Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Tired of confusing bills, stress of carrying your Gas cylinder for refill, inaccurate measurement from Gas vendors? Rokswood Gas is here to revolutionize your experience with our innovative prepaid smart meter Gas Solution. Just click to buy gas!

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Rokswood Gas, is a startup, revolutionizes gas management with its innovative prepaid metering system. Say goodbye to traditional billing! Customers can conveniently purchase gas through our user-friendly mobile and web application. This empowers you to take control of your gas usage and eliminates the hassle of monthly bills. Rokswood Gas offers more than just prepaid convenience. We ensure peace of mind with reliable billing systems, 24/7 customer support, and valuable add-ons like energy-saving tips and automatic payments. Whether you're a resident or run a business, Rokswood Gas provides a simple, convenient, and affordable solution for managing your gas expenses. Customers can track gas usage in real-time through our user-friendly mobile and web application. This transparency empowers them to make informed decisions about their consumption patterns. Effective budget management is achieved through better control over gas usage.

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

Rokswood Gas aims to revolutionize the way people manage their Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas, by addressing several pain points associated with traditional methods. Here's a breakdown of the main problems we are trying to solve: 1. Confusing Bills: Traditional gas billing can be confusing and opaque. Customers might not understand how their consumption translates to the final bill amount. This can lead to frustration and difficulty budgeting for gas expenses. 2. Stressful Refills: The process of refilling empty gas cylinders can be stressful. Inconvenience: Customers need to physically transport the empty cylinder to a refill station, wait in line, and then return home with the refilled cylinder. This can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Safety Concerns: There might be safety hazards associated with transporting and handling gas cylinders, especially for those living in high-rise buildings. 3. Inaccurate Measurements

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

Rokswood Gas's innovative prepaid smart meter gas solution benefits: 1. Convenient Pre-paid System: Customers can purchase gas credits through a user-friendly mobile and web application. This eliminates the need for confusing monthly bills and allows for better budgeting. Top-ups can likely be done electronically, removing the need to physically visit a retailer. 2. Remote Gas Management: Rokswood's system eliminates the need to physically transport gas cylinders for refills. Customers can likely monitor their gas levels remotely through the mobile and web app. When gas levels run low, they can simply order a refill through the app. 3. Transparent and Accurate Measurement: The smart meter technology ensures accurate measurement of gas consumption. Customers can track their gas usage in real-time through the app, providing transparency and eliminating concerns about getting less gas than what they paid for.

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

Rokswood Gas targets both residential and business customers who use Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking. Our solution aims to solve common pain points for people who rely on traditional gas management methods. People who struggle with confusing gas bills Individuals who find refilling inconvenient or stressful: The remote management system removes the need to physically transport cylinders, wait in line, or handle potentially heavy canisters, especially beneficial for those in high-rise buildings or with mobility limitations. Customers concerned about inaccurate measurements: The smart meter technology ensures they get exactly what they pay for, eliminating the worry of being cheated by vendors. In summary, Rokswood Gas targets anyone who wants a simpler, more convenient, and more transparent

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-01-01

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?

1

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

Iroko Gideon, a distinguished mechanical engineer with a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and success, is set to make a remarkable impact in Nigeria’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector. Iroko Gideon has a remarkable career trajectory that encompasses a wide spectrum of roles and industries. He has worked as a project and construction manager on signature projects within the oil and gas industry. He has received specialized training in ASME vessels and engineering ethics from Piping Technology and Products and PDH Engineers in the United States. Iroko Ibukun, a mother and a shrewd businesswoman, holds an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Ibadan. Her combination of business acumen and diversification is unmatched. Who understands the importance of efficient cooking gas management better than a business owner and mother who prioritizes meticulousness and building a lasting legacy for generations to come

