Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Jua-Smart is an innovative cooking stove designed to utilise solar power integrated with a molten salt thermal storage unit, offering a clean, efficient, and cheap cooking solution specifically for rural households in Africa.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Jua-Smart is an innovative cooking stove designed to address the energy needs of rural households in Africa, offering a cheap, sustainable and reliable cooking solution. It features high-efficiency solar panels that capture and convert sunlight into thermal energy and a molten salt thermal storage unit system that stores excess energy for use during non-sunny periods. The stove automatically switches between direct solar cooking and the backup thermal storage unit when needed. Jua-Smart also includes a hybrid fuel capability, allowing biodegradable briquettes (banana skin) to be a supplementary fuel source, making it a dual-energy stove. This makes it a flexible and reliable option for users. Overall, Jua-Smart's combination of advanced technology, user-centric design, and environmental benefits makes it a cheap, sustainable solution for cooking in rural Africa, supporting a better quality of life and promoting sustainable development in these communities.

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

The main problem Jua-Smart aims to solve is the reliance on fossil fuels and firewood for cooking in rural Africa. This reliance leads to several issues, including indoor air pollution and deforestation. Indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods is a significant health risk. According to WHO, household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels and kerosene causes around 4 million premature deaths annually, mainly from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Women and children spend more time near the cooking area and are disproportionately affected. Also, the Food and Agriculture Organization reports that Africa loses over 4 million hectares of forest annually, driven by fuelwood and charcoal production. Jua-Smart addresses these pressing issues by offering a cheap and clean cooking solution, mainly using solar, fostering sustainability and a better quality of life in rural African communities.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Reduction in Indoor Air Pollution: By using solar instead of firewood and kerosene, Jua-Smart significantly lowers indoor air pollution, reducing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This is particularly beneficial for women and children, who are most exposed to harmful smoke. Deforestation Reduction: By decreasing reliance on firewood, Jua-Smart helps to combat deforestation. Preserving forests is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and mitigating climate change. Hybrid Fuel Capability: Jua-Smart's ability to use biodegradable briquettes or biogas as supplementary fuels adds flexibility, ensuring continuous functionality even when solar and thermal energy unit are insufficient. Improved Quality of Life: By providing a cleaner, more efficient cooking solution, Jua-Smart improves rural households' overall quality of life. Healthier living conditions and financial savings contribute to a better standard of living.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Jua-Smart is aimed at serving rural households in Africa, specifically targeting families who rely on firewood and kerosene for cooking. These households often face health risks from indoor air pollution, high costs for fuel, and environmental degradation due to deforestation. The primary beneficiaries include women and children who typically bear the burden of fuel collection and suffer the most from smoke-related health issues. Additionally, Jua-Smart aims to support communities looking to adopt sustainable energy practices, thereby improving overall quality of life, reducing environmental impact, and promoting economic development. The project also seeks to empower women by reducing their daily workload and providing them with more opportunities for education and economic activities.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-02-04

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

3

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Anne – Entrepreneurship skills (Corporate Venture), Computer Science, Analytical skills, Programming skills Lovely – research skills, financial management, marketing, accounting, communication skills, collaboration skills Christine Emmanuel - Electronics/Computer Engneering,Programming Sikills, Entrepreneurship and Research skills.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The reduction in indoor air pollution leads to fewer health issues, which in turn reduces medical expenses. Healthier family members are more productive and able to contribute economically, breaking the cycle of poverty. Additionally, with less time spent on fuel collection, children, especially girls, can attend school more regularly. Education is a critical factor in breaking the cycle of poverty, as it provides the skills and knowledge necessary for better employment opportunities. This also applies to women. By reducing or eliminating this need, Jua-Smart frees up time for women to engage in income-generating activities and for children to attend school, enhancing their opportunities for economic advancement. Jua-Smart provides a reliable energy source, lessening dependency on volatile fuel markets. This stability helps protect households from economic shocks related to fluctuating fuel prices, making them more financially resilient.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Jua-Smart significantly contributes to good health and well-being (SDG 3) by reducing indoor air pollution, which is a major cause of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Traditional cooking methods using firewood and kerosene emit harmful smoke and pollutants, leading to health issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), household air pollution causes approximately 4 million premature deaths annually. By harnessing clean solar and electric power, Jua-Smart eliminates the need for these polluting fuels, thereby improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks. Additionally, with fewer respiratory illnesses, households experience lower healthcare costs and improved productivity. This not only enhances the immediate health and well-being of families but also contributes to long-term health benefits and overall quality of life in rural communities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Jua-Smart contributes to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) by providing a sustainable cooking solution that utilises renewable energy sources. This reduces the dependency on expensive and polluting fuels such as firewood and kerosene, which are costly and contribute to environmental degradation. Furthermore, the use of the molten salt thermal storage unit, according to the German Energy Storage Association, is 33 times cheaper than the common electric batteries typically used for storing solar energy. The former is a lot more durable and, therefore, more eco-friendly than the latter. Also, households often spend a large portion of their income on fuel. By offering a clean energy alternative, Jua-Smart helps families save money on fuel expenses, making energy more affordable and freeing up resources for other essential needs. By promoting the use of affordable and clean energy, Jua-Smart aligns with SDG 7 and contributes to a more sustainable and equitable energy future.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

