Cameroon - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

WiseCool is solving the problem of limited access to quality healthcare in rural communities by providing Solar Powered IoT Cold Storage Units that extends the shelf life of temperature sensitive drugs, ensuring continuous access to essential medications.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

WiseCool is an innovative project pioneered by DeWise Energy to solve the problem of limited access to healthcare delivery in rural communities in Cameroon by providing sustainable and reliable solar-powered IoT refrigeration storage units that extends the shelf life of essential drugs from a single day to over 365 days, ensuring continuous access to medications and vital healthcare resources for rural communities. Equipped with IoT sensors, WiseCool ensures real time tracking of temperatures, humidity and energy consumption ensuring efficiency which reduces carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional air conditioning systems. WiseCool thus contributes to climate change mitigation efforts while ensuring quality healthcare. A subscription-based model where health centers pay a recurring fee covering the cost of equipment, installation, maintenance, and ongoing support to access the refrigeration systems enables DeWise Energy to generate revenue to sustain WiseCool project.

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

Cameroon, a country located in Central Africa with a population of about 26 million people faces several challenges in providing quality health care to its citizens, especially in rural areas where access to electricity is limited and unreliable. The lack of reliable electricity limits the ability of health centers to provide vital medications such as vaccines, insulin, and antibiotics, which require constant refrigeration of 2oC and 8oC to maintain their potency and safety. According to the World Health Organization, about 50% of vaccines are wasted globally every year, partly due to lack of temperature control which leads to high mortality rates and increased healthcare cost. The current solutions for cold storage, such as diesel generators are costly and environmentally unfriendly. Hence there is a need for an innovative and scalable solution that can provide sustainable storage for temperature sensitive drugs in rural communities which makes the WiseCool project a necessity.

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

1. Environmental Impact Reduce reliance on fossil fuel-powered refrigeration, leading to lower carbon emissions and environmental preservation. WiseCool also promotes the adoption of renewable energy solutions in healthcare infrastructure, contributing to sustainability efforts. 2. Social Impact: WiseCool improves healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities by ensuring the availability of essential medications and empower local healthcare providers with reliable and sustainable refrigeration solutions, enhancing their capacity to serve their communities. 3. Economic Impact: WiseCool creates employment opportunities through training of youths in the installation, management and maintenance of IoT Solar Powered Refrigeration systems. This project further reduces healthcare costs associated with medication spoilage and wastage, leading to potential savings for healthcare providers and patients.

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

WiseCool Project is targeting rural health centers without access to electricity. By providing sustainable cold storage solutions that extends the shelf life of temperature sensitive drugs, WiseCool aims to improve access to health care delivery in rural communities across Cameroon. WiseCool also targets youths in Cameroon who are passionate about the transition to clean energy and climate justice. By providing training to local youths prior to the implementation of WiseCool, DeWise cultivates a future generation of climate champions who are informed and empowered to actively shape a sustainable future. Lastly, WiseCool targets non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and aid agencies operating in the healthcare sector seeking to transition to clean energy sources. Through partnerships with this organizations, DeWise aims to create a multiplied impact in leveraging clean energy to address healthcare problems in rural communities in Cameroon.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-06-18

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

1. Teh Triumph Kia | BSc Computer Science & Mathematic | Dartmouth College Role: Co-Founder | Technology and Digital Platforms Manager Experience: - Design, Develop and manages online platforms for training delivery, mentorship programs, - Explores innovative technologies to enhance the effectiveness and reach of DeWise Energy's programs. Skills: Coding with Java, python, typescript and html, Data Analysis expert 2. Ngoran Desmond Randze | MSc. Energy Systems | University of Buea Role: Chief Energy Engineer Experience: Conduct feasibility studies, system design, expertise on regulatory compliance, and project management for clean energy projects. Skills: project Management, clean energy expert, climate change advocate, tutoring 3. Koumayeb Anushka | Medical Student | American University of Beirut Role: Programs Officer Experience: Provide medical expertise, user research and needs assessment, and technical insights on the design. Skills: Research, public health expert, Tutoring