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

https://www.rokswoodenergy.com

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

Affordability and Budgeting: By replacing confusing bills with a prepaid system, customers can better manage their gas expenses and potentially avoid overspending. Improved Efficiency: Smart meter technology can help users track their gas consumption in real-time. This awareness can encourage them to adopt more efficient cooking practices, potentially reducing their overall gas usage and lowering their expenses. Business Growth for Low-income communities: Easier access to clean and reliable LPG could empower small businesses in low-income communities that rely on cooking for their operations (e.g., food vendors). The convenience and potentially lower operational costs of Rokswood's system could enable these businesses to function more efficiently and potentially generate more income. Indirect Job Creation: Increased demand for LPG due to Rokswood's solution could stimulate the LPG sector, potentially creating job opportunities in areas like distribution, maintenance, etc.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Improved Cooking Efficiency: Real-time usage tracking can encourage users to optimize their gas consumption for cooking. This can potentially lead to less gas waste and ensure families get the most out of their LPG, allowing them to stretch their resources further and potentially cook more meals. Reliability of Gas Supply: The remote management system offered by Rokswood Gas can ensure a more consistent and reliable supply of LPG. This reduces the risk of running out of gas unexpectedly, which could disrupt meal preparation and potentially lead to food insecurity, especially for vulnerable populations. Potential for Cost Savings: By managing gas usage more efficiently and potentially reducing overall consumption, families might save money on their LPG expenses. These savings could then be redirected towards purchasing more nutritious food, improving overall dietary intake and contributing to better health outcomes.

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

Improved Indoor Air Quality: Replacing carbon cooking fuels with cleaner burning LPG can significantly improve indoor air quality, especially beneficial for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses. Safer Cooking Environment: Rokswood's system eliminates the need for manual cylinder handling, reducing the risk of accidents associated with moving heavy canisters. Additionally, features like pre-paid meters can potentially prevent gas leaks caused by tampering with regulators to extend usage from traditional post-paid systems. Potential for Better Nutrition: Cost savings from potentially more efficient gas usage (mentioned in SDG 2) could allow families to allocate more resources towards purchasing nutritious food. This can improve dietary intake and contribute to overall health and well-being. Wider adoption of LPG could also benefit public health by reducing reliance on deforestation for firewood, leading to environmental improvements.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

While Rokswood Gas's LPG solution doesn't directly target education (SDG 4), it can potentially contribute in a few indirect ways: Improved Indoor Air Quality: As mentioned in SDG 3, cleaner burning LPG can significantly improve indoor air quality. This can create a healthier learning environment in schools, potentially improving concentration and reducing respiratory issues that might lead to absences. Freed Up Time for Girls' Education: In some regions, collecting firewood is a time-consuming chore often delegated to girls. Easier access to LPG could free up this time, allowing girls to spend more time on their studies. Potential for Increased School Funding: If Rokswood's solution leads to increased efficiency and cost savings in gas consumption for communities, this could free up resources that could be directed towards funding educational programs or improvements in school facilities.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Reduced Time Burden on Women and Girls: In many households, the responsibility of collecting firewood or managing refillable gas cylinders falls on women and girls. The convenience of Rokswood's remote management system can eliminate this time-consuming chore, freeing up women and girls for education, income-generating activities, or leisure. Improved Safety: Traditionally, women and girls might be responsible for maneuvering heavy gas canisters during refills. Rokswood's system eliminates this physical task, reducing the risk of injuries associated with handling bulky canisters. Empowerment Through Financial Management: Prepaid meters with transparent billing can empower women to better manage the household budget allocated to cooking gas. This can increase their control over finances and potentially lead to greater decision-making power within the household. Indirect Impact: freed-up time could allow women to pursue income-generating activities or participate in education.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

4

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

While Rokswood Gas's LPG solution doesn't directly target clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), there could be a tangential benefit in certain contexts: Reduced Deforestation for Firewood: In some regions, collecting firewood for cooking is a primary driver of deforestation. Wider adoption of LPG could help conserve trees, which can indirectly improve water quality. Forests act as natural filters, and deforestation can lead to increased soil erosion and sedimentation in waterways.

