Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

We are a biotech company that is committed to using bamboo to empower small scale farmers and manufacture a biodegradable future. We do this by converting eucalyptus farmers into bamboo farming and deriving high value products from the stems (biopolymers)

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

We are passionate about conversion of small-scale farmers from Eucalyptus farming to bamboo farming in order to not only address the soil health concerns, water stress concerns but also to secure our supply chain. On this front we have secured 30 farmers from the harmful eucalyptus and the goal is to scale this up to 10,000 farmers in Kenya. Our main application for the hydrogels we extract from the stems is in drug delivery systems where specifically we intend to pioneer the first painless transdermal vaccines for hard to reach children. In the vast landscape of medical challenges across the continent, the introduction of bamboo hydrogels emerges as a promising solution. In a region where quality healthcare is often a privilege reserved for the well-connected or affluent, innovations like bamboo hydrogels present a beacon of hope. This biopolymer, inherently hydrophilic, possesses remarkable attributes conducive to applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing.

01.02 Quel est le problème principal que vous essayez de résoudre ?

Traditional drug formulations, while life-saving, grapple with inherent limitations – poor solubility, low biocompatibility, and a short shelf life necessitating frequent dosing. The systemic exposure of non-targeted sites, resulting in undesired side effects, further compounds these challenges. This is not to mention the logistical challenges of delivering life-saving drugs/vaccines to hard to reach communities such as pastoralists. The cold-chain(s) costs required to preserve these medicines until they reach the desired target groups is immense. This is why there is still a 77% immunisation average coverage but noting that urban centres influence highly the average, some counties are even approaching less than 50%.

01.03 Dites-nous quels sont les principaux avantages et/ou bénéfices de l'utilisation du produit/service fourni par votre startup (au moins 3).

1. Painless Transdermal Vaccines: Your innovation offers a major advantage by enabling painless vaccine delivery through the skin. This could be a game-changer for childhood immunization in hard-to-reach areas, improving reach and compliance. 2. Reduced Costs: Bamboo hydrogels can potentially lower healthcare costs by allowing for lower drug concentrations and eliminating the need for expensive cold-chain logistics for storage and transport. 3. Targeted Delivery & Fewer Side Effects: By delivering smaller, targeted doses through the skin, bamboo hydrogels may minimize side effects as less tissue and fewer cells are exposed to the medication, improving patient comfort and potentially increasing treatment adherence. 4. Biocompatible and Sustainable: Made from natural bamboo, these hydrogels are biocompatible and potentially more sustainable than traditional materials. This aligns with the need for accessible and environmentally-friendly solutions in Africa.

01.04 Veuillez décrire précisément à qui s'adresse le produit/service de votre startup. Quels sont les bénéficiaires visés ?

1. Children in Hard-to-Reach Areas: This encompasses children residing in remote, rural regions or those associated with nomadic communities in Africa. Traditional needle-based vaccinations can be difficult to administer due to logistical challenges and limited access to healthcare facilities. Our painless transdermal approach offers a more accessible and potentially more compliant solution for childhood immunization programs. 2. Cost-Conscious Patients and Healthcare Systems: The reduced drug concentration and elimination of cold-chain requirements associated with our hydrogels can significantly lower healthcare costs. This benefits patients in resource-limited settings and healthcare systems in Africa striving to deliver quality care while managing budgetary constraints.

01.05 Quand votre entreprise a-t-elle été créée ?

18/08/2023

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Non

01.07 Combien y a-t-il de propriétaires de votre entreprise en plus de vous ?

1

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

1

01.09 Veuillez décrire le profil des autres propriétaires de votre startup (compétences, expérience, etc.).

1. Fasika Legesse Solomon - Female - 51% Share capital - Landscape Architect | Product Manufacturer | Project Manager 2. Joseph Kimani Kamau - Male - 49% Share Capital - Entrepreneur| 8+ FMCG Manufacturer | Financial Analyst | Project Manager

01.10 Si vous avez un site web, une page sur les médias sociaux (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin...) ou une application, veuillez fournir le(s) lien(s) ici :

https://www.linkedin.com/company/97873528/admin/feed/posts/

01.11 Quel est le secteur d'activité qui décrit le mieux votre entreprise ?

Matériaux (agriculture, pêche, produits chimiques, matériaux de construction, conteneurs et emballages, métaux et mines, papier et produits forestiers)

