Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The Cereus Hydro Water Purifier is an innovative sachet that transforms unclean water into safe drinking water, addressing the urgent need for access to clean water in Nigeria, other African countries, and regions worldwide facing water scarcity issues.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier is an innovative and sustainable solution designed to address the critical issue of access to clean drinking water in Nigeria, other African countries, and regions worldwide with water scarcity. This 50g sachet utilizes advanced water purifying technology to treat up to 20 liters of contaminated water. By leveraging state-of-the-art chemical reactions for coagulation, flocculation, and disinfection, the sachet effectively transforms the dirtiest water into safe, potable water. The purification process involves coagulating suspended particles, forming flocs that can be easily removed, and disinfecting harmful pathogens, ensuring the water is safe for daily use. The Cereus Hydro Water Purifier is compact, easy to use, and cost-effective, making it an ideal solution for communities lacking access to clean water. Its deployment can significantly reduce waterborne diseases, improve health outcomes, and contribute to sustainable development in affected regions.

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

The main problem the Cereus Hydro Water Purifier aims to solve is the lack of access to clean and safe drinking water in Nigeria, other African countries, and regions worldwide experiencing water scarcity. Many communities in these areas rely on contaminated water sources, leading to widespread waterborne diseases, poor health outcomes, and high mortality rates. Existing solutions are often inadequate, expensive, or difficult to implement in remote or resource-limited settings. Our innovative sachet provides an affordable, easy-to-use, and effective means of purifying up to 20 liters of water with a single 50g packet. By leveraging advanced chemical processes for coagulation, flocculation, and disinfection, the Cereus Hydro Water Purifier ensures that even the dirtiest water can be made safe for drinking and daily use, thereby improving health, reducing disease, and enhancing the quality of life for millions of people.

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

Affordable and Accessible: The Cereus Hydro Water Purifier sachets are cost-effective and easy to distribute, making them accessible to low-income communities and remote areas. Each 50g sachet can purify up to 20 liters of water, providing a practical solution for families and individuals with limited resources. Health Improvement: By transforming contaminated water into safe drinking water, the sachets significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea. This leads to better overall health outcomes, fewer medical expenses, and improved quality of life. Ease of Use and Portability: The sachets are user-friendly and require no complex equipment or technical knowledge. Their small size and light weight make them easy to transport and store, enabling rapid deployment in emergency situations and ongoing use in everyday life.

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

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier primarily targets communities and individuals in Nigeria, other African countries, and regions worldwide facing water scarcity. This includes rural villages, urban slums, refugee camps, and disaster-affected areas lacking access to clean drinking water. Additionally, students in tertiary institutions who struggle with water access are key beneficiaries. By alleviating their challenges, promoting health, and enjoying popularity among students, the sachets aim for widespread acceptance and impact across society.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-07-10

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

6

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

4

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

Yusuf Najat (Chief Operating Officer): A student of public administration at OAU Ile-Ife, with a strong background in Public Administration and proven experience in managing complex projects. Olateju A. Olaniran (Chief Financial Officer): A postgraduate student of computer science at OAU Ile-Ife. Olateju brings financial acumen and analytical skills to the team. Oluwatobiloba M. Adebayo (Chief Technology Officer): A water treatment expert and postgraduate student of ecology at OAU. With a background in water treatment and ecology, Oluwatobiloba leads the technological aspects of the project. Prof. Mrs. Aderonke Okoya (Water Quality Advisor): Director of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, OAU Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Prof. Okoya brings extensive knowledge and experience in environmental studies and water quality assessment. Prof. Elizabeth F. Aransiola (Research and Development Advisor): Professor of Chemical Engineering at OAU Ile-Ife. Her expertise will help us do more.

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

Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/AfeezeeHQ, Facebook: https://facebook.com/afeez.olagunju.35

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Our project contributes to the "No poverty" Sustainable Development Goal by addressing one of the fundamental aspects of poverty: lack of access to clean drinking water. By providing an affordable and effective solution for purifying contaminated water, especially in impoverished communities in Nigeria, other African countries, and regions worldwide, the Cereus Hydro Water Purifier helps improve health outcomes, reduce medical expenses, and enhance overall well-being. Access to clean water also empowers individuals and communities to pursue economic opportunities, breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting sustainable development.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Our project contributes to the "Zero hunger" Sustainable Development Goal by addressing the underlying issue of food insecurity exacerbated by contaminated water sources. Access to clean water provided by the Cereus Hydro Water Purifier reduces the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera, diarrhea and plant's infections, which can lead to malnutrition and hinder agricultural productivity. By improving health and reducing illness-related expenses, the project enables communities to allocate resources more efficiently towards food production and nutrition, ultimately supporting efforts to eradicate hunger and achieve food security. Additionally, by ensuring water safety for irrigation purposes, the project indirectly enhances agricultural yields, contributing further to food availability and accessibility.

