Malawi - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The project focuses on improving rural communities and bringing electricity to local markets so they can compete with producers in nearby towns by introducing solar power systems that can be adjusted in size and scale, to speed up rural electrification.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

High IMPEL Energy Co. LTD is a Malawian Registered Energy company that was formed by young ambitious Malawians led by Peter Robert Ngwira who holds Bachelors of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering. The idea was supported by: Andrew Phiri holding a Bachelors of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering, Tusalifye Kanyika holding Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Energy Systems; and Lusekero Kauwa holding a Bachelors of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering. This has come at a critical time when Malawi is facing rampant electricity and poor industrialization due to the problem of electricity. The company will establish a Hybrid Renewable Energy system that incorporates:  A Biogas Plant embedded with production of organic fertilizer  A Parabolic solar system for generation of electricity. The team has already come up with technology specifications and system level class design on its own. The Team provides a warranty policy for 360 days of free maintance check.

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

Inadequate energy supply continues to be a major concern for Malawi and a significant limiting factor to its socio-economic growth. Despite having an installed capacity of 351 MW, one of the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa, electricity is accessible to only 11% of the population (World Bank, 2019). For the 80% population that lives in rural areas, it is only 4% who are connected to electricity, a situation that forces many to resort to unsustainable energy sources. Therefore, High IMPEL Energy Company LTD has introduced Scalable Solar Off-Grid and Mini Grid Systems to help in Fast Rural Electrification. The project regards deep rural communities who are into economic cycle to help them with the main stream Market penetration to compete with peri-urban producers of goods. There is a huge gap in the energy sector and High IMPEL Energy Company Limited (HIEC Ltd..) has come to fill that gap. Manufacturing organizations are missing production, SMEs failing to grow due to power outage.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Electrification Initiative: Our solar mini-grid project aims to electrify off-grid communities, enhancing their access to lighting and appliances. With our DEEP RURAL COMMUNITIES program, we're targeting a 27% increase in rural electrification in year one. 2. Economic Enhancement: Providing electricity sparks economic growth by supporting local businesses and generating employment in solar mini-grid maintenance and operations. The project regards deep rural communities who are into economic cycle to help them with the main stream Market penetration to compete with peri-urban producers of goods through provision of scalable solar off-grid systems and solar mini grid systems. 3. Sustainable Practices: Our solar energy project promotes environmental sustainability and includes an organic fertilizer division that converts waste into energy since the raw materials for the organic fertiliser factory are from a Biogas Digester (Digester Effluent), bolstering agricultural productivity.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

The mini-grid will be established in Lirangwe, located in the Blantyre district. Our enterprise will supply electricity to the rural inhabitants of Lirangwe, an area currently underserved by the main electricity grid. The project is part of the “360 Days of Energy Initiative”, which aims to empower deep rural communities by enabling them to produce and sell quality local products using solar energy. The project will install Solar Mini Grid & Off-Grid Systems that will not only provide electricity to the households, but also create a new business line for processing local raw materials and supplying them to regional companies. The project will improve the social wellbeing of the target population in Lirangwe – Blantyre, Malawi, and generate a steady income for the community and the company. The project expects to connect 1000 households to the mini-grid in the first 2 years, and earn over MWK250 Million in the first 5 years.

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-07-25

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Mr. Ngwira is the founder of NEC Ltd and was instrumental in launching the consultancy firm in 2021. He led the team that mapped out project feasibility studies and launched most of the projects in Biogas and Solar (BISO) to address climate change, poverty, improve health, and protect the environment by making cleaner technology accessible to all. He is the Founding TEAM Lead project Design for High IMPEL Energy Company LTD Andrew Phiri, co-founder and Director of HIEC Ltd, is a Chemical Engineer, Engineering Designer & Programmer, Graphic Designer, Certified Innovator & Entrepreneur. His diverse skill set contributes significantly to the company's focus on renewable energy solutions. Tusalifye Kanyika serves as the Executive Board Member and Managing Director of HIEC Ltd. He oversees all project designs, customization, and implementation. His leadership ensures that the company's energy services are professionally managed to meet productivity and client satisfaction.

