Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Eco-Watt Solutions: We recycle and repurpose used lithium-ion battery cells into solar-ready battery packs for solar and e-mobility applications, targeting low-income communities. We offer affordable PAYGO energy services and productive use devices for a

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Eco-Watt Solutions is a tech company focused on creating sustainable energy solutions by analyzing, recycling, and repurposing used lithium-ion battery cells. Our core product is solar-ready battery packs designed for solar and e-mobility applications, specifically targeting low-income communities. We offer a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) model, making our energy solutions affordable and accessible via mobile payments. Additionally, we provide productive use enabler devices, such as solar-powered appliances, to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for our users. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy, Eco-Watt Solutions drives economic development, enhances education, improves healthcare services, and contributes to environmental conservation. Our mission is to empower communities with reliable, sustainable energy for a brighter future.

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

The main problem Eco-Watt Solutions aims to solve is the lack of reliable and affordable energy access in low-income and rural communities. Many of these areas suffer from inadequate energy infrastructure, leading to limited opportunities for economic development, education, and healthcare. Traditional energy sources are often expensive, environmentally harmful, and unsustainable. Additionally, the improper disposal of used lithium-ion batteries poses significant environmental risks. By recycling and repurposing these batteries into solar-ready battery packs, Eco-Watt Solutions provides a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution. Our Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) model ensures affordability, while our productive use enabler devices enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities for our users. Through our innovative approach, we address both energy poverty and environmental sustainability, empowering communities with the tools they need for a better 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).

Affordable and Accessible Energy: Eco-Watt Solutions provides low-cost, solar-ready battery packs through a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) model, making clean energy accessible to low-income and rural communities. This model reduces the upfront cost barrier, allowing users to pay for energy as they consume it via mobile payments. Environmental Sustainability: By recycling and repurposing used lithium-ion battery cells, we reduce electronic waste and minimize environmental harm. Our solutions promote the use of renewable energy, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Enhanced Quality of Life and Economic Opportunities: Our energy solutions power homes, schools, and businesses, enabling extended study hours, improved healthcare services, and increased productivity. Additionally, our productive use enabler devices, such as solar-powered appliances, enhance economic opportunities by supporting small businesses and local enterprises. By providing affordable, sustainabl

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

Eco-Watt Solutions is aimed at serving low-income and rural communities in Africa that lack reliable and affordable access to energy. The targeted beneficiaries include: Households: Families in rural and underserved areas who struggle with limited or no access to electricity, enabling them to power their homes with clean and sustainable energy. Small Businesses: Entrepreneurs and small business owners who need reliable energy to operate and grow their businesses, thereby enhancing local economic development. Educational Institutions: Schools in rural communities that require consistent power to facilitate extended study hours, use digital tools, and improve the overall quality of education. Healthcare Facilities: Rural health centers and clinics that need stable electricity for storing vaccines, running medical equipment, and providing better healthcare services. E-mobility Users: Individuals and businesses transitioning to electric mobility solutions, benefiting from affordable

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

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.)

Our other founder, Keziah, is a marketing specialist who plays a pivotal role in Eco-Watt Solutions: Marketing Proficiency: Keziah possesses a deep understanding of marketing principles, with a focus on branding, digital marketing, and customer engagement. Her expertise ensures that our message resonates effectively with our target audience. Experience in Renewable Energy Sector: With experience in marketing within the renewable energy sector, Keziah brings valuable insights into the industry's dynamics, enabling us to craft marketing strategies that effectively communicate the benefits of our energy solutions. Strategic Planning: Keziah is skilled in developing strategic marketing plans tailored to our business objectives. Her strategic approach ensures that our marketing efforts are cohesive, impactful, and aligned with our mission of providing sustainable energy solutions. Community Engagement: Keziah is passionate about community engagement and understands the importance of bu

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

Eco-Watt Solutions strongly contributes to the goal of eradicating poverty by providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions to low-income communities. Access to reliable energy is a fundamental driver of economic development, enabling households to power businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities. By offering solar-ready battery packs through a Pay-As-You-Go model, we empower individuals and businesses to break free from energy poverty, stimulating local economies and creating job opportunities. Additionally, our focus on community engagement and capacity building fosters self-reliance and resilience, further contributing to poverty reduction efforts.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions contributes to the goal of zero hunger by improving food security in low-income communities. Access to reliable energy enables agricultural innovation, such as irrigation systems, refrigeration, and processing equipment, extending the shelf life of perishable foods and reducing post-harvest losses. By powering these technologies with our sustainable energy solutions, we help smallholder farmers increase their productivity and income, ensuring a more stable and abundant food supply. Additionally, our focus on productive use enabler devices, such as solar-powered refrigerators and grain mills, empowers communities to store, process, and distribute food more efficiently, ultimately reducing hunger and malnutrition.

