Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The FilRamEx machine is a unique vertical type desktop sized filament extruder made for makers spaces, 3D printing hobbyists and DiY enthusiasts. It is a small wall mounted portable type Plastic extruder used to make standard 3D printable filaments.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, has revolutionized product development by enabling digital designs to be transformed into physical objects layer by layer using filament. However, the scarcity and high costs of quality filament, especially in regions like Nigeria, hinder widespread adoption of this technology. To address this challenge, the Filramex machine is introduced—a desktop-sized filament extruder designed for makers and DIY enthusiasts. It offers a cost-effective solution by producing 1.75 or 2.5mm diameter filament from locally sourced plastic pellets, ensuring consistent quality and customizable properties for various 3D printing needs. Beyond affordability, Filramex promotes sustainability by repurposing plastic waste, contributing to a circular economy and reducing environmental impact. This innovation aims to revolutionize 3D printing, empowering users to unleash creativity and drive innovation in Nigeria and beyond.

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

The main problem the Filramex machine aims to solve is the accessibility and affordability of quality filament for 3D printing, particularly in regions like Nigeria. Currently, imported filaments are scarce and expensive, hindering widespread adoption of 3D printing technology among makers, DIY enthusiasts, researchers, and businesses. The Filramex machine addresses this issue by providing a cost-effective, local solution for filament production. It extrudes customizable diameter filament from locally sourced plastic pellets, ensuring consistent quality and customizable properties. This not only reduces operational costs and downtime but also promotes sustainability by repurposing plastic waste, contributing to a circular economy. By offering a user-friendly and sustainable alternative to imported filaments, the Filramex machine aims to revolutionize 3D printing, empowering individuals and businesses to innovate and create without constraints imposed by filament availability and cost.

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

The Filramex machine offers significant benefits and advantages: 1. Cost-Effectiveness: By enabling local production of 3D printing filament from recycled materials, Filramex reduces reliance on costly imported filaments. This affordability makes 3D printing more accessible to hobbyists, businesses, and educational institutions. 2. Sustainability: Addressing environmental concerns, Filramex repurposes local plastic waste into high-quality filament, promoting a circular economy. This sustainable approach reduces plastic pollution and supports eco-friendly practices in manufacturing. 3. Customizability and Quality: The machine provides precise control over filament properties, catering to diverse 3D printing needs. Its robust design ensures consistent quality, empowering users to create intricate designs with reliability. In essence, Filramex drives cost savings, promotes environmental stewardship, and enhances 3D printing flexibility and performance, transforming the industry.

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

The Filramex project targets a diverse range of beneficiaries including: 1. Hobbyists and DIY Enthusiasts: Seeking affordable filament for creative projects. 2. Educational Institutions: Needing cost-effective materials for STEM programs. 3. Small Businesses: Requiring customized filaments for prototyping and production. 4. Prosthetic Companies: Accessing affordable materials for medical device manufacturing. 5. Environmental Initiatives: Utilizing recycled plastic to reduce environmental impact. Overall, Filramex aims to democratize 3D printing by making filament production accessible, affordable, and sustainable for various sectors and communities.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-08-11

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

2

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.)

1. Taiwo Akinsanya the C.E.O of Dynalimb Technologies a prosthetic and medical equipment company is an Experienced Prosthetist and Orthotist with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry. Skilled in Spine, Braces, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Rehabilitation. Strong administrative professional who graduated from the Federal College Of Orthopedics Technology Igbobi. 2. Kafilat Adedeji is a First Class Agronomy graduate actively seeking a PhD position in Open Plant pathology. She is a Social Entrepreneur & Techie with (software dev, IoT, 3D printing technology, Data Analytics & digital entrepreneurship skills). She is passionate about Youth and Women empowerment with practical skills that can help them easily get started in the entrepreneurship space with zero or little startup capital. She is a Circular Economy enthusiast with work experience and interests in the edutech, agriculture, food, health, and waste upcycling spaces.

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

www.linkedin.com/in/ebube-nwobodo-a8100716b

01.10 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 project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Filramex contributes to reducing poverty by enhancing economic opportunities through localized filament production. By making 3D printing more affordable and accessible, especially in regions with limited access to imported goods like Nigeria, Filramex empowers individuals and small businesses to innovate and create economic value. This accessibility to technology and materials can stimulate entrepreneurship, job creation, and skill development, thereby contributing to poverty reduction by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Filramex contributes indirectly to this SDG by promoting sustainable practices through recycling plastic waste for filament production. While it does not directly impact food security or nutrition, its environmental benefits align with efforts to conserve resources and potentially support agricultural sustainability in communities adopting such technologies.

