South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

AquaBrain Net, developed by Dominion Solutions, is a precision aquaculture platform with a holistic approach designed to revolutionize sustainable aquaculture by enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and profitability of fish farming operations.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

AquaBrain Net contributes to a holistic approach to precision aquaculture with five core functionalities utilizing artificial intelligence (AI): (1) Precision Biomass Measurements, (2) Early disease detection and prevention, (3) Sourcing of sustainable feed, (4) Monitoring feeding patterns and (5) Optimising feeding schedules. AquaBrain Net is more than just a tool; it's a comprehensive solution designed to tackle the challenges of modern aquaculture with a focus on South Africa where sustainable practices are increasingly important. By leveraging advanced technologies such as AI and data analytics, AquaBrain Net positions itself as a pioneering solution that redefines best practices in the industry leading to more sustainable and profitable aquaculture operations, increasing aquaculture's potential to be South Africa's net producer of seafood and ensuring long-term sustainability of the aquaculture industry.

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

The main issues include inaccurate biomass measurements, late disease detection, unsustainable aquafeed resulting in unsustainable practices, and inefficient feeding practices and schedules. AquaBrain Net's five core functionalities provide solutions to these problems: 1. Precise Biomass Measurements: AI-driven algorithms offer accurate biomass estimates, optimizing stocking, feeding, and harvesting. 2. Early disease detection: AI monitors fish health to detect diseases early, enabling timely interventions. 3. Sourcing sustainable aquafeed: Source and recommend eco-friendly aquafeed to minimize environmental impact. 4. Monitoring fish feeding patterns: Monitors feeding patterns and integrates with the disease detection function. 5. Optimised feeding schedules: Analyze feeding patterns to create efficient schedules, reducing waste and improving growth. AquaBrain Net centralizes data collection and analysis, empowering managers with actionable insights for informed decisions.

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

AquaBrain Net offers significant benefits to fish farm managers and the aquaculture industry by enhancing efficiency, health management, and sustainability. Its core functions increase operational efficiency by optimizing stocking, feeding and harvesting, and reduces waste. AI-driven monitoring detects diseases early, preventing outbreaks and reducing mortality rates. Sustainable practices such as sourcing sustainable aquafeed minimises environmental impact, while centralized data management provides actionable insights for informed decisions. AquaBrain Net lowers costs, maximises profuts, supports scalable growth, improves market competitiveness, and creates job opportunities, contributing to local economic development and ensuring the long-tern viability of aquaculture.

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

AquaBrain Net is aimed at serving fish farm managers and operators within the aquaculture industry, particularly in South Africa and across the African continent. It targets both small-scale and large-scale fish farming operations, providing tools and insights that cater to diverse needs and levels of technical expertisr. The platform is designed for those seeking to optimise their farming practices and become more sustainable through data-driven decision-making, improve fish health management, and enhance operational efficiency. AquaBrain Net also supports new entrants to the industry by offering comprehensive training and support, making advanced aquaculture technologies accessible to a broader audience. By focusing on sustainability and profitability, AquaBrain Net serves fish farmers committed to environmentally responsible practices and economic growth. The platform also indirectly benefits local communities by fostering job creation and contributing to food security.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-02-10

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

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

Thembeka Shongwe (Founder and Managing Director): With 3 years experience in Blue Economy. She holds an MSc in Applied Ocean Science specialising in Marine Biology (sustainable aquaculture) from the University of Cape Town. Aubrey Zemba (Technical Consultant): With over 9 years of experience in the IT industry specialising in artificial intelligence, cloud technology, network engineering, and computer security. He holds a BTech in Information Technology from Nelson Mandela University and has conducted research in Informatics at the University of South Africa. Dalton Marhufu (Technical Consultant): With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry specialising in web development, HTML, CSS, WordPress, Python, and SQL. He is pursuing a BCom in Business Informatics and holds certificates in Economics and Management Sciences and Business Systems Analysis from the University of Cape Town.

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

https://dominionsolutions.co.za/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

AquaBrain Net contributes to SDG2: Zero Hunger by enhancing aquaculture's efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. It optimises feeding practices and provides accurate biomass measurements to maximise fish growth and yields, ensuring a reliable food supply. Early disease detection prevents outbreaks, maintaining healthy fish populations. The platform promotes sustainable practices, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring long-term viability. AquaBrain Net supports small-scale farmers through accessible technology and training, boosting their productivity and economic resilience. By reducing costs and increasing profitability, it economically empowers farmers, fostering local development and job creation. This leads to a stable and affordable food supply, making nutritious fish protein more accessible and reducing hunger and malnutrition. AquaBrain Net plays a crucial role in achieving zero hunger through these comprehensive efforts.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

AquaBrain Net contributes to SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by enhancing productivity, fostering sustainable practices, and creating job opportunities in aquaculture. AquaBrain Net leverages AI for optimized operations, increasing efficiency and profitability. By reducing waste and improving resource use, it maximises farmers' profits, empowering them economically. The adoption of AquaBrain Net generates new jobs in technology, data analysis, and farm management, driving local employment and economic development. The platform supports small-scale farmers with tools and training, promoting inclusive growth and reducing inequalities. Comprehensive training programs build skills and expertise, enhancing workforce employability. AquaBrain Net ensures long-term industry viability by promoting sustainable practices, contributing to stable economic growth. Improved production quality and consistency strenghten market access and competitiveness, driving economic stability and growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

AquaBrain Net contributes to SDG14: Life Below Water by promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that protect marine ecosystems. Its AI-driven insights optimize feeding, reduce waste, and prevent overstocking, minimizing the environmental impact on water bodies. Early disease detection helps maintain healthy fish populations, reducing the need for harmful chemicals and antibiotics that can contaminate waterways. By recommending eco-friendly aquafeeds and practices, AquaBrain Net supports using sustainable resources, preserving marine biodiversity. Additionally, it helps prevent overfishing by making aquaculture more efficient, reducing pressure on wild fish stocks. Overall, AquaBrain Net enhances the sustainability of fish farming, contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. Through these efforts, the platform supports the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems, aligning with the objectives of SDG14.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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.

3

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

5

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.

6

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

6

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

3

05.08 Justification

AquaBrain Net stands out as a unique and innovative solution in aquaculture management by integrating AI to optimize every aspect of fish farming. This mobile app is specifically designed to enhance productivity and sustainability within the sector. It offers precise biomass measurements and health monitoring, allowing for early disease detection and tailored intervention, drastically reducing the risk of widespread fish health issues. Its AI capabilities also enable optimal feed scheduling aligned with the biological cycles of various fish species, maximizing growth rates and efficiency. Additionally, it promotes sustainable practices by recommending eco-friendly aquafeeds and operations that minimize ecological impact. By addressing these specific needs with advanced technology, AquaBrain Net not only improves profitability for fish farmers but also contributes to preserving marine environments, setting a new standard in the aquaculture industry in South Africa.

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

AquaBrain Net's main potential competitors include established aquaculture technology providers like XpertSea, AquaManager, and eFishery, which offer solutions ranging from automated feeding systems to growth tracking and health management. What sets AquaBrain Net apart is its comprehensive integration of AI across all aspects of farm management. Unlike its competitors, which may specialize in specific segments such as feeding or health monitoring, AquaBrain Net provides a holistic approach that includes advanced biomass estimation, early disease detection, and optimized feed schedules tailored to the biological clocks of different fish species. This all-in-one functionality simplifies management and enhances operational efficiency and sustainability more effectively. Additionally, AquaBrain Net is uniquely positioned with a strong focus on emphasizing support for small-scale farmers and alignment with regional practices, which ensures a tailored fit for South African aquaculture.

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

As a female entrepreneur at the helm of AquaBrain Net, a cutting-edge technology product, I am committed to promoting diversity within the tech and aquaculture industry. My vision is to build a team dominated by talented women, particularly in the fields of computer science and aquaculture. Through AquaBrain Net, I not only seek to innovate but also to inspire and empower young black women to carve out significant roles for themselves in technology. My goal is to create a space where they can thrive and help redefine industries that thrive on diverse perspectives and inclusive opportunities.