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

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085373375395&mibextid=ZbWKwL, https://www.linkedin.com/company/high-impel-energy-company-ltd/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

my startup addresses the challenge of poverty in Malawi by enhancing agricultural productivity, providing reliable energy for irrigation and processing, which helps increase agricultural yields and income generation in rural areas. It creates jobs through the construction and maintenance of the biogas and solar systems, contributing to income stability for households. The project improves access to energy by offering affordable and clean energy, reducing energy costs for households and allowing them to allocate more resources to other basic needs. It also supports economic diversification by enabling the operation of small businesses and value-added services, fostering economic resilience. This multifaceted approach contributes to reducing poverty by improving livelihoods and aligning with Malawi’s national development goals and the global agenda to eradicate poverty.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to the goal of zero hunger in Malawi by improving irrigation through the BISO Smart Irrigation System, which is powered by renewable energy. This system enhances water management for crops, leading to increased agricultural productivity and food security. It is cost-effective and self-sufficient, lowering the expenses associated with traditional irrigation methods and making food production more affordable. The reliable energy supply from the project enables winter cropping, which can help mitigate the effects of seasonal dry spells and ensure year-round food availability. Additionally, the project can support facilities that reduce post-harvest losses, further contributing to food availability. These efforts align with Malawi's strategies to combat hunger and build a food system that is resilient to climate challenges, aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Health-wise, the my startup is relevant as it contributes towards health living and clean environment. The fertilizer factory will utilize domestic and industrial waste like molasses from sugar processing, household organic waste and rice bran from rice milling. This will go a long way in sanitizing the cities of Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Blantyre and the towns of Dwangwa, Kasungu and Karonga. Currently, the city councils of Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu are grappling with waste management characterized by poor waste collection from houses and industries to proper waste disposal at the dump site. The project, will, therefore, support them through collection of waste for production of fertilizer. The same applies to rice bran in Karonga where the District and Town Councils are grappling with management of piles of rice bran. Currently the disposal of rice bran is dominated by the method of burning, which in itself is a pollution concern, hence the project will use it for Biogas insted of burning.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Electricity can improve educational outcomes by enabling access to digital learning resources and extending study hours through lighting.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

My startup aims to foster gender equality by ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in deep rural communities to engage in and benefit from the economic cycle. By facilitating access to mainstream markets, the project aligns with Malawi's sustainable development goals, promoting gender-inclusive economic growth and empowering all individuals, regardless of gender, to contribute to and thrive in domestic and international trade. The Solar Mini Grids & Off-Grid Systems will not only enhance local product reliability but also support equitable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the food processing, manufacturing, and distribution sectors.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

My startup will significantly contribute to Malawi's clean water and sanitation goal by implementing a sustainable waste management system. By collecting waste that would otherwise pollute the environment and contaminate underground water sources, the initiative ensures cleaner, safer water for the community. The conversion of this waste into biogas not only reduces environmental pollution but also protects water resources, aligning with Malawi's commitment to maintaining hygienic water conditions for all.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

My startup ensures affordability by harnessing cost-effective renewable resources, such as biogas and solar energy, to provide a cheaper alternative to expensive fossil fuels. This hybrid system is designed to reduce energy costs for rural and peri-urban communities, making sustainable energy accessible to all. In terms of clean energy, the project utilizes environmentally friendly technologies that produce minimal emissions, contributing to a reduction in air pollution and enhancing public health. By combining biogas production, which also aids in waste management, with solar power, the initiative promotes a cleaner energy mix that aligns with Malawi's national goals and global sustainability standards.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to decent work and economic growth in Malawi by creating employment opportunities that are secure, sustainable, and uphold workers' rights. It aligns with the Malawi Decent Work Country Programme II, which aims for gainful employment and human rights-based work conditions for all, particularly youth, women, and men². The project's focus on renewable energy not only generates jobs within the green economy but also supports local agriculture, enhancing productivity and incomes. This leads to a more productive labor market, fairer income distribution, and improved social protection, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8. By providing reliable energy, the project also enables other industries to flourish, further contributing to the nation's economic development

