Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

My Green Space is a startup offering solar-powerd small-scale hydroponics systems for balcony farming, enabling urban dwellers to grow fresh leafy greens, herbs, and produce. Our modular, space-efficient designs suit renters and homeowners alike.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

My Green Space is a startup that aims to revolutionize urban food production through sustainable, off-grid hydroponic farming systems. Our flagship offering is a compact, modular hydroponics kit designed for urban balconies and small spaces. Powered by solar energy and optimized for minimal electricity usage, our systems enable city dwellers to grow fresh, locally sourced leafy greens and herbs produced right at home. Initially targeting eco-conscious renters and homeowners seeking transparency in their food sources, My Green Space provides a sustainable solution for hyper-local, pesticide-free produce. As we establish a foothold in residential urban agriculture, our long-term vision is to scale into large-scale commercial hydroponic farming operations. By decentralizing food production and leveraging renewable energy, we aim to reduce urban food miles, lower carbon footprints, and increase access to nutritious greens across cities.

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

The disconnection between urban residents and their source of fresh food, particularly fresh produce. With the increase in urbanisation, there are limited spaces to plant and grow leafy greens. There is then a dependency on either transported produce from distant farms or your local mama mboga. There is then ultimately the lack of transparency with regards to the farming practices that were followed during the plant-to-harvest process.

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. Sustainability: Our hydroponics systems are powered by renewable solar energy and designed for minimal electricity consumption, reducing their environmental impact and carbon footprint. 2. Hyper-local food production: By enabling urban residents to grow their own produce at home or in community gardens, we promote hyper-local food sources, significantly reducing food miles and associated emissions from transportation. 3. Transparency and control: With our systems, consumers have complete transparency over the farming practices used to grow their greens, ensuring they are pesticide-free and grown sustainably.

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

Urban households and communities that prioritise sustainably sourced, locally grown produce. These are environmentally conscious consumers seeking transparency in their food sources and interested in taking control over the farming practices used to grow their greens. Additionally, we aim to serve urban communities at large by promoting decentralised food production and increasing access to fresh, nutritious greens within cities. In the long term, our scalable commercial hydroponic farming operations could potentially serve a wider market, including restaurants, grocers, and institutions seeking reliable, sustainable sources of locally grown produce within urban areas.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-01

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

1

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.)

Grace Mwai is a seasoned hydroponics specialist and advocate for sustainable agriculture, with a Certificate in Agribusiness Management from Miramar International College. Her expertise includes advanced sustainable farming techniques like hydroponics and black soldier fly farming. She effectively leverages technology and digital tools to optimize hydroponic systems, having managed ICT hubs, trained youth in digital agriculture and designed educational materials. Proficient in graphic and web design, as well as software like Adobe Creative Suite and CAD, she excels in creating intuitive hydroponics systems. With practical experience in greenhouse farming and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems, she focuses on resource efficiency, increased yields, and environmental sustainability, aiming to develop scalable solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and promote environmental stewardship.

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

http://my-green-space.dorik.io/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

My Green Space addresses poverty by empowering individuals to grow affordable, nutritious food at home. By reducing food expenses and creating income opportunities through training and entrepreneurship, we help alleviate financial strain, promote self-sufficiency, and improve quality of life, contributing to poverty reduction..

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

My Green Space contributes to zero hunger by enabling year-round, local production of nutritious, pesticide-free food in urban areas. It promotes food security, reduces reliance on external food sources, and enhances accessibility to fresh produce, addressing hunger and promoting healthier diets sustainably.

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

My Green Space advances Good Health and Well-Being by enabling access to fresh, nutritious produce grown at home. Hydroponics ensures pesticide-free, high-quality vegetables, promoting healthier diets. Additionally, gardening activities support mental health by reducing stress and encouraging physical activity. Our systems also reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, contributing to a safer living environment and overall well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

We provide hands-on training in hydroponics and solar technology, enhancing STEM skills and environmental awareness. By integrating these subjects into curricula and community workshops, we empower learners with practical knowledge and skills, fostering innovation and environmental stewardship. This supports lifelong learning and prepares individuals for green economy careers.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

As a female-run startup, we advance gender equality by exemplifying women in leadership, promoting inclusive workplace policies, and prioritizing diverse hiring. We challenge stereotypes, support women's professional development, and influence broader business norms by advocating for equitable practices. Our impact extends to the community through mentoring other women entrepreneurs and investing in female-focused markets.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

