Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

BOBOGAS is a Climatech startup that democratizes waste management and biogas production by accepting waste as payment for cooking gas and health insurance via Carbon tokens, incentivizing communities to actively participate in sustainable waste management

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

BOBOGAS is Climatech, Startup that specializes in selling cooking gas and the production of biogas from collected waste for local consumption. Our facilities are built to store, dispense, and produce biogas in substantial quantities, efficiently converting waste into useful fuel. We accept Carbon tokens from recyclable waste as a means of payment, to incentivize individuals and communities to participate in waste management. Our facility is strategically divided into two main sections: one for storing and dispensing of cooking gas received from bulk suppliers, and our biogas facility. And another for the production of biogas from the waste we collect. We enhance community engagement in waste management by issuing carbon token in exchange for waste collected, which can be redeemed by purchaseing Gas, Health insurance, and shop in any of our stations or platforms. BOBOGAS creates a circular economy, where waste is continuously repurposed into valuable energy.

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

Rising cost of cooking gas due to inflation, lack of access to healthcare services, and proper waste management are daily problems facing millions of Nigerians, as well as many other African countries. Millions of Nigerians cook with charcoal, kerosene, and firewood, which produce harmful carbon emissions and pose serious health risks. Additionally, many lack access to healthcare when needed. According to the World Bank, Nigeria currently generates at least 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually, and this number is projected to rise to 107 million tonnes by 2050. BOBOGAS addresses these issues by collecting and converting bio-waste into biogas. This solution enables millions of Nigerians to purchase cooking gas and health insurance or shop online using Carbon tokens from waste. By incentivizing Nigerians to participate in waste collection and management, BOBOGAS not only provides affordable and sustainable energy solutions but also promotes better health outcomes in our communities.

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

BOBOGAS 1. Affordability: - BOBOGAS provides affordable cooking gas options accessible to local communities. - By accepting Carbon Tokens obtained from recyclable waste as payment, it offers an innovative way for individuals to access energy while incentivizing proper waste management practices. 2. Environmental Sustainability: - BOBOGAS democratizes waste management and biogas production by accepting waste as payment, encouraging communities to actively participate in sustainable waste management. - By collecting and converting waste into biogas, BOBOGAS ensures households live in cleaner environments. - Biogas production reduces methane emissions from waste, providing a renewable energy source that contributes to a cleaner environment and mitigates climate change impacts. 3. Health Benefits: - Using BOBOGAS gas significantly reduces health risks from indoor air pollution associated with traditional fuels like charcoal, kerosene, and f

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

Our target market includes  1. All middle to low income families and individuals living in Nigeria urban and suburbans. 2. Students  3. Businesses that generate massive organic waste and use Gas for production like Restaurants and hotel 4. Local food vendors that generate massive organic waste daily and use gas to Cook. Overall Market Insights  -Income Level:  Our target market spans a range from middle-low income families and individuals to, to businesses reflecting a wide spectrum of financial capabilities but with similar spending behaviors.  -Location:  BOBOGAS’s customers are predominantly located in urban and suburban areas,  and generate tons of waste daily,  and uses gas for Cooking. -Desire for clean environment, affordable gas and healthcare:  All our target markets want access to affordable health care, a clean environment and affordable cooking gas.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-04-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

5

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.)

Confidence Ewunee is an environmentalist and the CEO of WasteServe Nigeria Ltd, a waste management company transforming waste into products in Rivers State, Nigeria. WasteServe collects through secondary sources like the Rivers State Waste Management Authority (RIWAMA). He heads business strategy and development. Ebenezer Unimakpel Undie is a high-performing mobile application developer with over 4 years of experience creating innovative and impactful applications. Skilled in solving complex problems and converting UIs into mobile applications, he excels in fast-paced settings and is proficient in developing efficient applications with minimal time complexities and third-party integrations. He is the CTO. Ben Naomi, is a computer science graduate, is an expert in product design and project management. She is the project manager. Temitope Alase, is a mass communication graduate with extensive industry experience in marketing and sales, she will drive all our marketing efforts.

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?