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

3

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

The Filramex project does not directly contribute to SDG 3 as its focus is on 3D printing filament production rather than health or well-being initiatives. While indirectly, promoting sustainable practices through recycling could have environmental health benefits, its primary impact lies in economic and environmental sustainability rather than direct health promotion.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Filramex contributes to SDG 4 by enhancing access to affordable 3D printing materials, thereby supporting educational institutions and learners in STEM education and creative disciplines. By lowering the cost barrier for filament, Filramex facilitates hands-on learning opportunities and innovation, promoting lifelong learning and skill development in 3D printing technologies.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

2

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The Filramex project does not have a direct impact on gender equality initiatives. Its focus is on technological innovation and sustainability in filament production, which does not specifically address gender disparities or the empowerment of women and girls. While the project promotes accessibility and affordability in 3D printing, its impact on gender equality would be indirect and minimal.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Filramex indirectly supports SDG 6 by promoting sustainable practices through recycling plastic waste for filament production. By reducing plastic waste, Filramex contributes to environmental sustainability, potentially easing pressure on water resources used in waste management and promoting more efficient resource utilization. However, its direct impact on clean water and sanitation is limited compared to initiatives directly addressing water management and sanitation infrastructure.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Filramex contributes to SDG 7 by promoting sustainable practices through localized filament production, which reduces reliance on imported materials and supports energy-efficient manufacturing processes. By enabling the recycling of plastic waste into filament, Filramex supports cleaner production methods and contributes to sustainable energy practices, aligning with goals of affordability and sustainability in energy use.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Filramex significantly contributes to SDG 8 by fostering economic growth through localized filament production. By reducing reliance on imported materials, Filramex lowers costs for businesses and individuals involved in 3D printing, thereby promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic opportunities. The project supports sustainable economic growth by enabling affordable access to technology and materials, enhancing productivity, and facilitating innovation in 3D printing sectors.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Filramex strongly contributes to SDG 9 by promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization through localized filament production. By providing affordable and accessible 3D printing materials, Filramex fosters innovation in manufacturing, prototyping, and creative industries. The project enhances infrastructure resilience by reducing dependence on imported materials and promoting sustainable practices through recycling plastic waste. This contributes to economic diversification, technological advancement, and sustainable development in the 3D printing sector and beyond.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Filramex contributes somewhat to SDG 10 by democratizing access to affordable 3D printing materials, which can reduce economic disparities within communities. By lowering the cost barrier to technology and fostering local production, Filramex promotes inclusivity in innovation and entrepreneurship. However, its direct impact on reducing inequalities within and among countries is limited compared to broader economic and social policies aimed at addressing structural inequalities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Filramex contributes to SDG 11 by promoting sustainable practices through localized filament production. By recycling plastic waste into 3D printing filament, Filramex supports environmental sustainability in urban settings. This reduces plastic pollution, promotes resource efficiency, and supports sustainable development practices within communities. While its impact is primarily environmental, Filramex indirectly contributes to making cities more inclusive and sustainable by fostering local innovation and reducing reliance on imported materials.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

7

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Filramex contributes to SDG 13 by promoting climate action through its focus on sustainable filament production. By recycling plastic waste into filament, Filramex reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic incineration or landfill disposal. The project supports climate resilience by mitigating environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in 3D printing and manufacturing sectors. While its direct impact on global climate change is indirect, Filramex exemplifies actionable steps towards reducing carbon footprints and fostering environmental stewardship.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Filramex does not directly contribute to SDG 14 as its focus is on terrestrial applications of 3D printing filament production. While it promotes sustainability through recycling plastic waste, its impact on marine ecosystems or marine resource conservation is indirect and minimal. Initiatives directly addressing marine conservation would have a more substantial impact on SDG 14 compared to Filramex's terrestrial-focused activities.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Filramex contributes to SDG 15 by promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems through recycling plastic waste into filament. By reducing plastic pollution and promoting local production, Filramex supports sustainable land management practices and biodiversity conservation. While its primary impact is on terrestrial ecosystems through waste reduction and resource efficiency, Filramex indirectly contributes to halting biodiversity loss and promoting sustainable land use.

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

2

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Filramex does not directly contribute to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful societies, providing access to justice, and building effective institutions. Its impact is primarily on economic and environmental aspects related to 3D printing filament production. While indirectly promoting inclusivity through affordable technology access, Filramex's contribution to peace and justice is minimal compared to initiatives directly addressing governance, the rule of law, and societal peace.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Filramex contributes to SDG 17 by fostering partnerships for sustainable development through collaborations with local recycling initiatives, 3D printing communities, and educational institutions. By promoting local production and sustainable practices in filament production, Filramex strengthens the means of implementation for sustainable development goals. The project exemplifies the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals of innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment in local and global contexts.

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

4

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.

4

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.

5

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

Filramex represents a new version of filament extrusion machines by incorporating advancements such as local manufacturing capabilities, sustainability initiatives with plastic waste recycling, and enhanced customization options for filament production. While it builds upon existing technology, its novel features and improvements make it a more modern and versatile solution for 3D printing enthusiasts and businesses.

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

Our main potential competitors include Filabot with their Original EX2 and Felfil Evo by Felfil. Filabot offers a robust extrusion system designed for recycling plastic into filament, emphasizing its reliability and efficiency in filament production. Felfil Evo also focuses on user customization and control over filament properties, catering to DIY enthusiasts and small businesses. What sets Filramex apart is its specific focus on addressing the needs of markets like Nigeria where imported filaments are costly and locally produced options are limited. Unlike Filabot and Felfil Evo, Filramex is uniquely tailored for affordability, sustainability through local plastic waste recycling, and ease of maintenance with readily available local components. Filramex's vertical design maximizes space efficiency and minimizes operational noise, making it suitable for diverse environments from home workshops to educational institutions. Moreover, Filramex offers comprehensive support services and t

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

NO