Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We make eco-friendly, damp-resistant concrete blocks using zeolite, recycled plastic waste in form of polymer pebbles additive into our concrete mix, and CO2 for curing. Our solution tackles damp penetration in buildings sustainably and cost effectively.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Astrae is an innovative startup dedicated to solving the problem of damp penetration in buildings, particularly in Nigeria's tropical and coastal regions. We manufacture eco-friendly concrete blocks that integrate recycled plastic waste, zeolite, and CO2 curing technology. Our blocks are designed to be damp-resistant, providing a durable and sustainable solution for construction projects. By addressing the dual problems of plastic waste and CO2 emissions, Astrae not only offers a high-quality construction material but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Our target market includes construction companies, real estate developers, and individual homeowners in Nigeria, particularly in areas prone to damp issues. Since our inception, we have sold over 2,500 blocks, generated significant revenue, and secured major contracts, demonstrating strong market demand and growth potential. Our mission is to decarbonise the construction industry in Nigeria.

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

We are solving the pervasive issue of damp penetration in buildings, especially in Nigeria's tropical and coastal regions. Damp penetration is a significant yet often underestimated problem that affects the structural integrity and habitability of over 150,000 buildings in Nigeria alone. This leads to various health issues such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses for the occupants, as well as considerable financial burdens on homeowners, who can spend over $10,000 yearly on ineffective solutions. Damp walls diminish the credibility of construction professionals and result in higher maintenance costs. Current solutions are either prohibitively expensive or fail to address the root cause effectively. By integrating recycled plastic waste, zeolite, and CO2 curing technology into our concrete blocks, Astrae provides a cost-effective, sustainable solution to this problem. Our blocks are designed to be damp-resistant using eco-friendly materials as key dehydrators and hydrophilic.

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

1. Damp Penetration Resistance: Our blocks are specifically designed to address the pervasive issue of damp penetration in buildings, particularly in Nigeria's tropical and coastal regions. This resistance reduces structural damage and health issues such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses associated with damp walls. 2. Environmental Sustainability: By integrating recycled plastic waste and utilizing CO2 curing technology, our blocks help mitigate environmental problems. Each block sequesters CO2 permanently and repurposes plastic waste that would otherwise contribute to pollution. This dual approach addresses two major pollutants. 3. Cost-Effectiveness: Our blocks provide a more affordable solution compared to conventional damp-proofing methods. Homeowners and construction professionals can significantly reduce maintenance and repair costs

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

1. Sustainability Advocates: Our products cater to organizations such as government bodies, construction firms, and related industries that prioritize sustainability. By using eco-friendly materials that incorporate plastic waste and reduce CO2 emissions, Astrae helps these organizations achieve their environmental goals. 2. Damp-Prone Areas: Architects and construction professionals working in Nigeria’s tropical and coastal regions face significant challenges due to damp penetration. Astrae’s blocks offer a durable and cost-effective solution to this problem, improving the quality and longevity of buildings. Our materials are specifically designed to combat dampness, making them ideal for new constructions and renovations in t

01.05 When was your company established?

2023-08-12

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

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.)

CEO (Chief Executive Officer): - Name: Kevin Jessica Chioma - Skills and Expertise: Business Administration, Operations Management, Strategic Planning - Experience: Kevin Jessica Chioma, with a background in business administration, plays a pivotal role in steering Astrae towards operational excellence and strategic growth. Her expertise lies in managing day-to-day operations, optimizing business processes, and implementing strategic initiatives. With a keen eye for business development opportunities, Kevin Jessica Chioma ensures Astrae remains agile and competitive in the construction materials sector. Her leadership is instrumental in driving Astrae's mission to tackle damp penetration using sustainable building materials, such as plastic waste and CO2.

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

https://www.instagram.com/astrae_ng?igsh=NnVzYnlsYmczNXFx

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

2

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

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

The company employs local workers, including informal waste collectors, thereby providing decent work and improving livelihoods. Astrae's approach helps reduce construction costs related to damp penetration, supporting broader economic growth by making housing more affordable and sustainable.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Astrae aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by leveraging innovative technology and sustainable practices in the construction industry. Specifically, Astrae uses advanced methods such as incorporating plastic waste and CO2 into its concrete blocks to address damp penetration in building construction. This approach not only promotes sustainable infrastructure development but also encourages innovation in materials science and construction techniques. By reducing reliance on traditional building materials and integrating recycled components, Astrae contributes to more efficient and resilient infrastructure, aligning directly with SDG 9's goals of fostering inclusive and sustainable industrialization and promoting innovation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Astrae also aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by creating employment opportunities, particularly in communities affected by damp-prone conditions in Nigeria. By employing local workers, including women, and collaborating with informal waste collectors for sourcing plastic waste, Astrae promotes social inclusion and economic empowerment. The company's focus on sustainable building solutions not only addresses environmental challenges but also contributes to reducing inequality by providing dignified work opportunities and supporting local economies. Thus, Astrae's efforts directly contribute to SDG 10's objectives of reducing inequalities within and among countries, making progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Astrae aligns with SDG 11 by enhancing infrastructure resilience through its damp penetration-resistant building materials, promoting sustainable construction practices with plastic waste and CO2 utilization, and fostering inclusive economic development by creating job opportunities within local communities. These efforts contribute to making cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, in line with the goals of SDG 11.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

4

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

SDG 13 focuses on urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Astrae contributes to this goal by integrating climate-friendly practices into its business model. Through the use of carbon cure technology and the incorporation of plastic waste into building materials, Astrae not only reduces carbon emissions but also mitigates environmental pollution. By sequestering CO2 and offering damp penetration-resistant solutions, Astrae supports efforts to build resilience to climate-related hazards and promote sustainable development practices that are crucial for achieving SDG 13.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

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

2

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.

2

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

2

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

2

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.

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

Astrae addresses the pressing challenge of damp penetration in construction through innovative concrete blocks that incorporate plastic waste, zeolite, and CO2 for curing. This solution not only enhances durability and moisture resistance but also promotes sustainability in building practices. By filling a gap in traditional construction materials and introducing advanced technologies, Astrae aims to set a new standard for effective and eco-friendly building solutions in tropical and coastal regions of Nigeria.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Astrae faces competition primarily from traditional concrete block manufacturers in Nigeria, and product addressing post construction dampness. These competitors offer conventional blocks but often struggle to address the pervasive issue of damp penetration effectively. What sets Astrae apart is its innovative approach of integrating advanced materials like polymer pebbles, zeolite, and carbon curing technology into their blocks. These enhancements make Astrae's blocks highly resistant to damp penetration, which is a significant problem in tropical and coastal regions. Astrae's use of recycled plastic waste and CO2 sequestration in the manufacturing process, further distinguishes us in the market. Astrae focuses on customer education and engagement, offering superior customer service and a strong referral program. Their strategy includes targeted marketing efforts that emphasize the health benefits, cost savings, and environmental sustainability.

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