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

Affordability and Budgeting: Prepaid system with transparent pricing replaces confusing bills, allowing for better budgeting and potentially reducing wasted spending on gas. Improved Efficiency: Real-time tracking empowers users to optimize gas consumption, potentially lowering overall usage and expenses. Clean Burning Fuel: LPG burns cleaner than traditional options like firewood or charcoal, reducing harmful emissions and contributing to cleaner air. Overall Impact: Rokswood Gas offers a solution that is both affordable and promotes cleaner energy use. This can contribute to SDG 7 by making clean energy (LPG) more accessible and financially viable for households, potentially leading to a reduction in reliance on polluting fuels.

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

Increased Efficiency, Potential Cost Savings: Real-time usage tracking can encourage users to optimize their gas consumption, potentially reducing overall spending on LPG. These cost savings could be directed towards employing domestic help, supporting local businesses, or enabling small entrepreneurs to invest in growing their ventures. Job Creation in the LPG Sector: Increased demand for LPG due to Rokswood's solution could stimulate the LPG sector, potentially creating job opportunities in areas like distribution, installation, maintenance, and customer service. Empowerment of Small Businesses: Easier access to clean and reliable LPG could benefit small businesses that rely on cooking for their operations (e.g., food vendors). The convenience and potentially lower operational costs of Rokswood's system could enable these businesses to function more efficiently, potentially leading to higher productivity and job creation within these businesses.

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

Promoting Technological Innovation: The core of Rokswood Gas's solution is our prepaid smart meter technology. This system leverages advancements in metering and remote management, potentially stimulating further innovation in areas like prepaid metering systems and remote gas management solutions for other applications. Improved Infrastructure for LPG Distribution: Widespread adoption of Rokswood Gas's system could incentivize investments in LPG distribution infrastructure. This might include development of refilling stations, logistics networks for cylinder deliveries (in applicable systems), and maintenance facilities.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Improved Access to Clean Energy for Low-Income Communities: The affordability and convenience of Rokswood's system can make clean burning LPG more accessible to low-income households. This can improve their living conditions and potentially reduce health problems associated with exposure to pollutants from traditional cooking fuels like firewood or charcoal. Empowering Small Businesses in Low-Income Areas: Easier access to reliable LPG can benefit small businesses in low-income communities that depend on cooking for their operations (e.g., street food vendors). The potential for lower operational costs and improved efficiency with Rokswood's system could enable these businesses to grow their income and contribute to local economic development. Financial Management for Low-Income Households: Prepaid meters with transparent billing can empower low-income families to better manage their budget allocated to cooking fuel.

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

Improved Air Quality: Replacing traditional cooking fuels like firewood or charcoal with cleaner burning LPG can significantly reduce air pollution in urban areas. This can lead to improved respiratory health for residents, particularly children and the elderly, and contribute to a healthier living environment. Safer Living Conditions: Eliminating the need for storing and handling heavy gas cylinders can minimize fire hazards associated with traditional LPG use in densely populated areas. Additionally, prepaid meters can potentially reduce gas leaks by eliminating tampering with regulators to extend usage in post-paid systems. Waste Reduction: The increased efficiency promoted by real-time usage tracking can potentially lead to less gas waste within households. This can contribute to a reduction in overall LPG consumption and potentially lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transportation, and use of LPG.