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

Our project significantly contributes to the "Good health and well-being" Sustainable Development Goal by providing access to clean drinking water, a crucial determinant of health. The Cereus Hydro Water Purifier effectively removes contaminants from water, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea. By improving water quality, the project prevents illness, reduces mortality rates, and enhances overall well-being, particularly in communities facing water scarcity and lacking access to safe drinking water. Moreover, by promoting good health, the project indirectly supports economic development by reducing healthcare costs and improving productivity. Cereus Hydro Water Purifier plays a vital role in advancing the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Our project contributes to the "Quality education" Sustainable Development Goal by ensuring that students, especially those in tertiary institutions, have access to clean drinking water. This directly impacts their health, reducing absenteeism caused by waterborne diseases and improving overall well-being, which is essential for effective learning. Healthy students are more likely to attend classes regularly, perform better academically, and engage more fully in their education. Additionally, by promoting good health and reducing the time and resources spent on fetching or treating water, students can focus more on their studies. The Cereus Hydro Water Purifier, therefore, supports a healthier, more conducive learning environment, enhancing educational outcomes and contributing to the broader goal of quality education for all

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Our project contributes to the "Gender equality" Sustainable Development Goal in multiple ways: Health Empowerment: By providing clean water, the Cereus Hydro Water Purifier reduces waterborne diseases, which disproportionately affect women and girls who are often responsible for water collection. Healthier women can engage more fully in education, employment, and community activities. Educational Opportunities: Clean water ensures that girls can attend school regularly, free from health issues and the time-consuming task of fetching water, supporting their educational development. Leadership Representation: With a management team of four females and two males, our startup exemplifies gender equality in leadership roles, promoting women's leadership in the community. Economic Participation: By reducing the time women spend obtaining and purifying water, this project allows them to engage in economic activities, fostering greater financial independence and economic participation.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