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

My startup contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure in Malawi by: - Developing the BISO Smart Irrigation System, which introduces advanced technology to power irrigation systems through a hybrid renewable energy source, combining biogas and solar power. This innovation benefits smallholder farmers by improving water management and crop production. - Leveraging Malawi's existing digital infrastructure, the project's smart system can be monitored online, with data synchronized to the web, supporting the country's economic growth through digital transformation. - The company also sustains Zero Energy Economic Infrastructure Designs, in which Industries/Infrastructures are designed to be Energy Self Sufficient from their Architectural Design - Offering a smart operation for larger commercial farms, where the system is controlled via Bluetooth/online, and data is saved in the cloud, supporting the growth of robust agricultural infrastructure vital for industry and innovation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

The BISO 360 project contributes to the Reduced Inequalities goal in Malawi by ensuring that clean and affordable energy is accessible to all, thus helping to bridge the gap between different societal groups. It creates job opportunities and supports local agriculture, leading to increased incomes and reduced economic disparities, especially in rural areas. The integration of advanced technology in agriculture through the BISO Smart Irrigation System promotes technological inclusion and innovation. Additionally, by enhancing Malawi's energy sector and reducing dependence on hydro-electric power, the project indirectly supports social inclusion, providing a foundation for diverse economic activities and contributing to a more equitable society.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

High IMPEL Energy Company Limited promotes sustainable cities and communities in Malawi by enhancing urban agriculture with the BISO Smart Irrigation System, which is vital for food security and sustainable urban life. The project's efficient irrigation technology conserves water, a critical resource for sustainable urban environments. By using biogas and solar energy, the project reduces the carbon footprint of cities, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban areas. Although not directly mentioned, similar projects can complement slum upgrading efforts by providing essential services like energy and water, improving living conditions for vulnerable populations. This approach aligns with Malawi's vision for sustainable urban development, ensuring that cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, and more, in a way that is sustainable for the planet.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

High IMPEL Energy Company Limited supports sustainable consumption and production patterns through the circular economy in Malawi by minimizing waste through its biogas plant, which processes organic waste into energy and fertilizer. It maximizes resource efficiency by using renewable energy sources like solar power and promotes recycling and reuse by designing the energy generation process to be cyclical. The project stimulates local economies by creating markets for recycled materials and products, aligning with national strategies for sustainable economic growth. This approach ensures that consumption and production within the country are sustainable and contribute to a healthier environment.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

My company contributes to the Climate Action goal in Malawi by using renewable energy sources like biogas and solar power, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It employs efficient irrigation technologies that conserve water resources, crucial in the face of climate-induced water scarcity. The BISO Smart Irrigation System enables farmers to adapt to changing weather patterns, ensuring food security despite climate variability. The project supports Malawi's economic development within a changing climate, aligning with recommendations from the World Bank's Country Climate and Development Report for Malawi. This focus on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy is a proactive step towards achieving Malawi's climate action objectives and the broader Sustainable Development Goals.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

the company supports the Life Below Water goal in Malawi by promoting sustainable water use and protecting aquatic ecosystems. The efficient irrigation system ensures responsible water use, reducing the risk of depleting local water sources. By processing organic waste into biogas, the project helps prevent water pollution, benefiting aquatic life. Additionally, the reduced need for chemical fertilizers, thanks to the organic fertilizer produced, minimizes runoff into water bodies, protecting aquatic ecosystems. This approach to water management aligns with efforts to preserve Malawi's aquatic resources and contributes to the global goal of conserving life below water.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

