Tanzania - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our innovative egg incubator features automatic heating via biogas/LPG for efficient hatching. It can also operate on grid electricity and solar power, offering flexibility, sustainability, cost-efficiency, and reliability.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our startup is revolutionizing the egg incubation industry with an innovative automatic biogas-heated incubator system. This incubator utilizes biogas or LPG to generate the necessary heat for hatching eggs, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. Users can select either gas or electric heaters as heating sources, tailoring the system to their specific needs and energy availability. Moreover, the incubator can automatically switch between electricity from the national grid and solar power based on availability, providing seamless operation during power blackouts. Our incubator not only promotes sustainability through the use of renewable energy sources but also guarantees optimal conditions for hatching with precise temperature control. By integrating advanced technology and sustainable practices, our startup aims to set a new standard in the egg incubation market, offering a versatile, efficient, and environmentally-friendly solution.

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

The main problem our startup is addressing is the need for a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for egg incubation, to ensure optimal hatching conditions regardless of the local infrastructure. Traditional incubators often rely simply on electric heaters, making them vulnerable to power outages and leading to inconsistent hatching conditions. This can result in lower hatch rates and higher operational costs, especially in rural or off-grid areas. By integrating a biogas heating system and offering the flexibility to switch between multiple energy sources i.e. national grid electricity, solar power, and combustible gases like biogas and LPG, our incubator ensures continuous and efficient operation, even during power blackouts. This not only enhances the reliability and success rates of hatching but also promotes the use of renewable energy.

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

1. Cost-Effectiveness: By utilizing biogas or LPG for heating, the system reduces reliance on electricity. This not only lowers operational costs but also makes the incubator more affordable and economical for users, especially in rural or off-grid areas. 2. Reliability and Continuity: Our incubator ensures continuous operation by automatically switching between electricity from the national grid and solar power based on availability. This is particularly advantageous during power blackouts, guaranteeing consistent hatching conditions and higher hatch rates. 3. Sustainability: The use of renewable energy sources like biogas and solar power promotes environmental sustainability, thus supporting eco-friendly practices, and contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. 4. Economic resilience through biogas/LPG reduces dependency on single energy sources, scales for any operation, supports local agriculture by using organic waste, and empowers rural communities by boosting poultry

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

Our startup's product serves diverse users in poultry farming and egg hatching, including small to medium-sized farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and rural communities where electricity is unstable or costly. Our incubator provides reliable, flexible solutions ensuring continuous operation and optimal hatching conditions. With scalable biogas and LPG systems, our incubator fits various operational sizes, from small farms to large commercial hatcheries. It's perfect for environmentally-conscious farmers and organizations adopting sustainable practices. Educational institutions and research facilities focused on agriculture and the environment can also benefit for hands-on learning and experimentation. Our goal is to enhance productivity, sustainability, and energy independence in the poultry industry, supporting economic growth and environmental conservation across diverse communities.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-02-02

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

4

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.)

Antony Elias (CEO): Antony has 4 years of experience in computer engineering, electronics, IoT, intelligent and smart systems, and the renewable energy sectors. Peter Mcharo (CTO): Peter holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and has 3 years of experience in sustainable technology development. He is an expert in biogas systems and innovative product development. Gillian Mushi (COO): With 8 years in operations and supply chain management, Gillian excels in optimizing processes and ensuring quality standards within industrial engineering. Davis Frank (CMO): Davis, an MBA in Marketing, specializes in agricultural marketing and business development. He drives sales and enhances customer engagement with innovative strategies.

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

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

This project directly contributes to the "No Poverty" SDG by empowering small to medium-sized poultry farmers, especially in rural areas, with affordable and reliable egg incubators. By utilizing biogas and LPG systems, our incubators provide a cost-effective alternative to electric models, reducing operational expenses and increasing profitability. This enhances income stability for farmers, allowing them to reinvest in their businesses and improve their livelihoods. The project also creates job opportunities in the local production, maintenance, and supply chains of biogas and LPG systems. Moreover, the reliable energy sources mitigate the impact of frequent power outages, ensuring continuous poultry production and reducing economic vulnerability. By supporting sustainable agricultural practices, our project fosters economic resilience and helps lift communities out of poverty, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development and economic growth.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our project aligns with this SDG by boosting food production, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture. The incubator ensures higher hatching rates and consistent production of healthy chicks, thereby increasing the availability of eggs and poultry meat. This reliable source of protein enhances food security for communities. By supporting small to medium-sized poultry farmers, our incubator strengthens local food systems. Utilizing biogas from organic waste not only provides a sustainable energy source but also promotes efficient waste management, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, higher productivity and income for farmers empower them economically, supporting rural development and poverty alleviation.