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

https://www.dewise-energy.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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

The digital learning management system developed by DeWise Energy to empower local youths with the skills and the knowledge to install, manage and maintain clean energy systems contributes to employment in the clean energy sector, reducing poverty. Prior to the installation of a solar powered cold storage unit, DeWise Energy runs a clean energy bootcamp to empower local youths to collaborate with engineers from DeWise Energy and healthcare workers to design and install a sustainable cold storage unit for their community. Investment in youth capacity building in clean energy technologies unlocks the potential of this population and equip them with the necessary skills to drive energy transition while generating income for themselves, reducing the poverty gap.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Though manufactured for health centers, the WiseCool is built with IoT sensors which can regulate temperatures of the cold storage unit to store perishable food products such as tomatoes, pepper, fresh meat, and fish among others. This storage unit can extend the shelf life of this perishable products for several weeks leading to for food security and zero hunger in rural communities experiencing food crises due limited access to sustainable cold storage units.

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

WiseCool directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Quality Health) by ensuring continued access to vital medications for rural community in Cameroon. By providing an uninterrupted power supply cold storage unit, WiseCool ensures that essential temperature sensitive drugs are properly preserved, increasing their availability in health centers. This enables health centers to provide timely and quality treatment to underserved populations. Continuous access to vaccines protects children and women from preventable diseases leading to quality health for underserved communities and a reduction in mortality rates.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

WiseCool project contributes enormously to SDG 4 which aims to provide Quality education for all. The digital learning management system developed by DeWise to empower youths with the knowledge and skills to lead the clean energy revolution in Cameroon contributes to quality and accessible education for youths passionate about environmental education. In providing Cameroonian youths with a suitable platform to horn their skills in the design, management and maintenance of clean energy technologies, these youths are empowered and collaborate with local engineers and healthcare providers to design sustainable cold storage unit for their respective communities. With over 1000 youths already enrolled in DeWise digital learning platform, we envision empowering 10,000 climate change activists in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 with the knowledge and tools needed to drive energy democracy in their respective communities contributing to quality education which is the vision of SDG 4.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

The Learning Management System developed by DeWise Energy provides comprehensive training to both girls and boys enabling everyone to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to drive the transition to clean energy. By providing scholarships for female energy enthusiasts from rural communities through our partnership with Open Dreams educational organization, DeWise bridges the gender gap in the energy sector and fosters a holistic approach towards the transition to clean energy and climate justice.

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

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

WiseCool project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particular SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy for All) by promoting the use of renewable energy in the healthcare infrastructure. By providing solar powered IoT cold storage units in rural communities, WiseCool significantly contribute to movement toward zero carbon future and accessible energy for all. In harnessing abundant solar energy potentials of Cameroon to provide sustainable solutions for storage of temperature sensitive drugs in rural communities WiseCool reduces dependence on traditional diesel generators and kerosene lamps which are pollutants that greatly contribute to the greenhouse gas effects.

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

WiseCool directly contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth which aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8. The remote monitoring and management capabilities of the IoT enabled systems will empower healthcare workers to effectively manage their supplies and inventory. This boosts their confidence and ability to provide quality health care to underserved communities improving job satisfaction. By empowering local healthcare workers to adapt to advances in technology, SolarCool contributes significantly to the vision of SDG 8.

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

WiseCool contributes enormously to Sustianble Development Goal 9. The digital platform developed by DeWise Energy to provide training, mentorship, and online resources to equip youths with skills to drive energy transition and climate justice fosters innovation and creativity. By allowing our trainees to work with local engineers and healthcare providers to design a sustainable cold storage unit for their respective communities, DeWise Energy fosters creativity and innovation. With over 1000 youths signed up to our digital platform, we envision empowering 10,000 climate change activists and energy leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 with the knowledge and tools needed to drive energy transition in their respective communities contributing which aligns with the vision of SDG 9.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