The BISO 360 project supports the Life on Land goal in Malawi by promoting sustainable land use and enhancing biodiversity. The BISO Smart Irrigation System enables more efficient use of land for agriculture, reducing the need for expansion into natural habitats. Using organic waste to produce biogas and fertilizer improves soil health, which is essential for sustainable land management. The project's focus on renewable energy reduces the need for deforestation for fuel, helping to preserve Malawi's rich biodiversity. Additionally, the project promotes practices that reduce land degradation and desertification, key to maintaining healthy ecosystems. This approach aligns with national strategies and international commitments to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

5

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

The BISO 360 project supports the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions goal in Malawi by fostering a stable environment conducive to sustainable development. It enhances access to energy and supports economic growth, creating conditions less likely to lead to conflict and promoting peace. The project can strengthen local institutions by involving them in the planning and implementation process, enhancing their capacity to serve the community effectively. With improved energy access, institutions like courts and police stations can function more reliably, which is essential for upholding justice. By providing equal access to resources and opportunities, the project supports the creation of inclusive institutions that are critical for strong governance. This approach aligns with efforts to build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, contributing to a peaceful society by addressing root causes of tensions and promoting sustainable socio-economic development.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our startup actively seeks and fosters partnerships with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, to achieve our objectives. These collaborations are essential for the BISO 360 project, as they allow us to leverage a wide range of expertise, resources, and networks. By working together, we can ensure that our efforts are aligned with national development plans and international sustainability goals, creating a more significant impact than we could alone. These partnerships are crucial for scaling up our operations and ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability

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

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

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

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

The Projects Develops a BISO Tech System which is entirely Unique and Innovative as it integrates the use of Biogas and Solar (BISO) combined. But the Integration of Solar OFF-GRID Systems together with Mini Grid, is an existing technology just that we are targeting Deep Rural Communities and Local Markets were access to the National Grid is a Challenge. The Project has developed a System called BISO Tech that can be used to power up anything that runs on electricity. BISO TECH is an original Idea that was harnessed from 2018 after multiple prototyping and fabrication. Along side BISO (Biogas and Solar) there is Production of Granulated Organic Fertiliser in which one sample attained a Nitrogen Percentage of 22.6%, We own all the formulation and patents that were Incorporated during trial runs for Granulated Organic Fertiliser. The Line Diagram that was developed for Lirangwe Mini Grid System is an original development for High IMPEL Energy Company LTD, It was developed from scratch.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our Main competitors are those who are into Solar Business. But the unique part of our project deliverly is that the Company introduced 50% ENTRY PAY™ scheme. This scheme permits clients to remit 50% of the project cost in three equal parts, is an integral part of the companies’ enduring commitment to affordable access to clean and efficient energy for the communities. Most of the Solar Companies don't allow clients to pay in installments making it difficult for most users to switch to solar. An additional unique feature about our project is the Hybrid Part where the Project integrates Biogas and Solar (BISO TECH). We have a wide range of Clients including smallholder farmers who are into Small Scale Agriculture, We supply irrigation systems that run on Biogas and Solar (BISO).

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

Yes, I have done a number of curriculum reviews under MUST, LUANAR, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY, BUGHEMA, FINLAND, DENMARK and many others on Problem Based Learning (PBL) in which the target was a Female Student. I was also Invited for a Number Engineering Symposiums in which we were supposed and the participants that were encouraged were female. I also shared about Key Aspects of Engineering for Humanity 1. Mainstream Market Evaluation: Authentic Problems, helps in identifying the target group 2. Consultation and Planning: Active Learning, Understanding the Problem 3. EET Implementation: Collaborative Learning | Interdisciplinary Approach - Expertise Identification - Efficiency based approach - Team Work 4. Target Market evaluation: Pay attention to their immediate environment - Self Directed Learning | Facilitated Learning Environment: With Full Mentorship 5. Implementation, close out phase and stallholders feedback model - Active Real World Application | Reflection and Feedback