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

By providing reliable biogas and LPG-powered egg incubators, we ensure optimal hatching conditions, leading to healthier poultry stocks. This enhances food security by increasing poultry production and improving access to affordable protein-rich food sources. Additionally, our sustainable energy solutions reduce indoor air pollution compared to traditional biomass fuels, benefiting farmers' respiratory health and well-being. The project also promotes education and training on sustainable agricultural practices, fostering community knowledge and capacity in poultry farming. By enhancing livestock health and reducing environmental impact, our initiative supports overall community well-being and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals related to health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Our project actively supports "Quality Education" by collaborating with students from the University of Dar es Salaam, including the College of Engineering and Technology (CoET) and the College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT). Students engage in practical applications of mechanical, electronics, and electrical knowledge, fostering tech innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, partnerships with the Business School enable students to gain hands-on experience in sales and marketing practices. These collaborations not only enhance academic learning but also equip students with real-world skills essential for their professional development. By integrating practical education into our initiatives, we contribute to building a skilled workforce capable of addressing challenges in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, thereby advancing SDG 4 on Quality Education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our project embodies "Gender Equality" by championing diversity among our founders, with one-third being female. We empower women in leadership roles and technical fields, including mechanical and electrical systems. Through inclusive practices, we ensure equal participation and representation, fostering an environment where women thrive as entrepreneurs and agricultural innovators. Additionally, we provide training and support to enhance women's skills in sales, marketing, and leadership within the sustainable agriculture sector. By promoting gender balance and inclusive opportunities, our initiative contributes to SDG 5 on Gender Equality, advancing towards a more equitable society and sustainable development.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

By utilizing biogas and LPG-powered incubators, we effectively reduce environmental pollution compared to traditional biomass fuels, thereby positively impacting water quality. Our initiatives include promoting efficient water management practices in poultry farming, though further emphasis on explicit water conservation measures would enhance our score. Overall, our commitment to sustainable agriculture and clean energy significantly contributes to environmental sustainability and supports the objectives of SDG 6.

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

Our startup’s product offers cost-effective heating options through the use of biogas that can be produced locally from organic waste, providing a low-cost and sustainable energy source thus reducing reliance on expensive and potentially unreliable electricity from the national grid. Our product utilizes biogas and solar power, both of which are renewable energy sources. By harnessing biogas from organic waste, we can effectively manage waste and reduce methane emissions, which is a potent greenhouse gas. This supports long-term environmental sustainability and promotes a circular economy. Moreover, it ensures continuous operation by automatically switching between available energy sources, improving energy access and reliability, especially in areas with unreliable electricity supply. By offering a reliable and efficient energy solution, our incubator supports rural and underserved areas, promoting fair access to modern energy services.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

The project aligns with this SDG since it fosters sustainable economic development and provides better job opportunities in the poultry farming sector. Our incubator strengthens productivity by improving hatch rates and ensuring reliable production through advanced temperature control, leading to higher outputs and increased profitability for farmers. This economic growth supports the creation of more jobs and improves working conditions within the poultry industry. The use of cost-effective and renewable energy sources like biogas and solar power reduces operational expenses, enabling small and medium-sized farmers to invest more in their businesses. This promotes entrepreneurship and encourages the expansion of poultry farming enterprises, contributing to local and regional economic development.

