Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Pod is solving water contamination and disease outbreaks problems while advancing clean energy access in Africa using AI App/USSD LoopBox solution.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Pod is committed to the solar-powered Loop-Box innovation to replace local septic tanks, which help treat and recycle human excreta into reusable waster idea for landscaping, washing of cars and clothes(domestic use) while advancing access to clean energy in household, healthcare center, C&I etc. Our solution ensures early detection of disease from excreta using our proprietary AI App/USSD, which leverages cloud AI and ML capabilities to help users develop personal health insights from data collected from their Poop!

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

Have you ever imagined drinking from your poop? Irritating right ? I bet it is! However, over 90% of households in Nigeria drink water contaminated from human excreta. This is a result of the use of conventional septic popularly called "soak away", whose content goes into the ground contaminating the nearby wells, boreholes, and other water sources. These challenges lead to the deaths of 117,000 children deaths annually in Nigeria. The highest number ever recorded for any nation in the world, climate-change is also adding pressure according to UNICEF. And 115 people die every hour in Africa from diseases linked to poor sanitation, & contaminated water according to Africa Health Organization. It costs about 800 thousand - 1million naira to build septic tanks in waterlogged communities in Nigeria, yet about one hundred and sixty thousand naira is spent annually to evacuate these septic tanks, This product is highly expensive, inefficient, & equally not eco-friendly.

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

• High cost with low efficiency • water contaminations and disease outbreaks • reoccurring expense of evacuating septic tank yearly • Septic collapse this was the yardstick we used in building our to be; • affordable and highly efficient • Solve water contamination and disease outbreak • And they don’t need to evacuate septic • And resistant to vulnerable condition like flood. • Earn carbon credit from recycling their human waste • Advance clean energy in household, healthcare centre's etc.

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

To reach our target customers, we employ a multi-faceted approach. We establish partnerships with real estate developers, construction firms, and governmental bodies to integrate our solutions into their building projects, ensuring widespread adoption in niche urban waterlogged/flood-prone areas. Furthermore, we collaborate with non-governmental organizations to access hard-to-reach populations in IDP camps and rural communities, providing them with affordable access to our innovative solutions. This inclusive approach not only expands our market reach but also fulfils our mission of driving positive impact and addressing societal challenges.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-03

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

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

Rasheed Aliu is a trained and certified climate-change expert by the Oxford Climate Society, Oxford University, trained and certified in; an advanced training Course in deploying Renewable Energy in Africa by Renewable Energy for Africa Foundation (Res4Africa Foundation) in partnership with Enel Foundation in 2021, a skilled Electrical/Electronic Engineering graduate from Yaba College of Technology with business executive training from Lagos Business School with experience spanning to 9years in diplomacy, policy, climate change and energy research, and entrepreneurship. Gabriel Semon wastewater expert with background work in Aquaculture, we are leveraging his skills and experience from over 9 years working with multinationals such as Friesland Campila, PZ Cussom, and Fullmark on wastewater solutions to help our customer's challenges. Habeeb Lasisi is 2 Times founder, a full-stack software developer, a could computing/ AI engineer, with experience of 7 year using modern technologies

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?

k) Property (real estate)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

LoopBox solution plays a significant role in alleviating poverty by providing affordable and sustainable waste management and clean energy solutions. By replacing expensive and inefficient septic systems, LoopBox reduces the financial burden on households, eliminating the recurring costs of septic tank evacuations and the health expenses related to waterborne diseases. The savings from reduced sanitation costs and healthcare expenses can be redirected towards other essential needs, thereby improving the overall economic well-being of families. Furthermore, LoopBox generates economic opportunities by creating jobs in the installation, maintenance, and operation of the system. This includes employing and training women and youth in sustainable practices, which helps to elevate their economic status and empower marginalized communities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

nil

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

ArleeGreen's LoopBox improves public health by preventing water contamination and reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases. By treating human waste and recycling it safely, LoopBox eliminates the environmental hazards posed by conventional septic systems. The system’s proactive monitoring and disease detection capabilities further enhance community health by providing early warnings of potential outbreaks. Additionally, by promoting clean energy and reducing pollution, LoopBox fosters healthier living environments, contributing to the overall well-being of communities.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

nil

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

LoopBox promotes gender equality by creating job opportunities and empowering women through training and employment in sustainable waste management and renewable energy sectors. By involving women in the installation, maintenance, and operation of LoopBox systems, we provide them with valuable skills and economic independence, helping to close the gender gap in traditionally male-dominated industries. Additionally, our community outreach programs prioritize engaging and educating women about health and sanitation, fostering their leadership in promoting sustainable practices. This inclusive approach ensures that women play a pivotal role in decision-making processes, contributing to their social and economic empowerment.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