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

Promotes Efficient Gas Consumption: Rokswood Gas real-time usage tracking empowers users to monitor and optimize their gas usage, potentially reducing overall gas waste. This translates to more responsible consumption practices within households and potentially lowers the environmental impact associated with LPG production and transportation. Reduced Environmental Impact: By encouraging efficient use, Rokswood's system could contribute to a slight decrease in overall LPG demand. This could have a ripple effect, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with drilling, refining, and transporting LPG. Improved Waste Management: Eliminating the need for refilling traditional canisters can potentially reduce metal waste associated with discarded canisters. Additionally, pre-paid systems can help minimize gas leaks, reducing the risk of environmental contamination.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Rokswood Gas's prepaid smart meter system for LPG can potentially contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of Climate Action (SDG 13) in a few ways: Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Encouraging efficient gas consumption through real-time tracking can potentially lead to lower overall household LPG use. This could contribute to a slight decrease in emissions associated with the LPG lifecycle (drilling, refining, transportation). Potential for Transition to Renewables: While LPG burns cleaner than traditional fuels, it still contributes greenhouse gasses. In the long term, widespread adoption of LPG could create a more stable and reliable energy infrastructure in developing regions. This stability could pave the way for a future transition towards renewable energy sources like biogas or solar power for cooking.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Rokswood Gas's prepaid smart meter system for LPG has a minimal direct impact on the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of Life Below Water (SDG 14). However, there could be a very tangential benefit in specific contexts. Reduced Deforestation for Firewood (Indirect): In some regions, collecting firewood for cooking is a primary driver of deforestation. Widespread adoption of LPG could help conserve trees, which can indirectly improve water quality. Forests act as natural filters, and deforestation can lead to increased soil erosion and sedimentation in waterways.

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

Reduced Deforestation for Firewood (Indirect): Similar to SDG 14, wider adoption of LPG could help conserve trees by reducing reliance on firewood for cooking. This can protect biodiversity by preserving forest habitats for wildlife. Combating Land Degradation (Indirect): Unsustainable firewood collection practices can lead to soil erosion. Widespread use of LPG could indirectly contribute to preserving topsoil and preventing land degradation, potentially improving land fertility and agricultural productivity. Reduced Indoor Air Pollution: The cleaner burning nature of LPG compared to firewood can improve indoor air quality. This can benefit livestock health in areas where animals share living spaces with humans, potentially reducing respiratory illnesses and improving overall animal well-being.

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

Rokswood Gas's prepaid smart meter system for LPG has limited direct contributions to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). However, there could be potential benefits in specific situations: Reduced Conflict Over Resources (Indirect): In some regions, competition for scarce firewood resources can lead to tensions and conflicts. Increased access to LPG could alleviate pressure on these resources, potentially reducing conflict driven by resource scarcity.

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

Collaboration for Infrastructure Development: Widespread adoption of our solution could incentivize partnerships between governments, private businesses like Rokswood Gas, and NGOs. These collaborations could focus on developing infrastructure needed for a robust LPG distribution network, such as refilling stations, logistics networks, and maintenance facilities. Public-Private Partnerships for Innovation: The technological advancements embedded in Rokswood's system, like prepaid metering and remote management, could spark partnerships between the public sector, research institutions, and technology companies. These partnerships could focus on further innovations in clean cooking solutions and LPG management technologies. Partnerships for Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: The implementation of Rokswood's solution might necessitate knowledge sharing and training programs on safe LPG usage, efficient consumption practices, etc.

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.

5

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

5

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

3

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

2

06.08 Justification for my startup

The success of Rokswood Gas hinges on our innovative approach. Our prepaid smart meter system for LPG addresses a need for cleaner and more efficient cooking fuel solutions in developing regions. Our startup is a pioneer by introducing an entirely new product/service to Nigeria, a complete system from smart app to prepaid meter to refilling technology and LPG volume real-time monitoring. This is a significant advantage, as there might be limited competition and a high potential for positive impact.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

There are no or limited number of established players in this relatively new industry in Nigeria.

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

It's inspiring that i'm taking action within my community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. Encouraging women from a young age through programs in primary and secondary schools is a fantastic approach through a foundation i'm part of. Here's how: Building Confidence and Aspiration: Early exposure to successful female entrepreneurs can inspire young girls to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams. Developing Skills and Knowledge: Educational programs equip girls with the necessary skills like financial literacy, business planning, and marketing to succeed in the business world. Breaking Stereotypes: By showcasing successful female entrepreneurs, We help dismantle stereotypes that might discourage girls from pursuing entrepreneurial careers.