By reducing the time spent collecting firewood and the money spent on fuel, Jua-Smart enables households to allocate more time and resources to productive activities. Women, who typically bear the burden of fuel collection, can engage in income-generating endeavours, education, or community projects, enhancing their economic participation and empowerment. The financial savings from reduced fuel costs can be reinvested in other economic activities, such as small businesses or agricultural improvements, contributing to overall economic growth. Additionally, the improved health outcomes from using a cleaner cooking solution reduce healthcare costs and increase the productivity of community members. Furthermore, we aim to establish local manufacturing facilities and assembly lines to generate local employment and foster job creation and skill development. This will provide stable jobs and stimulate local economies.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Jua-Smart contributes to SDG 9 by driving technological advancements and improving infrastructure in rural areas. The development and deployment of the Jua-Smart stove embody innovation in renewable energy technology, combining high-efficiency solar panels and molten salt thermal energy storage to create a reliable and sustainable cooking solution which sets a precedent for future innovations in clean energy solutions tailored to off-grid communities. Moreover, the project can stimulate the growth of local industries by establishing supply chains for the components and materials needed for the stoves. Local manufacturing and assembly facilities can be developed, creating a robust infrastructure that supports the production, distribution, and maintenance of Jua-Smart stoves. This infrastructure development fosters economic growth, creates jobs, and builds technical skills within the community, contributing to broader industrialisation efforts in the region.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Jua-Smart contributes to SDG 10 by providing equitable access to clean and affordable energy, improving living conditions and opportunities for marginalised communities in rural Africa, bridging the energy gap, and ensuring that even the most disadvantaged communities can benefit from reliable and clean cooking technologies. The savings from reduced fuel costs enable low-income families to focus on other essential needs, such as education, healthcare, and nutrition, thus improving their overall quality of life. By reducing the financial burden of energy expenses, Jua-Smart helps lift households out of poverty and promotes economic inclusivity. By improving health outcomes through reduced indoor air pollution, Jua-Smart also ensures that vulnerable populations, often disproportionately affected by health issues, have a better chance at leading healthy and productive lives. Healthier individuals can contribute to their communities and economies, further reducing inequalities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Jua-Smart directly addresses SDG 13 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. Traditional cooking methods in rural Africa often rely on firewood and kerosene, both of which release significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases when burned. By harnessing solar power, Jua-Smart eliminates the need for these polluting fuels, significantly reducing household cooking activities' carbon footprint. The reduction in deforestation associated with decreased firewood consumption also plays a crucial role in climate action. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating the effects of climate change. By preserving forests and preventing deforestation, Jua-Smart helps maintain these vital carbon sinks, contributing to the global effort to reduce atmospheric carbon levels and combat climate change.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Jua-Smart significantly contributes to SDG 15 by fostering the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems. One of the primary ways Jua-Smart achieves this is by reducing deforestation. Traditional cooking methods in rural areas often rely on firewood, leading to extensive deforestation as trees are cut down to meet the energy needs of households. Providing an alternative cooking solution that uses solar power drastically reduces the demand for firewood, thereby preserving forests which is critical for maintaining biodiversity. Forests are home to many plant and animal species, many of which are threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation. By reducing the rate of deforestation, Jua-Smart helps protect these habitats and supports biodiversity conservation. This preservation effort ensures that ecosystems remain intact and continue providing essential services, such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and soil fertility, which are vital for the environment and human well-being.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 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

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

5

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

6

05.08 Justification

Jua-Smart represents an entirely new type of product/service, integrating advanced solar technology and thermal storage for cooking, addressing a critical need in rural Africa. While there are few similar products on the market, Jua-Smart's hybrid fuel capability and molten salt storage set it apart as a novel technology. The stove is an improvement on existing solar cookers, offering continuous functionality with backup storage and hybrid fuel options (6). It cannot be considered an extension of a range of existing products as it introduces a unique combination of technologies not previously available. However, it is somewhat a new version of traditional cooking solutions, reimagined with modern, sustainable technology. This innovation responds to the pressing demand for clean, affordable cooking methods, a need not fully met by current products.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our main potential competitors include companies producing traditional solar cookers, such as GoSun and Envirofit, and those offering conventional cooking stoves. GoSun specializes in solar-powered cookers but lacks a robust energy storage solution, limiting their usability during non-sunny periods. Envirofit focuses on clean cookstoves but primarily relies on biomass fuels. What sets Jua-Smart apart is its innovative integration of solar energy with molten salt thermal storage and a hybrid fuel option, ensuring continuous cooking availability regardless of weather conditions. Additionally, Jua-Smart's affordability and sustainability make it a more accessible solution for rural African communities. Unlike our competitors, Jua-Smart addresses the critical need for reliable and eco-friendly cooking methods by offering a versatile, continuous-use stove that significantly reduces reliance on biomass fuels, thereby mitigating deforestation and indoor air pollution. This unique combination

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

no