LoopBox directly addresses the challenge of water contamination by providing an innovative waste management solution that treats human waste safely and efficiently. Unlike conventional septic systems, LoopBox prevents the seepage of contaminants into groundwater, ensuring cleaner water sources. The system recycles wastewater for safe reuse in activities like landscaping and car washing, promoting water conservation. Furthermore, LoopBox’s advanced monitoring capabilities detect potential issues early, maintaining optimal system performance and preventing environmental hazards. By improving sanitation infrastructure and ensuring access to clean water, LoopBox significantly enhances public health and environmental sustainability.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

LoopBox not only addresses waste management but also generates renewable energy from human waste, offering a dual solution that promotes both sanitation and sustainable energy. The LoopBox system produces biogas, a clean and renewable energy source, which can be used for cooking, heating, and electricity generation. This reduces reliance on traditional, polluting energy sources like firewood and fossil fuels, lowering energy costs for households and communities. By providing an affordable energy alternative, LoopBox enhances energy access in underserved areas, contributing to energy affordability and promoting environmental sustainability through the use of renewable resources.

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

LoopBox fosters decent work and economic growth by creating job opportunities in the installation, maintenance, and management of the LoopBox systems. By training and employing local workers, including women and youth, we empower communities with valuable skills and stable employment in the green technology sector. The innovation encourages the development of a skilled workforce in sustainable waste management and renewable energy, driving economic growth. Additionally, by reducing health-related costs and enhancing productivity through improved sanitation, LoopBox supports a healthier, more economically active population, further contributing to sustainable economic development and community resilience.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

LoopBox exemplifies industry innovation by integrating advanced IoT technology and AI into waste management solutions. Our system continuously monitors key variables like gas concentration, pH, COD, and temperature, optimizing performance and reliability, especially in challenging environments such as waterlogged and flood-prone areas. This technological advancement enhances infrastructure resilience and efficiency, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional septic systems. By transforming waste into reusable resources like clean water and biogas, LoopBox promotes a circular economy, fostering sustainable industrial practices and encouraging further innovation in waste management and renewable energy sectors.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

LoopBox reduces inequalities by providing affordable and sustainable waste management solutions to underserved and marginalized communities. By addressing the high costs and inefficiencies of traditional septic systems, LoopBox ensures that even low-income households have access to reliable sanitation and clean water. Our inclusive approach involves training and employing women and youth, promoting economic opportunities for these often-overlooked groups. Additionally, our partnerships with NGOs and local governments enable us to reach remote areas and vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to essential sanitation services and contributing to the overall reduction of social and economic disparities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

ArleeGreen's LoopBox enhances the sustainability of cities and communities by providing an eco-friendly waste management solution that prevents water contamination and promotes recycling. By treating and repurposing human waste into reusable resources like clean water and biogas, LoopBox reduces the environmental impact of traditional septic systems. The system’s advanced monitoring ensures efficient and reliable performance, even in waterlogged or flood-prone areas, contributing to resilient urban infrastructure. Additionally, by improving sanitation and reducing pollution, LoopBox enhances public health and overall quality of life, supporting the development of safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

LoopBox promotes responsible consumption and production by transforming human waste into valuable resources, thus reducing environmental impact and encouraging sustainable practices. The LoopBox system treats waste and recycles it into clean water for non-potable uses minimizing the reliance on natural resources and reducing waste disposal in landfills and water bodies. This closed-loop system exemplifies the principles of a circular economy, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and responsibly. By incorporating IoT technology for real-time monitoring, LoopBox optimizes resource management, further supporting sustainable production and consumption patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