The primary goal of this project is to provide clean water and sanitation in tandem with "Clean Water and Sanitation" Sustainable Development Goal. The Cereus Hydro Water Purifier sachets use advanced chemical processes to transform up to 20 liters of unsafe water into clean, drinkable water, ensuring reliable access in water-scarce regions. The compact, cost-effective design allows for widespread distribution, reaching remote and underserved areas. This access prevents waterborne diseases, improving public health and well-being. It also enables children, especially girls, to attend school regularly, supporting education. Clean water reduces medical costs and boosts productivity, enhancing economic stability. Additionally, by promoting clean water technologies, the project supports sustainable water resource management.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Affordable and clean energy" Sustainable Development Goal indirectly by reducing the need for energy-intensive water purification methods. Traditional methods often require boiling water, which consumes significant amounts of energy and typically relies on fossil fuels, contributing to environmental degradation. By providing an efficient, chemical-based purification solution, the project minimizes the energy required to obtain clean water. This not only lowers household energy consumption but also decreases deforestation and carbon emissions associated with firewood collection and use. The project supports the transition to more sustainable energy practices by reducing reliance on traditional, energy-intensive water purification methods.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Decent work and economic growth" Sustainable Development Goal by improving health outcomes, which in turn boosts productivity and economic participation. Access to clean water reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases, leading to fewer sick days and higher workforce productivity. By lowering healthcare costs associated with treating these diseases, families have more disposable income to invest in economic activities. The project also creates job opportunities in the production, distribution, and maintenance of the water purifiers, fostering local employment and skills development. Furthermore, reliable access to clean water supports small businesses and agriculture, enhancing economic stability and growth in communities. By empowering healthier, more productive populations, the project drives sustainable economic development and supports decent work opportunities.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure" Sustainable Development Goal by introducing an innovative water purification technology that addresses critical infrastructure gaps in water access. The sachets employ advanced chemical processes to purify up to 20 liters of water, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for regions lacking traditional water treatment facilities. This innovation supports the development of resilient infrastructure by providing a decentralized, portable water purification method that can be easily distributed and used in remote or underserved areas. By reducing dependency on large-scale, energy-intensive water treatment plants, the project promotes sustainable industrial practices. The development, production, and distribution of these sachets create opportunities for industrial growth, driving advancements in water purification technology and related industries.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Reduced inequalities within and among countries" Sustainable Development Goal by providing an affordable and effective solution for clean water access, particularly benefiting marginalized and underserved communities. By addressing the disparity in water quality and availability, the project ensures that even the most vulnerable populations can access safe drinking water, improving health and quality of life. This access helps bridge the gap between wealthy and impoverished regions, promoting social equity. Additionally, the project empowers local communities by creating job opportunities in the production, distribution, and maintenance of the water purifiers, fostering economic inclusion. By improving health outcomes and reducing waterborne diseases, the project also enables greater participation in education and economic activities, further reducing inequalities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Sustainable cities and communities" goal by promoting access to clean water, a fundamental aspect of urban sustainability. By providing an affordable and portable solution for purifying contaminated water, the project enhances public health and well-being, reducing the burden of waterborne diseases in urban areas. This contributes to the creation of healthier and more resilient communities, fostering sustainable urban development. Additionally, the project's decentralized nature allows for flexible deployment in urban settings, addressing localized water challenges and promoting community resilience to water-related risks such as contamination or scarcity. Overall, the Cereus Hydro Water Purifier supports the development of sustainable cities by ensuring equitable access to clean water and enhancing the health and livability of urban environments.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Responsible consumption and production" goal by promoting efficient use of resources and reducing waste. By providing a compact and efficient solution for purifying contaminated water, the project minimizes the need for single-use plastic bottles and other disposable water containers, thus reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution. Additionally, the sachets use advanced chemical processes to purify water, requiring fewer resources compared to traditional water treatment methods, and they are designed to be easily transported and distributed, optimizing resource use and reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. Overall, the project encourages responsible consumption by providing a sustainable alternative for clean water access, thereby supporting environmentally conscious production and consumption practices.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Climate action" goal by reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. By providing an efficient and portable solution for purifying contaminated water, the project minimizes the need for energy-intensive water treatment methods, such as boiling, which often rely on fossil fuels and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the sachets are designed to be lightweight and easily transportable, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and distribution. By promoting access to clean water and minimizing environmental impact, the project supports efforts to mitigate climate change and build more sustainable communities.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Life below water" goal by reducing the contamination of aquatic ecosystems. Untreated water waste that seeps into water bodies can harm marine life and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. By providing an effective solution for purifying contaminated water at its source, the project helps prevent the release of harmful pollutants into waterways, thus safeguarding marine biodiversity and supporting the health of underwater ecosystems. This contributes to the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources, promoting the well-being of life below water.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Life on land" goal by reducing the reliance on unsustainable land-based water sources. By providing a solution to purify contaminated water, the project helps mitigate the degradation of land ecosystems caused by the extraction of water for human consumption. This reduces pressure on freshwater sources and minimizes habitat destruction, preserving biodiversity and supporting the health of terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, by promoting access to clean water, the project enhances the resilience of land-based communities, ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods and ecosystems on land.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Peace, justice, and strong institutions" goal by promoting social stability and resilience. Access to clean water is essential for public health and well-being, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and conflict over scarce resources. By providing an affordable and effective solution for purifying contaminated water, the project fosters community cohesion and reduces tensions related to access to clean water. Additionally, by empowering local communities through job opportunities and sustainable practices, the project supports the development of strong and inclusive institutions, promoting peace and stability within communities.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project contributes to the "Partnerships for the Goals" Sustainable Development Goal by fostering collaboration between various stakeholders. By working with local communities, governments, NGOs, and academic institutions, the project leverages diverse expertise and resources to address water scarcity and improve access to clean water. Additionally, partnerships with businesses and investors enable the scaling up of production and distribution, ensuring widespread access to the water purifiers. By building strong partnerships, the project enhances its impact and sustainability, advancing progress towards achieving the broader Sustainable Development Goals collectively.

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

6

05.08 Justification

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project stands out for its unique approach to providing clean water to impoverished communities. It innovatively refines existing water purification technology developed by PandG, making it more accessible and affordable to underserved populations worldwide. Additionally, the project aims to enhance purification efficiency, addressing critical needs for faster access to clean water. This combination of affordability, accessibility, and efficiency distinguishes the project as a solution to the global water crisis.

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

The main potential competitors of the Cereus Hydro Water Purifier include sellers of Alums and Chlorine for water purification, as well as established brands like PandG's water purifier and Aquatabs. However, what sets the Cereus Hydro Water Purifier apart is its unique combination of accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness. Unlike traditional methods relying on Alums and Chlorine, which are often not effective and efficient in water treatment, the Cereus sachets offer a user-friendly solution that offers faster and effective water purification . Additionally, while PandG's purifier and Aquatabs are effective, they often fall short in terms of accessibility and affordability for impoverished communities. The Cereus Hydro Water Purifier addresses these gaps by offering a cost-effective and portable solution that can be easily distributed and used even in remote areas, making it a more viable option for communities in need.

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

Cereus Hydro Water Purifier project promotes female entrepreneurship through several key actions within the community. Firstly, the project has a management team with significant female representation, including leadership roles such as the Chief Operating Officer and Water Quality Advisor. This visible leadership sets a powerful example for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Secondly, we will engage with local women’s groups to provide training and resources for the production, distribution, and sales of the water purifiers. By equipping women with the skills and knowledge needed to manage and grow their own businesses, we will empower them economically and promotes gender equality. Lastly, we will collaborate with educational institutions to offer workshops and mentorship programs specifically targeted at young women, encouraging their interest and participation in science, technology, and business.