02.01.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Pas de pauvreté'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Improved Health Outcomes: By enabling painless and accessible childhood vaccinations in remote areas, our innovation can significantly improve health outcomes for children. This translates to fewer illnesses, reduced healthcare costs for families (who might otherwise struggle to afford treatment), and potentially better school attendance and future earning potential. Reduced Healthcare Costs: The lower drug concentration and elimination of cold-chain needs associated with our hydrogel patches can significantly decrease healthcare system expenses. This frees up resources that can be directed towards other vital health services, benefiting underprivileged communities who often lack access to quality care due to financial constraints. Economic Empowerment: In addition to sourcing for bamboo from farmers thereby earning income, by improving overall health and reducing healthcare burdens, our startup can indirectly contribute to economic empowerment, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

02.02.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Faim Zéro'

5

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Improved Nutrition Absorption: Healthy children with better immune systems might absorb nutrients from food more efficiently, potentially reducing malnutrition rates.

02.03.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Bonne Santé et Bien Être'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

1. Increased Vaccination Rates: Painless and accessible transdermal vaccines, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, can significantly improve childhood immunization rates. This directly combats infectious diseases, a major threat to good health and well-being. 2. Improved Health Outcomes for Children: By ensuring children receive vital vaccinations, our innovation reduces illness, improves overall health, and promotes healthy development. This contributes to SDG 3's target of ensuring healthy lives for all at all ages. 3. Reduced Healthcare Burden: Lower drug dosages and elimination of cold-chain needs decrease healthcare costs. This frees up resources for broader healthcare access and improves well-being across communities, especially those struggling financially.

02.04.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Éducation de Qualité'

6

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

1. Improved School Attendance: By ensuring children receive vital vaccinations through painless and accessible means, our innovation can lead to fewer illnesses and better overall health. This can translate to improved school attendance rates. Children who are healthy are more likely to be present in class, engaged in learning, and able to reach their full potential. 2. Reduced Long-Term Health Impact: Timely vaccinations prevent serious diseases that can have long-term health consequences, sometimes leading to cognitive impairments or chronic conditions. Effective childhood immunization through our hydrogel patches can help children avoid these issues, allowing them to better concentrate and participate in school activities.

02.05.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Égalité entre les Sexes'

5

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Prioritising Women: By promoting women's employment within our company and actively sourcing supplies from women-led ventures, we're directly empowering women economically. This creates opportunities, fosters financial independence, and challenges traditional gender roles in the workplace. By making vaccinations more accessible, our invention can contribute to better health outcomes for girls, potentially leading to: Reduced School Absences: Fewer illnesses due to vaccinations could mean fewer missed school days for girls. This allows them to stay caught up in their education. More Opportunities: Improved health allows girls to participate more actively in school and extracurricular activities, potentially leading to better educational attainment and future opportunities.

02.06.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Eau Propre et Assainissement'

3

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.07.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Énergie Propre et Abordable'

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.08.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Travail Décent et Croissance Économique'

6

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

1. Job Creation: As our business grows, it will directly create employment opportunities in various sectors: a. Research and development: Scientists, engineers, and technicians involved in hydrogel development and production. b. Manufacturing: Jobs in facilities producing the hydrogels and any necessary equipment. c. Distribution and logistics: Personnel involved in delivering the hydrogels to healthcare providers in remote areas. 2. Empowering Local Economies: Sourcing bamboo, a natural resource, from local communities can provide income opportunities for farmers and contribute to the economic development of these regions.

02.09.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Industrie, Innovation et Infrastructure'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Pioneering Innovation: Our invention represents a significant advancement in drug delivery technology. The use of natural bamboo hydrogels for painless transdermal vaccines is a prime example of fostering innovation in the medical field, directly contributing to SDG 9's target of promoting technological advancements. Improved Infrastructure for Healthcare: By enabling easier and more accessible vaccination delivery, particularly in remote areas, our hydrogel patches can contribute to improvements in healthcare infrastructure in these regions. This aligns with SDG 9's goal of building resilient infrastructure in support of economic development and human well-being.