LoopBox contributes to climate action by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy production. The system converts human waste into biogas, a clean and renewable energy source that displaces traditional fossil fuels. By utilizing biogas for cooking, heating, and electricity generation, LoopBox reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering carbon emissions and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts. Furthermore, LoopBox helps to preserve natural ecosystems and biodiversity by preventing water contamination and reducing pollution. The system's efficient waste management capabilities minimize environmental degradation, ensuring healthier ecosystems and promoting resilience to climate impacts. Additionally, by incorporating IoT technology for monitoring and optimizing system performance, LoopBox enhances operational efficiency and resource management, further supporting sustainable practices and contributing to global climate action.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

LoopBox contributes to the conservation of life below water by preventing water contamination and reducing marine pollution. Traditional septic systems often leach contaminants into groundwater, rivers, and ultimately oceans, impacting marine ecosystems. In contrast, LoopBox treats human waste onsite, preventing harmful substances from entering water bodies. By recycling wastewater into clean water and biogas, LoopBox reduces the demand for freshwater resources and fossil fuels, thereby mitigating the environmental footprint associated with water extraction and energy production. This approach supports sustainable water management practices, ensuring cleaner and healthier aquatic environments for marine life. Furthermore, by promoting responsible consumption and production through its closed-loop system, LoopBox minimizes waste disposal in water bodies, contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

LoopBox contributes to the preservation of life on land by improving soil health and reducing environmental pollution. Traditional septic systems often contaminate soil with harmful pathogens and chemicals from untreated waste. In contrast, LoopBox treats human waste on-site, converting it into safe and beneficial resources like clean water and biogas. The recycled water from LoopBox can be used for irrigation, promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing soil fertility without introducing contaminants. By recycling nutrients from human waste into organic fertilizers, LoopBox supports eco-friendly farming practices, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers that contribute to soil degradation and water pollution.

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

ArleeGreen's LoopBox promotes partnerships for sustainable development goals by collaborating with diverse stakeholders to implement innovative waste management solutions. We engage with real estate developers, construction firms, and governmental bodies to integrate LoopBox into infrastructure projects, fostering sustainable urban development. These partnerships ensure that our technology is seamlessly incorporated into new constructions, promoting widespread adoption and scalability. Additionally, we collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to reach underserved communities and marginalized populations, providing affordable access to sanitation and renewable energy solutions. By leveraging partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, we enhance our impact and address societal challenges effectively.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

6

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

LoopBox represents a significant innovation in waste management technology. While traditional septic systems exist, they often lack efficiency, especially in waterlogged areas, and contribute to environmental pollution. LoopBox introduces a novel approach by integrating IoT technology and AI for real-time monitoring and optimization, ensuring reliable performance and environmental sustainability. This innovation addresses unmet needs for cost-effective, eco-friendly waste solutions that are resilient to local environmental conditions. By transforming human waste into usable resources like clean water and biogas, LoopBox not only improves sanitation but also promotes renewable energy production. Its unique features make it a pioneering solution in the field, offering enhanced efficiency and sustainability compared to conventional methods. As such, LoopBox represents a new generation of waste management systems that aligns with global sustainability goals while meeting the

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

In a landscape where local septic systems and competitors like D Olivette bio-tank and Better Future bio digester and the conventional septic solution, exist, our solution stands out for several key reasons. While these products address waste management to some extent, they fall short of effectively tackling the challenges specific to waterlogged/flood-prone communities. What sets us apart is our innovative approach to leveraging IoT technology. Unlike competitors, our solution continuously monitors vital variables like gas concentration, pH, COD, and temperature, optimizing efficiency and ensuring reliable performance, especially in waterlogged and flood-prone areas. This proactive monitoring also alerts us to system breakdowns or leaks, facilitating timely repairs and minimizing downtime. Additionally, our solution offers unique benefits such as the ability for clients to generate carbon credits, providing an additional revenue stream.

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

ArleeGreen is actively promoting female entrepreneurship by training women in communities to serve as agents for installing LoopBox systems. Through comprehensive training programs, these women gain technical expertise in system installation, maintenance, and customer support. By empowering women as LoopBox agents, we not only foster economic opportunities but also promote gender equality and community resilience. This initiative not only expands access to sustainable sanitation solutions but also creates a supportive environment for women to thrive as leaders and entrepreneurs in their communities.