Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

A TinyML project for voice recognition of Hausa commands to control an AC bulb using an Arduino 33 BLE Sense. Achieved 82% accuracy with commands "kuna wuta" (turn on light) and "kashe wuta" (turn off light), showcasing innovative use of AI for smart home

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

AI4Africa is a pioneering startup composed of a dedicated team of five researchers specializing in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a particular focus on Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML). Our mission is to leverage the power of AI to address local challenges and create innovative solutions tailored to the African context. Core Focus Areas: -TinyML: We concentrate on developing efficient, low-power AI models that can run on microcontrollers and edge devices, making advanced AI accessible and practical for a wide range of applications. - Voice Recognition: Our recent projects include creating voice recognition systems for local languages, such as Hausa, to promote inclusivity and accessibility in technology. - Smart Home Automation: We apply our TinyML expertise to enhance smart home technologies, improving convenience and energy efficiency through intelligent automation.

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

AI4Africa addresses the lack of accessible and inclusive smart home technology for African communities by developing voice recognition systems for local languages like Hausa. Many smart home devices are designed for widely spoken global languages, leaving speakers of local languages underserved. By creating voice recognition systems for local languages, we make technological advancements accessible to a broader audience. Our focus on TinyML enables us to create cost-effective, low-power AI models that can be deployed on affordable hardware like the Arduino 33 BLE Sense, making smart home automation more accessible. Additionally, current smart home solutions often do not cater to the specific needs of African users. Our tailored solutions improve convenience, safety, and energy efficiency in households through intelligent automation that understands and responds to local commands.

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

The product and services provided by AI4Africa offer several key benefits and advantages: 1. Inclusivity Through Language: By developing voice recognition systems for local languages like Hausa, our products ensure that technology is accessible to a broader audience, including those who may not be fluent in widely spoken global languages. This inclusivity helps bridge the digital divide and empowers more users in African communities. 2. Affordability and Efficiency: Our focus on TinyML enables the creation of cost-effective, low-power AI models that are ideal for deployment on affordable hardware like the Arduino 33 BLE Sense. This makes smart home automation more accessible to users in developing regions, where high costs and power consumption of conventional AI solutions can be prohibitive. 3. Enhanced User Experience: Our tailored smart home solutions improve convenience, safety, and energy efficiency in households. By understanding and responding to local commands.

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

AI4Africa's products and services are designed to serve multiple groups within African communities. We target individuals in African regions who speak local languages and have limited access to global smart home technologies. By offering voice recognition systems in local languages, we enable these individuals to interact effectively with smart home automation. Our focus is also on users in developing areas where affordability, infrastructure, and access to advanced technology can be challenges. Our use of TinyML and affordable hardware like the Arduino 33 BLE Sense makes our solutions accessible to these communities, helping them improve their quality of life through innovative technology. We engage with technology enthusiasts and innovators who are interested in applying AI and TinyML to real-world problems, particularly in developing solutions that address local challenges.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-10-08

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.)

THe First by name Blessed Guda, Is an Machine learning expert with masters in Machine learning from Carnegie Mellon University Africa. Myself is an IOT developer, with Machine learning. the other is a software engineer

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

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

i) Communication services (telecommunications, media, interactive services)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

No Poverty (SDG 1): We aim to improve the quality of life in underserved communities by providing affordable and accessible smart home solutions, which can contribute to better living standards.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

2

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

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Quality Education (SDG 4): By focusing on technology education, especially in AI and TinyML, we help educate and empower local talent, preparing them for future technological advancements.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

2

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

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

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): Our development of AI solutions, particularly in TinyML, promotes innovation in technology infrastructure, making advanced technologies accessible in resource-limited settings.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): Our focus on localized solutions in local languages aims to bridge the digital divide, making smart technologies accessible to communities that traditionally have less access.

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

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): Through smart home automation, we contribute to creating sustainable living environments by enhancing energy efficiency and safety in households.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

2

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

2

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

2

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

2

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

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.

4

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

4

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

5

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

5

06.08 Justification for my startup

AI4Africa's product in voice recognition for Hausa language represents a unique innovation in the field of smart home automation and TinyML technologies. While there are existing smart home devices, our focus on developing voice recognition systems in local languages, specifically Hausa, addresses a significant gap in the market. This localization ensures accessibility and usability for communities in Africa who predominantly use local languages, making technology more inclusive and relevant. Our approach to TinyML also distinguishes our product by enabling low-power, efficient AI models that are deployable on affordable hardware. This innovation not only makes smart home technology accessible to a broader audience in resource-constrained environments but also showcases the potential of TinyML in real-world applications.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

AI4Africa's main potential competitors in the field of smart home automation and voice recognition for local languages include established global tech companies like Google, Amazon, and smaller tech startups developing voice-enabled devices and AI solutions. These companies have extensive resources, established markets, and broad technological expertise. What sets AI4Africa apart is our focus on developing voice recognition systems specifically for local languages, such as Hausa. This specialization addresses the needs of underserved African communities who are not adequately served by mainstream smart home technologies, which predominantly use globally prevalent languages. Our use of TinyML also differentiates us by enabling low-power, efficient AI models that are affordable and suitable for deployment in resource-limited environments, making our solutions accessible to a broader audience.

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

At AI4Africa, we are committed to promoting the role of female entrepreneurs within our community. We actively engage in actions such as providing mentorship opportunities, facilitating networking events, and collaborating with female innovators to support their growth in the tech industry. Our inclusive work environment ensures that all employees, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to succeed. Additionally, we advocate for gender equality in technology through awareness campaigns and by highlighting the contributions of women in tech. We believe that promoting female entrepreneurship is essential for achieving diverse and innovative solutions, and we are dedicated to expanding these efforts in our community.