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

BOBOGAS has the potential to create thousands of jobs, reducing unemployment and helping individuals and families generate income. By improving access to quality cooking gas, BOBOGAS prevents health risks associated with cooking with non-renewable energy sources, enabling families to save and invest in other productive ventures. This also has the potential to reduce the healthcare burden. BOBOGAS will massively contribute to economic growth in Nigeria, which will in turn grow our gross domestic product (GDP) and increase per capita income, reducing poverty in Nigeria. By incentivizing communities to participate in waste management and biogas production, BOBOGAS fosters economic opportunities and promotes sustainable development. The innovative use of Carbon Tokens as payment further supports financial inclusion, allowing families to leverage waste as a resource for energy and essential services, ultimately enhancing their economic stability and resilience.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

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

BOBOGAS contributes to Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) by integrating health insurance into its innovative model. By providing clean cooking gas, BOBOGAS reduces the use of harmful traditional fuels, decreasing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases caused by indoor air pollution. Customers can use recyclable waste as payment for health insurance, making healthcare more accessible to low-income households. This affordability ensures more people have coverage for medical expenses, leading to improved health outcomes. With increased access to health insurance, individuals are more likely to seek preventive care and early treatment, reducing severe health conditions. This approach encourages community participation in waste collection and management, promoting a cleaner environment and healthier population. The employment opportunities and economic incentives created by BOBOGAS improve financial stability, enabling better access to healthcare.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

BOBOGAS promotes gender equality by offering clean cooking gas, reducing health risks for women using traditional fuels. With women in key leadership roles including two co-founders, it ensures gender parity in decision-making. Economic empowerment through job creation in waste management and biogas production will uplifts women financially. Healthcare access via waste-based payment for services benefits women and families. Community involvement in sustainable practices further empowers women, fostering equality and holistic development.

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

BOBOGAS contributes to the Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) goal through by promoting biogas production from waste, to reduces environmental pollution and prevents contamination of water sources. Encouraging communities to manage waste effectively helps prevent pollutants from entering water bodies, ensuring cleaner water sources for consumption and sanitation. Providing clean cooking gas reduces reliance on traditional fuels like firewood, which contribute to deforestation and water source degradation. BOBOGAS also educates communities on sustainable practices that protect water quality and promote sanitation, fostering long-term environmental stewardship.

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

BOBOGAS is dedicated to providing affordable and clean energy, addressing critical needs in Nigeria and other African countries. By accepting recyclable waste as payment for biogas, we make cooking gas more affordable for low-income households and simultaneously solve waste management issues. This innovative payment method ensures that even the most economically disadvantaged can access clean energy. Our renewable energy solution reduces reliance on traditional fuels such as charcoal and kerosene, cutting down on deforestation, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. This contributes to a cleaner environment and helps combat climate change. Using clean cooking gas from BOBOGAS reduces indoor air pollution, decreasing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly benefiting women and children. Our waste-to-biogas process tackles Nigeria's growing solid waste problem by encouraging sustainable disposal practices.

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

BOBOGAS contributes to SDG 8 by creating jobs, fostering economic empowerment, and promoting sustainable business practices. We generate employment opportunities in waste collection, biogas production, and retail, reducing unemployment rates and supporting local economies. By accepting recyclable waste as payment for cooking gas and health, we empower individuals economically, enhance household savings,promote economic stability, and promote access to healthcare. Through these efforts, Abobigas contributes to a resilient and inclusive economy, aligning with SDG 8 and enhancing community prosperity

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

BOBOGAS contributes to Industry Innovation and Infrastructure by leveraging internet technology to streamline waste collection and issue carbon credits. These credits can be used to buy cooking gas and health insurance policies, directly rewarding families and individuals. This innovative approach incentivizes participation in sustainable waste management practices. By converting bio-waste into biogas, BOBOGAS provides a cutting-edge solution to Nigeria's waste management and energy challenges. Building massive biogas digesters contributes to infrastructural development and supports the adoption of green energy across Nigeria. This not only addresses the country's waste problem but also enhances its energy infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrial growth. BOBOGAS’s model promotes innovation in waste management by directly involving communities, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, and ensuring economic benefits.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

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

BOBOGAS contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities by tackling waste management and energy challenges. Our model accepts recyclable waste as payment for biogas, incentivizing communities to engage in sustainable waste practices, reducing urban waste accumulation, and promoting cleaner environments. Providing clean cooking gas reduces reliance on traditional fuels like charcoal and kerosene, cutting down indoor air pollution and associated health risks, particularly benefiting women and children. Our waste-to-biogas process transforms bio-waste into energy, decreasing landfill usage and methane emissions, supporting greener urban infrastructure. BOBOGAS creates job opportunities in waste management and biogas production, stimulating local economies and enhancing community resilience. Through education and carbon credit issuance, we empower individuals to adopt and maintain sustainable practices.

