Tanzania - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES produces Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films designed to extend the shelf life of tomatoes by protecting them from microbial attack. This innovative product helps reduce post-harvest losses for farmers.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES specializes in the production of Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films, a revolutionary product designed to significantly extend the shelf life of tomatoes. These films create a protective barrier that effectively shields the tomatoes from microbial attack, reducing the risk of spoilage and ensuring their freshness for an extended period. The innovation lies in the unique composition of the films, which combine Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibrils and honey as plasticizers. Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibrils are derived from chitin, a natural biopolymer found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. These nanofibrils have excellent barrier properties, preventing the entry of oxygen and moisture, which are major contributors to the deterioration of tomatoes. Honey, known for its antimicrobial properties, further enhances the films' effectiveness by inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms.

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

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES is focused on solving the critical issue of post-harvest losses in the tomato supply chain. Post-harvest losses occur due to spoilage and damage that happen between the time of harvest and consumption. In the case of tomatoes, this can be as high as 40% in some regions. These losses not only impact the income of farmers but also contribute to food insecurity and environmental degradation through wasted resources like water, energy, and land. By extending the shelf life of tomatoes with our innovative Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films, we aim to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring that more tomatoes reach consumers in a fresh and usable condition. This solution not only benefits farmers by increasing their profits but also contributes to a more sustainable and efficient food system by reducing waste and improving food security.

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

Our Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films offer several key benefits. Firstly, they significantly extend the shelf life of tomatoes, reducing post-harvest losses for farmers and ensuring a more sustainable and efficient tomato supply chain. This leads to increased profitability for farmers and improved food security. Secondly, by protecting tomatoes from microbial attack, our films allow for better storage and transportation, reducing the need for immediate consumption or costly preservation methods, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the tomato supply chain. Lastly, our films are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, aligning with global efforts towards sustainability. This makes our solution not only effective but also environmentally responsible, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.

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

Our startup's product is aimed at serving smallholder farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and agribusinesses involved in tomato production and supply chains. These stakeholders are the targeted beneficiaries as they face significant challenges due to post-harvest losses, which our product directly addresses. Additionally, consumers benefit from access to fresher and higher-quality tomatoes, contributing to improved food security and nutrition. Our solution is especially beneficial for farmers in developing regions where post-harvest losses are high and access to advanced preservation technologies is limited.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-07-07

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?

2

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

Grace John, an agricultural engineer, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in agricultural practices, technology, and sustainability to the startup. Her expertise lies in finding practical solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency, making her a valuable asset in developing innovative products and strategies for the farming sector. Grace's skills are instrumental in ensuring that the startup's offerings are not only effective but also sustainable, aligning with the goal of promoting environmentally friendly practices in agriculture. Filomena Kibasa, a food scientist, specializes in food preservation, safety, and quality. Her deep understanding of food science principles ensures that the products developed by the startup meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Filomena's expertise is crucial in ensuring that the startup's solutions are not only effective in reducing post-harvest losses but also safe for consumption

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

https://www.instagram.com/ecofresh_technologies?igsh=cnNubGR5bG9ycmxr&utm_source=qr

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES aligns with SDG 2 by helping to improve food security. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology helps to ensure food reaches the market, contributing to a more stable food supply and reducing hunger.

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

Our technology contributes to SDG 3 by helping to ensure that consumers have access to fresher and higher-quality produce. This can lead to improved health outcomes, as fresh produce is an important part of a healthy diet.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Education: ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 4 by supporting farmers, who are often key members of rural communities. By helping farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods, our technology can contribute to the overall development of these communities, including access to education.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Our technology can contribute to SDG 5 by empowering female farmers, who often play a significant role in agriculture. By helping female farmers to reduce post-harvest losses and increase their income, we can contribute to greater gender equality in agriculture.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 6 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the amount of water wasted in agriculture, contributing to more efficient water use.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 7 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the energy inputs required for agriculture, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

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

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES directly contributes to SDG 8 by helping to create economic opportunities for farmers. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods.

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

Our technology directly contributes to SDG 9 by providing an innovative solution to a key challenge in agriculture. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to improve the efficiency of agricultural infrastructure and promote innovation in the sector.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 10 by helping to reduce inequalities in rural areas. By helping farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods, our technology can contribute to reducing inequalities between rural and urban areas.

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

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 11 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, contributing to more sustainable cities and communities.

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

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES directly contributes to SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption and production practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology helps to ensure that food is produced and consumed more efficiently, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption patterns.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 13 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production, contributing to climate change mitigation.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 14 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the effect of agriculture on marine ecosystems, contributing to the conservation of marine biodiversity.

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

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 15 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the conversion of natural habitats for agriculture, contributing to the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 16 by promoting economic opportunities in rural areas. By helping farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods, our technology can contribute to greater stability and prosperity in rural 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

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 17 by promoting partnerships between different stakeholders in agricultural sector. By working with farmers, government agencies, and other partners, we can help to build more resilient and sustainable food systems.

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.

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.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES' Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films are unique and innovative as they specifically address the critical issue of post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector, a need that has not been effectively satisfied by other products. Unlike existing solutions, our product combines natural materials to create a biodegradable, antimicrobial film that significantly extends the shelf life of tomatoes and other perishable goods. This new technology not only improves the quality and safety of produce but also supports sustainable farming practices. Our approach leverages cutting-edge biomanufacturing techniques, setting it apart from conventional preservation methods. By directly responding to the unmet demand for effective, eco-friendly post-harvest solutions, our product stands out as a transformative innovation in agricultural technology, offering tangible benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES faces competition from companies producing synthetic food preservation films and conventional post-harvest treatment solutions. Key competitors include manufacturers of plastic-based wraps, chemical preservatives, and other post-harvest technologies like controlled atmosphere storage. What sets us apart is our use of Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films, which are biodegradable, antimicrobial, and made from natural materials. Unlike synthetic alternatives, our product is environmentally friendly and supports sustainable agriculture. Additionally, our films provide superior protection against microbial attack, significantly extending the shelf life of tomatoes and other perishable goods without relying on harmful chemicals. This unique combination of eco-friendliness, effectiveness, and safety positions ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES as a leader in innovative, sustainable post-harvest solutions, offering unmatched benefits to farmers and consumers

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

Yes, ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES actively promotes the role of female entrepreneurs within our community through various initiatives. We run mentorship programs where experienced female entrepreneurs provide guidance to aspiring women business owners, sharing insights and offering business development advice. We organize workshops and training sessions focused on entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and leadership to equip women with the necessary tools to start and grow their businesses. Additionally, we host regular networking events that bring together female entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to foster collaboration and create opportunities for partnerships and funding. Our community outreach includes engaging with local schools and groups to inspire young girls to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path, featuring talks and seminars led by successful female entrepreneurs. These actions reflect our commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment.