Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

EcoCycle aims to develop an innovative, biotechnology-driven solution to manage organic waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing valuable bio-products. The solution will utilize microorganisms to break down organic waste.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

EcoCycle is a biotechnology solution that manages organic waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and producing bio-products. Microorganisms break down waste into: - Biogas (renewable energy) - Organic fertilizers (replacing synthetics) - Biopesticides (eco-friendly pest control) This closed-loop system diverts waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and supporting a circular economy. Key features include: - Mobile, modular design - AI-powered monitoring - Partnerships with waste management companies and farmers EcoCycle aims to: - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50,000 tons CO2e annually - Produce 10,000 tons of organic fertilizers and biopesticides - Support 500 farmers in transitioning to sustainable practices A grant of 8 Million Naira is requested to support prototype development, market research, and initial operational costs for the first pilot project. EcoCycle offers a scalable, eco-friendly solution aligning with Total Energies Startupper's priorities.

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

EcoCycle solution addresses several significant environmental and economic challenges: 1. Greenhouse gas emissions: Reduces methane emissions from landfills, contributing to climate change mitigation. 2. Waste management: Diverts organic waste from landfills, minimizing environmental harm and promoting sustainable practices. 3. Synthetic fertilizer use: Replaces synthetic fertilizers with organic alternatives, reducing soil degradation and water pollution. 4. Pest control: Offers eco-friendly biopesticides, decreasing chemical usage and promoting sustainable agriculture. 5. Renewable energy: Produces biogas, a renewable energy source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 6. Circular economy: Closes the waste loop, promoting a sustainable and regenerative economy. 7. Supports sustainable agriculture: Helps farmers transition to eco-friendly practices, enhancing soil health and biodiversity. By tackling these significant challenges, EcoCycle contributes to a more sustainable future.

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

1. Environmental sustainability: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and waste sent to landfills, promoting a healthier environment. 2. Cost-effectiveness for farmers: Saves farmers money by producing organic fertilizers and biopesticides, reducing reliance on expensive synthetic alternatives. 3. Renewable energy generation: Produces biogas, a renewable energy source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering energy costs. 4. Improved soil health: Organic fertilizers enrich soil, improving its structure, fertility, and ability to support plant growth. 5. Enhanced crop yields: Healthy soil and organic fertilizers lead to better crop yields and quality. 6. Reduced water pollution: Eliminates harmful synthetic fertilizers and pesticides that can contaminate water sources. 7. Support for sustainable agriculture: Encourages eco-friendly farming practices, promoting a sustainable food system. 8. New business opportunities and jobs: Creates new markets and employments.

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

1. Farmers: By providing organic fertilizers and biopesticides, EcoCycle helps farmers reduce costs, improve crop yields, and adopt sustainable practices. 2. Environment: By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, diverting waste from landfills, and promoting sustainable agriculture, EcoCycle benefits the environment and contributes to a healthier ecosystem. 3. Local Communities: By creating new business opportunities and jobs in the circular economy sector, EcoCycle supports local economic development and community growth. 4. Consumers: By promoting sustainable agriculture practices, EcoCycle contributes to the production of healthier food, benefiting consumers who value environmentally friendly and sustainable products. 5. Waste Management Companies: By partnering with EcoCycle, waste management companies can divert organic waste from landfills and contribute to a more circular economy. These beneficiaries are interconnected, and the project's success will have a positive impact.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-09-12

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

5

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

Here is a summary of each partner's profile: - El-wayis Muhammad Yakub: Environmental Engineer, 5+ years of experience in waste management, expertise in biogas production. - Abdullahi Ayuba: Agronomist, 7+ years of experience in sustainable agriculture, knowledge of organic farming practices. - Mashood Suleiman Onibonoje: Business Development Manager, 8+ years of experience in marketing and sales, skilled in market research and strategy. - Taofikat Abdulrahman: Microbiologist, 4+ years of experience in biotechnology, expertise in microbial applications. - Surayya Ibrahim Abdullahi: Sustainability Specialist, 6+ years of experience in environmental conservation, knowledge of circular economy principles. Together, they form a diverse and strong team with a range of skills and expertise to drive the EcoCycle project forward.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

EcoCycle, addresses poverty reduction in several ways, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty. Here's a justification: 1. Job creation: EcoCycle generates employment opportunities in biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and waste management, providing a stable income source for individuals and their families. 2. Sustainable agriculture: By promoting organic farming practices and providing organic fertilizers, EcoCycle enhances crop yields and improves food security, reducing the burden of poverty on farmers and their communities. 3. Renewable energy: Biogas production offers a reliable and affordable energy source, reducing energy costs and increasing access to energy for low-income households and businesses. 4. Waste management: EcoCycle's innovative approach to waste management reduces environmental pollution, minimizing health risks and economic burdens associated with waste-related illnesses. 5. Economic empowerment: By providing...

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

EcoCycle, aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 with the following justifications: 1. Sustainable agriculture: EcoCycle promotes organic farming practices, improving soil health, crop yields, and food quality, ensuring access to nutritious food for communities. 2. Food security: By providing organic fertilizers and biopesticides, EcoCycle enhances crop productivity, reducing food waste and increasing food availability, particularly for vulnerable populations. 3. Farmers' income: EcoCycle's innovative approach helps farmers reduce costs and increase yields, improving their income and ability to invest in sustainable agricultural practices. 4. Nutrition education: By promoting sustainable agriculture, EcoCycle indirectly educates communities on the importance of nutritious food, supporting healthy diets and well-being. 5. Food waste reduction: EcoCycle's waste management system reduces food waste, ensuring that surplus food is utilized efficiently.

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

EcoCycle, contributes to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, with justifications: 1. Organic fertilizers and biopesticides: Reduces exposure to harmful chemicals, promoting healthy food and soil. 2. Improved nutrition: Enhances crop quality and yields, increasing access to nutritious food. 3. Clean energy: Biogas production offers a clean energy source, reducing air pollution and related health issues. 4. Waste management: Minimizes environmental pollution, reducing the risk of waterborne and airborn diseases. 5. Health education: Indirectly promotes health awareness through sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. EcoCycle's innovative approach contributes to good health and well-being, aligning with SDG 3, by addressing these interconnected aspects.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Quality Education (SDG 4) by: - Providing training and capacity building programs - Organizing workshops and seminars - Establishing demonstration sites for hands-on learning - Partnering with educational institutions to integrate sustainable practices into curricula - Disseminating educational materials and resources.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Gender Equality (SDG 5) by: - Promoting equal access to resources and opportunities for men and women in sustainable agriculture and waste management - Empowering women farmers and entrepreneurs through training and capacity building - Encouraging equal participation in decision-making processes and leadership positions - Addressing gender-specific challenges and barriers in accessing clean energy and sanitation - Fostering inclusive and equitable community engagement and benefit-sharing.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) by: - Reducing water pollution through organic waste management and biogas production - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices that conserve water resources - Providing clean energy for water treatment and sanitation - Implementing efficient irrigation systems and water harvesting techniques - Protecting water sources and ecosystems through environmental conservation.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) by: - Producing biogas from organic waste, providing a renewable and clean energy source - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices that reduce energy consumption - Implementing energy-efficient technologies and systems - Increasing access to clean energy for rural and marginalized communities - Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change impacts.

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

EcoCycle contributes to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by: - Creating jobs and income opportunities in sustainable agriculture, waste management, and clean energy - Promoting entrepreneurship and small business development - Improving working conditions and safety in the agriculture and energy sectors - Increasing access to fair trade practices and markets - Fostering sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) by: - Developing innovative solutions for organic waste management and clean energy production - Implementing sustainable agriculture practices and technology - Upgrading infrastructure for waste management and energy production - Promoting research and development in biotechnology and renewable energy - Enhancing industrial efficiency and competitiveness through sustainable practices.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) by: - Promoting equal access to resources, opportunities, and benefits for all stakeholders - Empowering marginalized communities through training and capacity building - Addressing social, economic, and environmental disparities through sustainable practices - Fostering inclusive decision-making processes and community engagement - Reducing social and economic inequalities by providing opportunities for economic growth and development.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) by: - Promoting sustainable waste management and sanitation in urban areas - Implementing sustainable agriculture practices in urban and peri-urban areas - Reducing urban pollution and greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy production - Enhancing urban planning and design through sustainable infrastructure development - Fostering community engagement and participation in sustainable urban development.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) by: - Promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns in agriculture and energy - Reducing waste and pollution through organic waste management and biogas production - Implementing circular economy principles through recycling and upcycling - Encouraging sustainable lifestyles and resource efficiency - Reducing the environmental impact of consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Climate Action (SDG 13) by: - Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through clean energy production and efficient energy use - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices that sequester carbon and reduce emissions - Implementing climate-resilient waste management and sanitation systems - Enhancing climate change adaptation and mitigation capacities - Supporting climate education, awareness, and policy development.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Life Below Water (SDG 14) by: - Reducing water pollution through organic waste management and biogas production - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices that conserve water resources and reduce aquatic pollution - Protecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity through sustainable land use and water management - Supporting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices - Addressing ocean acidification and marine pollution through climate action and waste reduction.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Life On Land (SDG 15) by: - Promoting sustainable agriculture practices that conserve soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services - Protecting and restoring natural habitats, forests, and ecosystems - Supporting sustainable forest management and reforestation efforts - Addressing land degradation, desertification, and deforestation - Promoting eco-friendly land use planning and management practices. By adopting sustainable practices, EcoCycle helps preserve natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, supporting the health and well-being of people and the planet.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) by: - Promoting access to justice and legal frameworks for sustainable development - Strengthening institutions and governance for effective resource management - Encouraging transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures - Supporting peaceful and inclusive societies through sustainable development - Fostering trust and cooperation among stakeholders through collaborative approaches. By promoting good governance, rule of law, and peaceful societies, EcoCycle contributes to creating an environment conducive to sustainable development and human well-being.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

EcoCycle contributes to Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) by: - Fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, private sector, and civil society - Promoting public-private partnerships for sustainable development - Encouraging international cooperation and knowledge sharing - Supporting capacity building and technology transfer - Aligning with global policies and frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By building effective partnerships, EcoCycle mobilizes resources, expertise, and collective action to achieve sustainable development outcomes and accelerate progress towards the SDGs.

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

6

05.08 Justification

The product/service envisioned by EcoCycle is a new version of an old product/service, as it: - Upgrades traditional agriculture practices to sustainable and organic methods - Modernizes waste management by converting waste into valuable resources (biogas, fertilizer) - Revamps energy production to clean and renewable energy sources - Enhances traditional agriculture products with innovative, eco-friendly packaging and distribution methods - Reimagines the value chain to create a circular economy model By building upon existing products/services, EcoCycle innovates and improves them to meet modern sustainability standards, making it a new version of an old product/service.

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

EcoCycle's main potential competitors are: 1. Traditional agriculture and energy companies 2. Waste management firms 3. Sustainable agriculture and energy startups What makes EcoCycle stand out: 1. Integrated approach: Combines sustainable agriculture, waste management, and clean energy production in a closed-loop system. 2. Circular economy model: Converts waste into valuable resources, reducing waste and emissions. 3. Community engagement: Involves local communities in decision-making and benefits sharing. 4. Innovative technology: Utilizes cutting-edge sustainable agriculture and energy production methods. 5. Holistic approach: Addresses multiple SDGs, making it a comprehensive solution for sustainable development. EcoCycle's unique integrated approach, community-focused, and innovative technology set it apart from competitors, positioning it as a leader in the sustainable development space.

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

EcoCycle promotes female entrepreneurs through: - Workshops and mentorship programs - Access to funding and resources - Networking events and incubator space - Showcasing role models and equal opportunities policy