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

The innovation encourages sustainable industrialization, fostering innovation, and improving agricultural infrastructure. Through the use of biogas, the innovation helps in lowering greenhouse gas emissions by consuming waste products thus supporting sustainable practices in poultry farming. This innovative approach meets diverse energy needs, ensuring continuous operation even in areas with unreliable electricity supply, thus enhancing agricultural infrastructure. By reducing operational costs and increasing productivity, our incubator supports the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized poultry enterprises, crucial for economic development and job creation. Additionally, by promoting modern technologies and sustainable practices, our system empowers farmers, enhances their competitiveness, and contributes significantly to achieving 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

By providing access to affordable biogas and LPG-powered incubators, we level the playing field in agricultural technology adoption, reducing disparities between large commercial farms and smaller operations. This technology transfer enhances productivity and income opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women and rural populations, who often face economic and social barriers. Additionally, our inclusive business model promotes fair employment practices and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit equitably. By fostering inclusive growth and opportunities, our project contributes to achieving SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities, creating a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural sector.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

By using renewable energy sources like biogas and solar power, our incubator contributes to cleaner and more sustainable environments. This supports the development of resilient agricultural practices that can withstand energy supply fluctuations and environmental challenges. In urban settings, our incubator can be integrated into community-based agricultural projects promoting local food production and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting poultry products. In rural areas, the system empowers small and medium-sized farmers by providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for egg incubation, boosting local economies, and enhancing food security. Moreover, it fosters social inclusion by making advanced agricultural technology accessible to underserved communities, supporting their economic development, and improving living standards.

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 innovation encourages sustainable agricultural practices, efficient resource use, and waste reduction. The incubator utilizes biogas, produced from organic waste, as a primary energy source. This not only provides a renewable and cost-effective energy solution but also encourages efficient waste management by converting waste into valuable energy. Our incubator increases hatch rates and productivity in poultry farming through precise temperature control and reliable operation, leading to more efficient use of resources. This contributes to sustainable food production systems, a key aspect of SDG 12. Moreover, the incubator's adaptability to different energy sources promotes flexibility and resilience in resource use, further supporting sustainable consumption and production patterns. The integration of renewable energy and efficient waste-to-energy processes exemplifies responsible consumption by minimizing waste and promoting recycling.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Since the innovation utilizes renewable energy sources like biogas and solar power, it reduces reliance on conventional energy sources and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. This sustainable method effectively reduces the carbon footprint of poultry farming and facilitates efficient waste management by converting organic waste into energy. The system's resilience to power outages ensures continuous operation, enhancing farmers' productivity and income stability in the face of climate variability. By fostering sustainable practices and reducing emissions, our incubator significantly contributes to climate action goals.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

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.

4

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

4

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

6

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 idea is unique and innovative due to its integration of renewable energy sources, such as biogas and solar power, which reduces operational costs and environmental impact. While incubators are not a new concept, our approach of leveraging biogas and solar energy makes it significantly different from traditional ones, representing an innovative technological advancement. This system is a major improvement over existing incubators, addressing their limitations such as high energy costs and reliance on unstable electricity supplies, offering a more reliable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution. It's an extension of both renewable energy solutions and agricultural technologies, meeting the critical demand in regions with unstable electricity supply by ensuring continuous operation. Thus, our incubator is a modernized version of traditional incubators, incorporating new energy technologies and automated systems to enhance performance, reliability, and sustainability.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are the creators of conventional electric hatcheries located in neighboring areas and those who import them from overseas. What distinguishes us is our hybrid energy system, which integrates biogas, solar power, and electricity from the national grid, ensuring continuous operation and reducing reliance on a single source of energy. Our incubator features advanced technology with automated temperature and humidity controls, remote monitoring, and seamless transition between energy sources, making it resilient and reliable even in regions with unstable electricity. By converting organic waste into biogas, our system fosters sustainability and economic efficiency while generating nutrient-rich digestate for agriculture. Our comprehensive solution represents an innovative fusion of renewable energy technology, advanced automation, and sustainable practices, providing a scalable and adaptable option for modern poultry farming.

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

We are actively promoting the role of female entrepreneurs by integrating practical training in technology and entrepreneurship for young students. During our training programs, we supervise their final year projects, challenging them with real-world issues we face. Their solutions are then integrated into our operations and scaled to benefit other stakeholders, empowering them to market and profit from their innovations.