We contribute to the Clean Water and Sanitation goal by promoting water-efficient urban agriculture. Hydroponics systems use up to 90% less water compared to traditional soil-based gardening. By recycling water through a closed-loop system, we reduce waste and prevent pollution. Additionally, our approach minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, further protecting water quality. Through these practices, we help urban households grow food sustainably, conserving water and maintaining sanitation.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Our solar-powered setups minimize reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing energy costs for urban households. For non-solar conditions, we use low-power systems that maximize efficiency, further decreasing energy consumption. This approach not only makes clean energy more accessible but also supports sustainable food production in urban environments.

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

We are creating jobs in installation, maintenance, and customer support and offer training in urban farming and renewable energy. We promote local entrepreneurship, reduce water and energy costs, and foster sustainable agricultural practices. This enhances economic opportunities, supports local food production, and contributes to the resilience and growth of local economies.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

We promote sustainable infrastructure development in urban settings, encouraging efficient use of space and resources. By pioneering new approaches to urban agriculture, we contribute to resilient and innovative urban infrastructure, supporting economic growth and environmental sustainability.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

My Green Space contributes to reducing inequalities by democratizing access to sustainable food production. It empowers urban residents, including marginalized communities, with tools and knowledge to grow their own nutritious food affordably. By promoting inclusive economic opportunities and enhancing food security, we strive to bridge gaps in access to healthy food and promote equality in urban settings.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

We contribute to Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting urban agriculture, which enhances food security and resilience. By utilizing space-efficient hydroponic systems and renewable energy, we reduce environmental impact and resource consumption in urban areas. This sustainable approach fosters community engagement, improves local food accessibility, and promotes healthier lifestyles. It contributes to creating livable, inclusive cities that prioritize environmental stewardship and quality of life for all residents.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

We minimise the distance food travels and reduce packaging waste. By using water and energy efficiently and avoiding chemical pesticides, we promote eco-friendly farming. This encourages consumers to choose food based on where and how it's produced, creating a more sustainable and resilient food system

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Through efficient use of water and energy, and by avoiding chemical pesticides, we promote sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate environmental impact. By empowering urban residents to grow their own food locally, we lessen dependency on fossil fuels and help combat climate change. This approach supports a greener future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable living in urban areas.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

As we scale to large-scale hydroponics and aquaponics, we will actively contribute to preserving Life Below Water. By recycling water and nutrients efficiently, we will minimize agricultural runoff and chemical pollutants that harm marine ecosystems. Our commitment to sustainable farming practices will help maintain water quality, supporting marine biodiversity and the delicate balance of underwater ecosystems in the future.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

By utilizing vertical and space-efficient systems, we enable local food production in urban areas without significant land use. This reduces pressure on terrestrial ecosystems and preserves natural habitats. Additionally, our methods minimize soil degradation and water consumption compared to traditional farming practices, promoting soil health and conserving water resources. By fostering biodiversity-friendly practices and providing fresh, pesticide-free produce, we support healthier ecosystems and contribute to the overall preservation of life on land.

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

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

We empower communities with sustainable food solutions, fostering economic stability, and enhancing social cohesion through transparent and ethical practices.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

My Green Space will foster Partnerships for the Goal by collaborating with local communities, businesses, universities and NGOs. Together, we will leverage expertise and resources to promote sustainable urban agriculture, enhance food security, and advance environmental stewardship. These partnerships will drive innovation, expand outreach, and create shared value, accelerating progress towards global sustainability goals.

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.

4

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.

5

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

5

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

4

05.08 Justification

My Green Space introduces a fresh approach to urban farming with balcony-sized and vertical hydroponics. Using space-saving systems and integrating renewable energy, we enable city dwellers to grow food efficiently even in small spaces. This promotes self-sufficiency, reduces environmental footprint, and supports sustainable living in urban areas. By making urban farming accessible and eco-friendly, we inspire healthier, more resilient communities.

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

Hydroponics Africa. My Green Space stands out from them because our main target audience is urban dwellers and small-scale farmers

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

Yes. I would want to show little girls that big dreams do come true. The first little girl I would inspire would be the little dreamer girl in me.