Zimbabwe - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Everlasting Technology provides innovative, solar-powered cooking solutions to underserved rural communities in Zimbabwe. Our flagship product, the Solar Ecostove, reduces reliance on traditional biomass fuels, mitigates deforestation, and improves health

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Everlasting Technology is a social enterprise committed to revolutionizing energy access in off-grid rural communities in Zimbabwe. Our flagship product, the Solar Ecostove, integrates solar power with advanced energy storage to provide a clean, efficient, and safe cooking alternative to traditional biomass fuels. This innovative solution addresses critical issues such as deforestation, household air pollution, and health problems caused by traditional cooking methods. By offering a sustainable and affordable cooking solution, we aim to improve the quality of life for rural households, reduce environmental impact, and create economic opportunities through local production and maintenance. Our comprehensive approach includes community outreach, training programs, and strategic partnerships with NGOs, government agencies, and private sector entities to ensure successful implementation and scalability.

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

The main problem Everlasting Technology aims to solve is the widespread reliance on traditional biomass fuels for cooking in rural off-grid communities in Zimbabwe. This reliance leads to severe deforestation, contributing to environmental degradation and climate change. Additionally, traditional cooking methods produce significant household air pollution, causing respiratory diseases and premature deaths. Women and children are particularly affected, as they spend considerable time collecting firewood and are exposed to harmful smoke daily. The economic burden of purchasing alternative fuels, like propane, is also substantial for low-income households. Our Solar Ecostove project addresses these issues by providing a clean, efficient, and affordable cooking solution that reduces deforestation, improves health outcomes, and alleviates economic strain.

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

The Solar Ecostove provided by Everlasting Technology offers several major benefits and advantages: First, it promotes environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on traditional biomass fuels. This significantly decreases deforestation rates and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to environmental conservation and helping mitigate the effects of climate change. By utilizing solar energy, the Solar Ecostove offers a renewable and clean energy source that supports long-term ecological balance. Second, the Solar Ecostove leads to substantial health improvements. Traditional cooking methods using firewood produce harmful smoke, leading to household air pollution and respiratory diseases. Women and children, who spend the most time near cooking fires, are particularly vulnerable. The Solar Ecostove eliminates the need for firewood, thereby reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.

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

Everlasting Technology’s Solar Ecostove is aimed at serving rural off-grid communities in Zimbabwe, particularly those who rely on traditional biomass fuels for cooking. The primary beneficiaries are low-income households that face economic, health, and environmental challenges due to their reliance on firewood and other biomass fuels. Within these households, women and children are the most affected, as they spend significant time collecting firewood and are exposed to harmful smoke from traditional cooking methods. Our targeted beneficiaries also include smallholder farmers and peri-urban communities who struggle with access to clean and affordable cooking solutions. Additionally, local entrepreneurs and technicians benefit from the economic opportunities created through the production, distribution, and maintenance of the Solar Ecostove. By providing a clean, efficient, and cost-effective cooking solution, we aim to improve the quality of life for these communities, reduce health r

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-10-08

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.)

na

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

https://everlastingtech.co/

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

The Solar Ecostove helps reduce poverty by lowering household expenses on cooking fuels and creating job opportunities through local production, distribution, and maintenance. This economic empowerment supports financial stability and poverty alleviation in rural communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By providing a reliable and efficient cooking solution, the Solar Ecostove ensures that households can cook food more efficiently and safely. This contributes to food security, especially in areas where traditional cooking methods are unreliable or inadequate.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

The Solar Ecostove significantly reduces household air pollution, which is a major cause of respiratory diseases. By eliminating the use of firewood and other biomass fuels, it improves indoor air quality and enhances the health and well-being of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

While not directly impacting education, the improved health and economic conditions provided by the Solar Ecostove can lead to better school attendance and performance among children, as they spend less time collecting firewood and more time on their studies.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

The Solar Ecostove directly benefits women and girls who are traditionally responsible for cooking and collecting firewood. By reducing their workload and exposure to harmful smoke, it promotes gender equality and empowers women to engage in other productive activities.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

While the primary focus is not on water and sanitation, the reduction in deforestation and environmental degradation can contribute to better water quality and availability in the long term.

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

The Solar Ecostove provides an affordable, clean, and renewable energy solution for cooking. It reduces reliance on traditional biomass fuels, supports sustainable energy access, and aligns with global efforts to transition to renewable energy sources.

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

The project creates job opportunities in the local production, distribution, and maintenance of Solar Ecostoves. It supports economic growth by empowering local entrepreneurs and technicians, contributing to decent work and sustainable economic development.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

The development and deployment of the Solar Ecostove demonstrate innovation in clean energy technology. The project contributes to building sustainable infrastructure and promotes industrial development through local manufacturing.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

By providing affordable and sustainable cooking solutions to underserved communities, the Solar Ecostove helps reduce inequalities in energy access and economic opportunities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

The project supports sustainable living in rural and peri-urban communities by providing clean cooking solutions and reducing environmental degradation, contributing to more resilient and sustainable communities.

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

The Solar Ecostove promotes responsible consumption by reducing reliance on non-renewable biomass fuels. It encourages sustainable production practices through local manufacturing and the use of renewable energy.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The Solar Ecostove significantly reduces carbon emissions by replacing traditional biomass fuels with solar energy. It contributes to climate change mitigation efforts and aligns with global climate action goals.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

While the primary focus is not on marine environments, the reduction in deforestation and pollution can indirectly benefit water bodies and aquatic life.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

The project helps preserve terrestrial ecosystems by reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable land use. It supports biodiversity and the health of forest ecosystems.

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

The Solar Ecostove project does not directly address issues of peace and justice. However, the economic stability and improved quality of life it provides can contribute to more stable and just communities.

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

The success of the Solar Ecostove project relies on strong partnerships with local NGOs, government agencies, private sector entities, and international donors. These collaborations are essential for scaling impact and achieving sustainable development goals.

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.

6

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.

4

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.

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

The Solar Ecostove by Everlasting Technology is an innovative solution in the clean energy sector. Unlike traditional biomass stoves, it integrates solar power with advanced energy storage, providing a clean, efficient, and sustainable cooking alternative. While clean cooking solutions exist, our product uniquely combines affordability, efficiency, and environmental benefits, addressing a critical need in underserved communities. It leverages new technology, including AI and IoT, to optimize performance and user experience, making it a significant improvement over existing products. This innovation fills a gap in the market by offering a practical, scalable solution for clean cooking that has not been fully satisfied by other products.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors include companies providing traditional biomass stoves, LPG stoves, and other solar cookers. What sets Everlasting Technology apart is our holistic approach to sustainable cooking. The Solar Ecostove is not just a cooking device but part of an integrated system that includes community engagement, training, and local production. Our focus on using AI and IoT for enhanced efficiency and user experience further differentiates us. Additionally, our commitment to affordability and accessibility, along with strong partnerships with local NGOs and governments, positions us uniquely in the market to effectively meet the needs of rural, off-grid communities.

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