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

Eco-Watt Solutions strongly contributes to promoting good health and well-being by providing reliable and sustainable energy access to underserved communities. Access to electricity is essential for powering healthcare facilities, enabling them to operate medical equipment, refrigerate vaccines, and provide essential services effectively. By ensuring consistent power supply through our solar-ready battery packs, we help improve the quality of healthcare services in rural areas, reducing maternal and child mortality rates, and enhancing overall community health outcomes. Additionally, our focus on clean energy solutions mitigates environmental health risks associated with traditional energy sources, such as indoor air pollution from kerosene lamps, leading to healthier living conditions for residents.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

ChatGPT Eco-Watt Solutions strongly contributes to the goal of quality education by providing reliable energy access to schools in low-income communities. With consistent electricity, schools can extend study hours, utilize digital learning tools, and enhance educational resources, improving the overall quality of education. Additionally, our solar-ready battery packs enable schools to overcome energy constraints, ensuring uninterrupted learning even in off-grid areas. By empowering schools with sustainable energy solutions, we facilitate a conducive learning environment that fosters academic excellence and empowers students to reach their full potential

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions contributes to gender equality by promoting equal access to energy resources, which empowers women in low-income communities. Access to sustainable energy enables women to participate more actively in economic activities, such as starting small businesses or utilizing productive use enabler devices powered by our solutions. By providing affordable and reliable energy access, we reduce the time women spend on labor-intensive tasks like gathering firewood or manually grinding grains, allowing them to pursue education, work, or entrepreneurship opportunities. Additionally, our community engagement initiatives prioritize the involvement of women, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes related to energy access and usage, thus fostering gender-inclusive solutions and driving progress towards gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions contributes to the goal of clean water and sanitation by providing reliable energy access to support water purification and sanitation systems in low-income communities. Access to electricity is crucial for powering water treatment plants, ensuring clean and safe drinking water for residents. Additionally, our solar-ready battery packs can power pumps for irrigation systems, improving agricultural water management practices and reducing water scarcity. By promoting sustainable energy solutions, we facilitate the implementation of water and sanitation projects, enhancing public health outcomes and contributing to the overall well-being of communities.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions strongly contributes to the goal of affordable and clean energy by providing accessible and sustainable energy solutions to low-income communities. Through our innovative approach of recycling and repurposing lithium-ion batteries into solar-ready packs, we offer clean energy alternatives at affordable rates, particularly through our Pay-As-You-Go model. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources, we mitigate carbon emissions and environmental degradation, thus fostering a cleaner and healthier environment. Additionally, our focus on community engagement and capacity building ensures that our energy solutions meet the specific needs of our target communities, further enhancing accessibility and affordability.

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

ChatGPT Eco-Watt Solutions significantly contributes to decent work and economic growth by creating job opportunities and stimulating economic development in low-income communities. Through our energy solutions, we empower local entrepreneurs to establish and expand businesses, particularly those reliant on energy-intensive operations such as agricultural processing or small-scale manufacturing. Additionally, our focus on community engagement and capacity building fosters skills development and entrepreneurship training, equipping individuals with the knowledge and resources to participate actively in the local economy. By promoting sustainable energy access, we contribute to increased productivity, income generation, and overall economic resilience, driving progress towards sustainable development goals.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions actively contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure development by pioneering sustainable energy solutions tailored for low-income communities. Our innovative approach involves recycling and repurposing used lithium-ion batteries into solar-ready packs, which not only reduces electronic waste but also promotes the adoption of renewable energy sources. By leveraging advancements in battery technology and solar power systems, we facilitate the development of decentralized energy infrastructure, particularly in off-grid and underserved areas. Additionally, our Pay-As-You-Go model and productive use enabler devices encourage the adoption of innovative business models and technologies, fostering economic growth and resilience within local industries. Through collaboration with partners and stakeholders, we drive continuous innovation and progress in the energy sector, contributing to the overall development of sustainable infrastructure and industry practices.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions contributes to reducing inequalities by providing equitable access to clean and affordable energy solutions for marginalized communities. Our focus on low-income areas ensures that those traditionally underserved by energy infrastructure have access to reliable power, thereby narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas. By offering Pay-As-You-Go options and productive use enabler devices, we make sustainable energy accessible to individuals of all income levels, empowering them to improve their quality of life and economic opportunities. Additionally, our community engagement initiatives prioritize the inclusion of marginalized groups, ensuring that their voices are heard in decision-making processes related to energy access and usage. Through our efforts, we aim to create a more equitable and sustainable energy landscape, thereby contributing to reduced inequalities within society.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions actively contributes to sustainable cities and communities by promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources and fostering energy resilience in urban and rural areas. Our solar-ready battery packs enable the integration of clean energy solutions into urban infrastructure, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. By providing affordable and reliable energy access, we support the development of sustainable communities, where residents can thrive economically and socially while minimizing their environmental footprint. Additionally, our focus on community engagement and capacity building empowers local stakeholders to actively participate in the transition towards sustainable energy practices, fostering a culture of resilience and innovation within cities and communities. Through our efforts, we aim to create a more sustainable and livable future for all

