Malawi - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The project processes organic waste producing briquettes and biogas for energy and nutrient-rich digestate as fertilizer. This sustainable approach reduces landfill waste, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients back into agriculture.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Energy to Waste is an innovative startup dedicated to transforming organic waste into valuable resources. The project focuses on processing organic waste to produce briquettes and biogas, while also generating nutrient-rich digestate to be used as fertilizer. This multifaceted approach not only mitigates landfill waste but also significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier environment. The process begins with the collection of organic waste from households, markets, and agricultural activities in Phalombe which is then subjected to anaerobic digestion, a process that breaks down the material in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of biogas and digestate. The biogas is captured and utilized as a renewable energy source, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The digestate, rich in nutrients, is processed further to create briquettes and a high-quality organic fertilizer. The briquettes, made from the fibrous residue, serve as a ren

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

The main problem the project addresses is the environmental and resource management challenges posed by organic waste in Phalombe district. Hundreds of tons of organic waste are generated annually, much of which ends up in landfills within Phalombe. This not only consumes valuable landfill space but also leads to significant land and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, primarily methane, which is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of global warming potential. The project mitigates landfill waste, reduces land and water pollution, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem, addressing critical environmental and resource management problems. It also reduces deforestation and encroachment on the forest reserves.

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

1. Environmental Benefits - By processing organic waste, we significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. This alleviates the pressure on landfill capacity and decreases the associated environmental pollutions in Phalombe. - The capturing and utilizing of biogas, we further cut emissions by providing a renewable energy source. - The nutrient-rich digestate serves as an organic fertilizer, returning essential nutrients to the soil and promoting sustainable agricultural practices which reduces the need chemical fertilizers. 2. Economic Benefits - The biogas produced can be used for heating and cooking providing a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, leading to significant energy savings for communities and businesses. - The establishment and operation of waste processing facilities generate employment opportunities in waste collection, processing, and product distribution. 3. Social Benefits - The initiative involves lo

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

Briquettes: - Household cooking needs - Restaurants and cafes - Food vendors and street food stalls - Institutions (schools, hospitals, etc.) - Camping and outdoor enthusiasts - Environmental organizations promoting sustainable energy Biogas: - Farmers and agricultural businesses - Rural households and communities - Eco-lodges and sustainable tourism resorts - Small-scale industrial operations (dairy, poultry, etc.) - Municipalities and waste management companies Organic Fertilizer: - Commercial farms and agricultural businesses - Small-scale farmers and gardeners - Landscaping and gardening services - Greenhouses and nurseries - Environmental organizations promoting sustainable agriculture - Local government and municipal gardening initiatives

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-01-10

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

Holder of Accounting and Education certificate Agribusiness specialists Agriculture extension methodologies

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

https://pyaomw.org/

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

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

The start up creates employment opportunities and increase household income

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

The organic fertiliser will help local farmers increase crop and animal yields

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

6

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

The use of biogas and briquettes will reduce the house effect and also they are not hazardous to health

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Increased household income will enable them afford school fees and necessities

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

60% will be female beneficiaries and the project reduces the exposure of females and children to sexual exploitation and abuse when looking for cooking fuel and fertilizers

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

The startup reduces land and water pollution through good waste management and use of organic fertilizer

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

Biogas and briquettes are affordable and environmentally friendly

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

4

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Jobs created

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Good use of biomass and wastes

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Everyone using affordable energy and organic fertilizer

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Clean and decent environment free from pollution

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Good use of biomass

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

The products reduce climate change effects

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Reduced pollution

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Reduced pollution

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

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Reduced encroachment and deforestation

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Working with both state and non state actors

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

4

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

3

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

3

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.

3

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.

3

06.08 Justification for my startup

New to Phalombe and well improved to bridge the gap and meet demand for cooking fuel and organic fertilizer

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Charcoal burners, firewood sellers, and shops selling chemical fertilizers. All these are very expensive as compared to our products

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

Yes. The project encourages adolescent girls and young women to be in groups and start producing briquettees, biogas and fertiliser