations, which can translate into higher incomes for workers and local communities involved in the industry. Moreover, by minimizing environmental impact, AquaDeep promotes a sustainable approach that ensures long-term viability of aquaculture resources. This sustainability is crucial for the livelihoods of people who depend on aquaculture for their primary source of income. In regions where aquaculture is a key economic activity, improving the efficiency and sustainability.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

AquaDeep supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, by significantly improving the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture, a crucial source of food and nutrition globally. Our innovative AI and IoT technologies provide hatcheries with real-time, accurate data on fish larvae counts, enabling better management and optimization of resources. This leads to higher survival rates of fish, increased productivity, and ultimately more reliable and abundant fish supplies. By optimizing the feeding and rearing processes, AquaDeep reduces the wastage of food and other resources, ensuring that more fish reach maturity and can be harvested for consumption. This efficiency directly translates to higher yields and more stable food supplies, which are critical in combating hunger and ensuring food security, especially in regions heavily dependent on aquaculture. Furthermore, the sustainable practices promoted by AquaDeep help maintain the health of aquatic ecosystems,

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

4

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

Enhanced Nutrition: By improving the survival rates and quality of fish, AquaDeep helps ensure a steady supply of nutritious fish, which is a critical source of protein and essential nutrients for many communities. This contributes to better dietary health and reduced malnutrition. Environmental Health: Sustainable aquaculture practices promoted by AquaDeep reduce the environmental footprint of fish farming. This minimizes pollution and habitat destruction, contributing to cleaner water and healthier ecosystems, which are essential for overall human health and well-being. Economic Stability: By increasing the efficiency and profitability of aquaculture, AquaDeep supports the economic stability of communities reliant on fish farming. Economic stability is closely linked to improved access to healthcare, better living conditions, and overall well-being.

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

AquaDeep contributes to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that protect and conserve water resources. Here’s how AquaDeep’s technology supports this goal: 1. Reduced Pollution: By optimizing feeding and resource use through real-time data and AI, AquaDeep minimizes the excess feed and waste products that enter water bodies. This reduction in pollutants helps maintain cleaner water ecosystems, preventing eutrophication and protecting aquatic life. 2. Efficient Water Use: AquaDeep’s precise monitoring systems enable hatcheries to use water more efficiently, reducing the overall consumption and waste of this vital resource. Efficient water management is crucial for maintaining the quality and availability of clean water for other uses and communities. 3. Sustainable Practices: The sustainability focus of AquaDeep’s technologies ensures that aquaculture operations do not overexploit local water resources. By fostering responsible

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

3

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

3

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

AquaDeep significantly contributes to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through its cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices in aquaculture. Here’s how AquaDeep supports this goal: 1. Technological Innovation: AquaDeep leverages advanced AI and IoT technologies to revolutionize aquaculture. By providing real-time data and analytics, our solutions enhance the efficiency and productivity of hatcheries, setting a new standard for innovation in the industry. This technological edge fosters the growth of a modern, high-tech aquaculture sector. 2. Industry Development: By improving the operational efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture practices, AquaDeep supports the development of a more resilient and competitive industry. Our solutions help reduce costs, improve yields, and enhance product quality, driving economic growth and stability in the aquaculture sector.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

3

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

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

AquaDeep contributes significantly to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through its innovative aquaculture technology solutions. By providing accurate and automated counting systems for fish larvae and juveniles, AquaDeep helps aquaculture facilities optimize production efficiency and reduce waste. This supports responsible consumption by ensuring that resources such as feed and energy are used efficiently, minimizing environmental impact. AquaDeep's solutions also enhance production transparency and traceability, crucial for meeting sustainability goals in seafood supply chains. By promoting precision aquaculture practices, AquaDeep plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development in the aquaculture sector, aligning closely with SDG 12 objectives.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

AquaDeep addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action) by leveraging its advanced technology to enhance the resilience and sustainability of aquaculture operations. By providing accurate monitoring and management solutions for fish larvae and juveniles, AquaDeep helps aquaculture facilities optimize production efficiency, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions per unit of output. This contributes to mitigating climate change impacts by promoting more efficient resource use and reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture activities. Additionally, AquaDeep's technology supports climate resilience in aquaculture by improving data-driven decision-making, which helps mitigate risks associated with climate variability and extreme weather events. By facilitating sustainable practices in aquaculture, AquaDeep supports SDG 13's goal of combating climate change and its impacts.

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

AquaDeep contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through its innovative technologies that enhance the sustainability and conservation of marine life in aquaculture settings. By providing precise counting and monitoring solutions for fish larvae and juveniles, AquaDeep supports responsible aquaculture practices that minimize environmental impact on marine ecosystems. These technologies help to maintain biodiversity by ensuring that aquaculture operations do not adversely affect wild fish populations or their habitats. AquaDeep's commitment to sustainable aquaculture promotes the health and resilience of marine ecosystems, aligning with SDG 14's targets to conserve and sustainably use marine resources. Through its efforts, AquaDeep plays a crucial role in protecting and preserving life below water, contributing to the global effort to achieve SDG 14.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

2

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

AquaDeep actively contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaborations across the aquaculture industry and beyond. We engage in partnerships with aquaculture facilities, equipment manufacturers, and research institutions to integrate our AI-driven technologies. These collaborations aim to enhance operational efficiency, promote sustainable practices, and drive innovation in aquaculture. By participating in international forums and initiatives, AquaDeep shares knowledge and best practices, contributing to global efforts in sustainable development. Through capacity building and training programs, we empower local communities to adopt advanced technologies and practices, supporting inclusive and sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector. AquaDeep's commitment to partnerships aligns with SDG 17's objective of strengthening global partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals effectively.

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.

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

4

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

Our startup, AquaDeep, has developed an innovative product that stands out in the aquaculture industry: the first automated larva counter. This groundbreaking technology addresses a critical need in hatcheries by providing precise and real-time counts of fish larvae, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing mortality rates. Unlike existing solutions that focus on later stages of fish development, our larva counter is uniquely designed to monitor the earliest and most vulnerable stages, filling a crucial gap in the market. This innovation has been recognized internationally, earning us the prestigious FAO award for our pioneering work in aquaculture technology. Our product's impact and originality are further validated by securing both national and international patents, underscoring the novelty and technological advancement of our solution.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors in the aquaculture technology sector include XpertSea, Aquabyte, and Innovasea. While these companies offer various solutions for monitoring and managing aquaculture operations, AquaDeep stands out with our unique focus on the early stages of fish development. Unlike our competitors, AquaDeep has developed the first automated larva counter, which provides precise and real-time counts of fish larvae. This innovation addresses a critical need in hatcheries that other solutions do not adequately cover. Our technology significantly improves operational efficiency and reduces mortality rates by providing accurate data and insights for optimizing feeding and resource allocation from the earliest stages. Additionally, AquaDeep’s solutions are backed by both national and international patents, highlighting our commitment to innovation and technological advancement. Our recognition by the FAO for pioneering work in aquaculture further differentiates us.

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

n/a