Namibia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project underlines the issue is water stress due to water scarcity and arid climate especially in Namibia where little rainfall and plenty sunlight. We aim to empower each and every Namibian - young or old, boy or girl to grow their own food.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our startup Iimeno Hydroponic Solutions is an Agritech company that develops hydroponic systems for rural and urban farmers for the aim of reducing water stress and improving nutritional value by growing soilless plants - green leafy vegetables that is used to nourish our clients. Currently, we develop 2 systems: automated solar-powered hydroponic systems and standalone (on-grid) system. All these systems use 90% less water in comparison to traditional soil farming. As a company we try to target all customers from all walks of life; those without money to afford electricity and those that utilise it. The seeds are first propagated in foam trays thereafter transplanted into our automated hydroponic systems where you can monitor the pH-level, humidity, water level as well as Electrical Conductivity (EC-level). This is all done seamlessly on a smartphone or those without a smartphone - which is still in development.

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

Water stress and food security issues. According to South Africa(Advisor & Forum, n.d.), Namibians import more than half of their home-grown produce to neighboring countries and out of Africa - we import a staggering 65% of fruit and vegetables. As an Agritech company, we aim to yield our own vegetables for our own people in order to not only feed but eventually eradicate poverty in Namibia - SDG 2.

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

The advantages of using our hydroponics systems are as follows: The client literally grows their own food wherever they reside Plants can be grown during any season Empowers local products for the country, and therefore economic freedom We test and maintain the systems for you on a monthly basis or when needed - subscription still in development Customers can enjoy their own nutritious produce

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

Our target market is: small-scale farmers, nurseries, garden centers and backyard plant breeders. Namibian population is 3.022 million. From this 55.2% have access to electricity whereas, 51% make use of the internet. Realistic kick-start figure for hydroponics 6% of population of those that have access,. So the addressable market will be approximated to 6% of the entire Namibian population during inception years.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-06-20

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

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

Managing Director & Co-Founder: Megameno Nickanor is a Mechanical Engineering Honours student from Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) with a passion in agriculture. He holds several certifications in engineering and sustainability. He has over 2 years of technical, managerial and product development skills R&D Manager and Co-Founder: Ngeendina Itembu holds an B.Com Accounting degree from University of Namibia (UNAM) and has over 5 years experience as a small-scale farmer CFO & Accounting Manager: Aina Nepaya, she acquired a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) with over 3 years of experience in investment reconciliation, preparing and consolidating financial statements in the agricultural sector. CTO & Development Manager: Vera Endjala, she acquired her Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Namibia (UNAM) and will be responsible for maintaining the IoT system in the hydroponic systems.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/82656100/admin/feed/posts/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

We empower Namibians to yield their own green leafy vegetables that not only have a higher nutritional value than store bought products but also allows them to feed their families.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Our startup aims to provide and produce essential foods besides vegetables, but also stable food plants e.g. fodder for animals using a hybrid of our hydroponic systems to enhance food security in rural and urban areas.

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

The hydroponic systems are regulated using an IoT system whereby it monitors the nutrients in the water so that the plants have a balanced amount of minerals for optimum plant growth and nutritional value for clients.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

We educate our clients on how to grow and produce hydroponic systems ensuring that they can maintain their own systems in the long run. Like the saying goes by Lao Tzu, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

No only do we have a female as part of our team but our services also cater to all individuals - men or women that are keen to grow their own food.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

The water in the system moves in a continuous cycle and thus recycled. The water is renewed or refilled after every 2 weeks or so, the 'old' water can be used for irrigation of other plants. As the business grows - it would be prudent to treat the water and use it for other uses upon testing whether it is safe for animals to drink and so forth.

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

One of our hydroponics will be powered by solar technology which falls in line with clean and affordable energy as solar is renewable energy.

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

We provide economic growth became through our business registration we pay annual duty and taxes for our registered business, and as the business grows - we will employ more people that will receive a salary that will feed their families and themselves

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

From our research it will be the first solar-powered automated hydroponic system in Namibia that not only uses IoT (Internet of things) but also help eradicate poverty and improve food security especially in the rural communities.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Iimeno hydroponic Solutions contributes to the reduced inequalities goal as follows: 1. Access to resources: Promotes hydroponic farming techniques, helps small-scale farmer and communities gain access to efficient farming methods regardless of their geographical location or land availability. This can help bridge the gap between rural and urban areas in terms of access to modern agricultural practices and resources. 2. Income Generation: Hydroponic farming can be implemented in various settings, including urban areas where land availability is limited. By enabling urban dwellers, including marginalized communities, to grow their own food or engage in small-scale hydroponic farming for commercial purposes, Iimeno can contribute to income generation opportunities for these groups, thereby reducing economic inequalities. 3. Knowledge Sharing: Iimeno can conduct training programs and workshops to educate farmers, especially those from underserved communities.