WiseCool project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10 (Reduced inequalities). By reducing the urban-rural divide in healthcare access in Cameroon WiseCool contributes to more equitable and inclusive healthcare delivery, benefiting marginalized communities which are off-grid. In reaching out to rural communities and reducing inequalities in the healthcare infrastructure, WiseCool directly contributes to the vision of SDG 10

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

WiseCool contributes to the vision of sustainable development goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By providing sustainable cold storage units that improve access to healthcare while mitigating the devastating impacts of carbon emissions from traditional fossil fuel energy, DeWise contributes to building sustainable communities which aligns with the vision of sustainable development goal 11 of sustainable communities.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

WiseCool contributes greatly to sustainable development goal 13 (Climate Action) by reducing Carbon Emissions from fossil fuel powered generators. SolarCool eliminates the need for fossil fuel powered generators to provide lighting and cold storage for health centers which not only endangers the health of the local populations but also contributes to climate change. By replacing these unsustainable and un-environmentally friendly energy solutions with the eco-friendly WiseCool, this initiative contributes to a significant reeducation in greenhouse emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4) contributing to climate mitigation efforts in Cameroon.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

WiseCool will reduce waste and environmental pollution. By extending the shelf life of drugs, WiseCool helps minimize spoilage and wastage of medications. This reduces the environmental impact of the disposal of these drugs which sometimes contain chemicals that are dangerous to the natural environment. Reduced waste and pollution will maintain natural balance of ecosystems in Cameroon contributing to overall environmental sustainability.

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

DeWise Partners with Open Dreams, a community-based organization that provides access to educational opportunities to high-achieving low-income students in Cameroon. Through this partnership, DeWise offers scholarship to young girls from rural communities enthusiastic about clean energy and climate justice to access our courses for free. The open dreams center in in turn provides space for DeWise onsite capacity building programs which equip the participants with hands-on experience in clean energy and climate justice. DeWise also has a solid partnership with Mboa Hub, a maker space powered by Greenpeace. This partnership provides DeWise with experts in clean energy and climate justice which enables us to develop sophisticated solutions that address the climate change in Cameroon. DeWise also partners with Skaleway, a tech company that develops digital solutions for local businesses. Skaleway, works with DeWise to develop IoT systems for our solar powered cold storage.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

The innovation of SolarCool lies in the following abilities: Remote monitoring ensures continuous access to vital medications: SolarCool equipped with a suite of IoT sensors automatically monitors critical parameters such as temperature, humidity and power supply, optimizing performance. This improves the shelf life of drugs ensuring continued access to medications. Reduction in carbon emissions by 50%: SolarCool directly converts sunlight into thermal energy needed for cooling which eliminates the need for energy intensive compressors and harmful refrigerants. By bypassing the electricity grid and avoiding refrigerants, SolarCool significantly reduces both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Data-Driven Insights in the HealthCare. The wealth of information generated by the IoT SolarCool will be analyzed to gain valuable information into drug usage, energy consumption and maintenance needs. This data informs the health workers of the needs of the health.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

WiseCool has many competitors offering similar services in Cameroon, but the most prominent competitor is Waspito, a Cameroon startup improving healthcare delivery in rural communities through mobile applications and telemedicine solutions to improve remote consultations and basic medical services. While Waspito's approach addresses healthcare access in rural communities, it does not target the issue of drug spoilage which is the primary hinderance to healthcare delivery in rural Cameroon. Drug spoilage and preservation is the core focus of WiseCool IoT refrigeration system making it standout. What gives WiseCool the competitive advantage is its primary focus on the critical issue of drug spoilage and preservation in rural communities. WiseCool innovative use of solar powered IoT technology to solve this problem is an innovative and a scalable solution that makes the project stand out in the Cameroon clean energy and healthcare sector.

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

DeWise Energy promotes the role of female entrepreneurs by giving scholarships to female clean energy enthusiasts and climate activists to take free courses from our learning management system. In the past one year, DeWise has awarded scholarships to over 50 girls to access our training programs.