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

BOBOGAS contributes to the Climate Action goal (SDG 13) by converting bio-waste into biogas, reducing methane emissions from landfills and displacing fossil fuels like charcoal and kerosene. Our clean cooking gas promotes renewable energy adoption, mitigating environmental impact. We operate on a circular economy model, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Our Community engagement model encourages community participation and sustainable practices. BOBOGAS enhances climate resilience by reducing deforestation and improving air quality, fostering a sustainable and climate-friendly future.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

BOBOGAS contributes to the Climate Action goal (SDG 13) by converting bio-waste into biogas, reducing methane emissions from landfills and displacing fossil fuels like charcoal and kerosene. Our clean cooking gas promotes renewable energy adoption, mitigating environmental impact. We operate on a circular economy model, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Our Community engagement model encourages community participation and sustainable practices. BOBOGAS enhances climate resilience by reducing deforestation and improving air quality, fostering a sustainable and climate-friendly future.

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

BOBOGAS contributes to the Life Below Water goal (SDG 14) through; Waste Management: By converting bio-waste into biogas, BOBOGAS reduces the amount of waste that ends up in water bodies, preventing pollution and protecting marine ecosystems. Reduction of Plastic Waste: Our waste management practices help decrease plastic pollution, which poses a significant threat to marine life. By encouraging recycling and proper waste disposal, we minimize the impact on oceans and waterways. Mitigating Runoff Pollution: By promoting the use of clean cooking gas over traditional fuels, BOBOGAS reduces deforestation and soil erosion. This helps in preventing harmful runoff that carries pollutants into rivers and oceans.

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

BOBOGAS contributes to the Life on Land goal (SDG 15) through its sustainable practices through; 1. Waste Management: We convert bio-waste into biogas, reducing landfill waste and methane emissions that degrade land ecosystems. 2. Deforestation Prevention: By promoting clean cooking gas over charcoal and firewood, Abobigas helps curb deforestation, preserving terrestrial biodiversity and habitats. 3. Soil Health: Biogas production enriches soil fertility through organic waste utilization, supporting agricultural productivity and ecosystem health. 4. Biodiversity Conservation: Abobigas's initiatives mitigate habitat loss and fragmentation, safeguarding endangered species and promoting biodiversity resilience.

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

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

BOBOGAS partners with communities, health institutions, and investors to address critical issues and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We collaborate with local communities, to promote sustainable waste management practices and empower individuals through incentives such and carbon tokens. Our partnerships with health institutions allow us to integrate health insurance into our model, making healthcare more accessible for low-income families and reducing health risks associated with traditional cooking methods. Investors play a crucial role in supporting our infrastructure development, enabling the construction of biogas digesters and the expansion of our renewable energy solutions. These collaborations drive innovation, create job opportunities, and stimulate local economies, contributing to the overall well-being of the communities we serve.

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.

6

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

6

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.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

Currently, there are no products or services exactly to BOBOGAS in use and adopted by BOBOGAS target audience. BOBOGAS offers a more comprehensive approach to waste management through incentivization compared to existing systems. Our Carbon Token system is a novel concept in Nigeria. While certain aspects of BOBOGAS are completely new, such as the Carbon Token system and the acceptance of waste as a form of payment, converting bio-waste into biogas is an established technology. However, our method of waste collection significantly improves upon existing practices. We address an unmet need for sustainable waste management and energy production, integrating innovative practices that extend traditional waste management services. This new version of waste management not only enhances environmental sustainability but also meets the economic needs of communities, making BOBOGAS a unique and essential solution in the market.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

BOBOGAS faces competition from various cooking gas retail businesses and waste management companies in Nigeria, such as Hinckley Recycling, Ubabio Eco-Solutions, IntelliCity Technology and Energy Ltd., SOSO CARE, Ecobarter Team, and Pakam Waste Management Technology. However, BOBOGAS differentiates itself by focusing on biogas production with a model that creates significant social impact. We plan to build medium-scale digesters across urban and suburban areas, combining cooking gas retailing with biogas production. This dual approach enables us to create an ecosystem that encourages mass adoption of collective waste management. By integrating these services, we not only address the energy needs of communities but also promote sustainable waste management practices, making BOBOGAS a unique and essential solution in the market. Our innovative model not only competes with existing businesses but also sets a new standard for combining environmental sustainability with economic growth.

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