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions contributes significantly to responsible consumption and production by promoting the circular economy model through the recycling and repurposing of used lithium-ion batteries. By extending the lifespan of these batteries and incorporating them into solar-ready packs, we reduce electronic waste and minimize environmental impact. Additionally, our focus on sustainable energy solutions encourages responsible consumption by providing access to clean and efficient energy alternatives, thereby reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. Through our initiatives, we strive to promote sustainable consumption patterns and production practices, ensuring a more environmentally conscious approach to energy generation and usage.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions plays a crucial role in climate action by promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our solar-ready battery packs enable the integration of clean energy solutions, such as solar power, which significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels. By providing affordable and sustainable energy access, we contribute to the mitigation of climate change impacts and help build climate-resilient communities. Additionally, our focus on recycling and repurposing used lithium-ion batteries reduces electronic waste and minimizes environmental harm, further supporting climate action efforts. Through our initiatives, we strive to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on both local and global scales.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions contributes to the conservation of life below water by promoting sustainable energy solutions that minimize environmental impact. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources like solar power, we help mitigate ocean acidification and reduce carbon emissions, which are major contributors to the degradation of marine ecosystems. Additionally, our focus on recycling and repurposing lithium-ion batteries helps prevent the release of hazardous materials into water bodies, thereby safeguarding marine biodiversity. Through our efforts, we aim to support the conservation and preservation of life below water, ensuring the health and resilience of marine ecosystems for future generations.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions contributes to the preservation of life on land by promoting sustainable energy solutions that reduce deforestation and habitat destruction. By providing affordable and reliable energy access to rural communities, we help alleviate the reliance on biomass fuels like wood and charcoal, which are major drivers of deforestation. Additionally, our focus on recycling and repurposing lithium-ion batteries reduces the environmental impact of electronic waste, preventing soil contamination and habitat degradation. Through our initiatives, we aim to support the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity, ensuring the health and resilience of life on land for present and future generations

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

Eco-Watt Solutions contributes to peace, justice, and strong institutions by fostering socio-economic development and empowerment within communities. By providing reliable and affordable energy access, we help reduce inequalities and create economic opportunities, which are essential for promoting social stability and peace. Additionally, our focus on community engagement and capacity building strengthens local institutions and governance structures, fostering transparency, accountability, and participatory decision-making processes. Through our initiatives, we empower individuals and communities to address their own needs and challenges, thereby promoting social cohesion and resilience. By promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth, we contribute to the establishment of just and strong institutions that uphold peace and stability.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions strongly contributes to partnerships for the goal by actively collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and local communities. Through strategic partnerships, we leverage complementary expertise, resources, and networks to maximize our impact and reach. These partnerships enable us to scale our sustainable energy solutions more effectively, address complex challenges, and drive collective action towards common goals such as energy access, environmental sustainability, and community development. By fostering collaborative relationships, we build trust, share knowledge, and mobilize resources to create lasting positive change in the communities we serve

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

5

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.

2

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

4

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

3

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

3

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

5

05.08 Justification

Eco-Watt Solutions’ project is unique and innovative in several key ways: Recycling and Repurposing Lithium-Ion Batteries: Our approach centers around the recycling and repurposing of used lithium-ion battery cells. This not only addresses the growing issue of electronic waste but also reduces the cost of our energy solutions, making them more accessible to low-income communities. By transforming discarded batteries into functional solar-ready battery packs, we provide a sustainable solution that maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes environmental impact. Integrated Solar and E-Mobility Applications: Unlike many energy companies that focus solely on providing solar energy for household use, we integrate our recycled battery packs into both solar and e-mobility applications. This dual focus allows us to meet a broader range of energy needs, supporting not just household electricity but also clean transportation options. This holistic approach amplifies our impact on reducing ca

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

Our main potential competitors include established energy companies and other startups offering solar energy solutions and battery storage systems. Key competitors may include firms like M-KOPA, Greenlight Planet, and Azuri Technologies, which also provide solar home systems and Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) energy solutions. What makes Eco-Watt Solutions stand out from these competitors are several unique and innovative aspects: Recycling and Repurposing Lithium-Ion Batteries: Unlike many competitors, we focus on recycling and repurposing used lithium-ion batteries, which helps reduce electronic waste and lower costs, making our solutions more affordable for low-income communities. Community-Centered Approach: Our strong emphasis on community engagement and capacity building ensures that our solutions are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the communities we serve. This approach fosters local ownership and sustainability. Productive Use Enabler Devices:

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

Yes, we are actively initiating actions within our community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. We recognize the importance of gender equality and are committed to empowering women in entrepreneurship. Our initiatives include mentorship programs, networking events, and capacity-building workshops specifically tailored to support female entrepreneurs. Additionally, we prioritize partnerships with women-led businesses and organizations to amplify their voices and provide them with opportunities for growth and success. Through these efforts, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for female entrepreneurs within our communit