02.10.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Réduction des Inégalités'

5

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Addressing Healthcare Disparities: Traditional vaccination programs often struggle to reach remote areas, creating healthcare disparities. Our painless and accessible transdermal vaccines delivered through hydrogels have the potential to bridge this gap. By ensuring children in these areas receive vital vaccinations, we directly contribute to reducing healthcare inequalities. Cost-Effective Solution: The reduced drug concentration and elimination of cold chain requirements associated with our hydrogels can significantly lower healthcare costs. This makes vaccinations more accessible and affordable for underprivileged communities and healthcare systems with limited resources, fostering greater equity in healthcare access. Focus on Women and Youth: Our company policy is to hire 80% women and youth, and/or outsource products/services from women-led or youth-led businesses.

02.11.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Villes et Communautés Durables'

3

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.12.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Consommation et Production Responsables'

5

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Sustainable Material Choice: Our startup prioritizes sustainability by utilizing bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, for hydrogel production. This avoids dependence on synthetic polymers that often have a higher environmental footprint during production and disposal. Reduced Environmental Impact: By choosing bamboo, we contribute to SDG 12's target of promoting sustainable resource management and reducing environmental impact associated with production processes.

02.13.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques'

5

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Sustainable Material Choice: Our startup prioritizes sustainability by utilizing bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, for hydrogel production. This avoids dependence on synthetic polymers that often have a higher environmental footprint during production and disposal. Reduced Environmental Impact: By choosing bamboo, we contribute to SDG 12's target of promoting sustainable resource management and reducing environmental impact associated with production processes.

02.14.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Sous-Marine'

3

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.15.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Vie Terrestre'

5

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Sustainable Bamboo Sourcing: Our company prioritizes sustainable bamboo harvesting practices thereby directly contributing to SDG 15's targets on promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and combating desertification. Responsible harvesting ensures minimal disruption to natural habitats and promotes the long-term health of bamboo forests. Reduced Environmental Impact: By choosing a natural resource like bamboo, we minimize reliance on synthetic polymers that might contribute to land degradation or pollution during production. This aligns with SDG 15's focus on sustainable management of resources.

02.16.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Paix, Justice et Institutions Efficaces'

3

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

02.17.01 Ma startup contribue à l'objectif 'Parteneriats pour la Réalisation des Objectifs'

6

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Collaboration for Wider Impact: Our emphasis on employing women and youth, as well as sourcing materials from women-led or youth-led businesses, exemplifies SDG 17's call for multi-stakeholder partnerships. By working with diverse groups, we contribute to a collaborative approach for achieving broader health goals in underserved communities. Synergy for Sustainable Development: Partnerships with local communities for sustainable bamboo harvesting and collaboration with healthcare providers for vaccine deployment demonstrate our commitment to SDG 17's target of mobilizing resources and knowledge to achieve sustainable development goals.

06.01 Un grand nombre de clients utilisent déjà un produit/service très similaire au nôtre.

3

06.02 Notre produit/service représente un type de produit/service entièrement nouveau

5

06.03 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une nouvelle technologie

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.04 Notre produit/service est une amélioration d'un produit ou d'un service existant

4

06.05 Notre produit/service pourrait être décrit comme une extension d'une gamme de produits ou de services

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

06.06 Notre produit/service répond à une demande ou à un besoin qui n'a pas été satisfait par d'autres produits/services.

5

06.07 Notre produit/service est une nouvelle version d'un ancien produit/service

1 - Pas du tout d'accord

06.08 Justification

Painless Transdermal Delivery: Our invention offers a significant departure from traditional needle-based vaccinations. By utilizing hydrogels for painless transdermal delivery, we address a major hurdle in childhood immunization programs, particularly in remote areas. Reduced Costs & Doses: The lower drug concentration required with hydrogels and the elimination of cold-chain logistics present a novel approach to reducing healthcare costs associated with traditional vaccinations. This makes our solution more accessible to resource-limited settings. Sustainable Material : The use of bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource, for hydrogel production sets our innovation apart. This focus on sustainability aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in the medical field.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Microneedle patches: These emerging technologies might compete for painless vaccine delivery. However, your focus on hydrogels avoids the potential discomfort of microneedles, making your solution potentially more suitable for children. (around 200 characters) Established vaccine manufacturers: Traditional pharmaceutical companies delivering vaccines through injections remain competitors. Your competitive edge lies in offering a more accessible, potentially more compliant solution for childhood immunization programs in remote areas.

11.05 Menez-vous des actions au sein de votre communauté pour promouvoir le rôle des femmes entrepreneurs ?

Yes. I train young teenage girls on financial literacy and entrepreneurship where I grew up