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

1. Food Security: Hydroponic farming can increase food security in urban areas by providing a reliable and year-round supply of fresh produce. This helps reduce reliance on long-distance food supply chains, making cities more resilient to external disruptions and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for urban populations. 2. Urban Agriculture: By promoting hydroponic farming techniques, Iimeno enables urban agriculture, allowing city dwellers to grow fresh produce in limited spaces such as rooftops, balconies, or indoor facilities. This localized food production reduces the need for transportation and distribution, lowering carbon emissions associated with food transportation and contributing to more sustainable urban environments.

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

1. Reduced Food Waste: By promoting hydroponic farming, Iimeno facilitates local and year-round production of fresh produce, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and storage. This can help minimize food spoilage and waste along the supply chain, contributing to more responsible consumption and production patterns. 2. Resource Efficiency: Hydroponic farming systems used by Iimeno typically require less water, land, and pesticides compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. By maximizing resource efficiency, the company helps reduce the environmental footprint of food production, promoting more sustainable consumption and production practices.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

1. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Hydroponic farming typically requires less land, water, and energy compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. By promoting hydroponic farming techniques, Iimeno helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with agricultural production. This is because hydroponic systems can be operated in controlled environments, optimizing resource use and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. 2. Water Conservation: Hydroponic farming systems used by Iimeno are typically more water-efficient than traditional soil-based agriculture. These systems recirculate water, minimizing water waste and reducing overall water consumption. By promoting water-efficient farming practices, Iimeno helps conserve water resources, particularly in regions prone to water scarcity or droughts exacerbated by climate change.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

1.Reduction of Agricultural Runoff: Hydroponic farming typically utilizes closed-loop systems that minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By reducing agricultural runoff, which often contains pollutants harmful to marine ecosystems, Iimeno indirectly contributes to maintaining water quality in rivers, lakes, and oceans. 2. Water Conservation: Hydroponic systems are known for their efficient use of water compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. By conserving freshwater resources, Iimeno indirectly helps sustain aquatic habitats, such as rivers and wetlands, which are vital for marine life and biodiversity.

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

1.Preservation of Natural Habitats: By promoting hydroponic farming, Iimeno helps reduce the conversion of natural habitats, such as forests and grasslands, into agricultural land. This helps preserve biodiversity by minimizing habitat loss and fragmentation, thus contributing to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. 2. Reduction of Soil Degradation: Traditional agriculture practices, such as intensive tilling and the heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, can lead to soil erosion and degradation. By promoting soilless hydroponic farming, Iimeno helps prevent soil erosion and nutrient depletion, thus contributing to the preservation of fertile soils and the sustainability of land-based ecosystems.

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

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

1. Economic Stability: By promoting sustainable agriculture and providing training and employment opportunities in hydroponic farming, Iimeno can contribute to economic stability in communities. Economic stability is often linked to reduced social unrest and can support the establishment of strong and resilient institutions. 2. Community Development: Through partnerships and community engagement initiatives, Iimeno can contribute to community development efforts. By empowering local communities with the skills and resources needed to establish and maintain hydroponic farming systems, the company can foster community cohesion and resilience, which are essential for peace and stability.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Iimeno Hydroponic Solutions can contribute to the Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) in several ways: Collaborative Initiatives: Iimeno can establish partnerships with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and other stakeholders to address complex challenges related to sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental conservation. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, these partnerships can facilitate the development and implementation of innovative solutions that have a greater impact than individual efforts. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Through partnerships, Iimeno can share its knowledge and expertise in hydroponic farming with local communities, farmers, and agricultural organizations. By providing training programs, workshops, and educational materials, the company can build the capacity of partners to adopt sustainable farming practices and improve agricultural productivity.

06.01 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

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

6

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

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Iimeno will be the first solar powered automated hydroponic system that uses IoT to monitor water level, EC level as well as temperature in Namibia, while providing fresh produce for rural and urban comminities

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors are: Urban Harvest Namibia and Ferreira gardens. However, none of these businesses offer solar technology, only standalone systems or trays where they are propagated and grown.

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

2 of our employees are females and bring a wealth of experience and expertise in terms of agribusiness