Kenya - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Caino Africa is a company that create second life lithium-ion battery packs and other accompanying technologies for solar application targeting low-income off-grid communities. Our vision is to empower livelihood with clean and affordable energy solutions

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Our 2nd life solar batteries are made from recycled lithium ion cells. These batteries are used for storage in solar home systems for off-grid and low income communities in rural areas. We have also managed to create solar fishing lamps using the same 2nd life battery packs for fishermen in Mombasa for attracting fish at night. In addition, we have developed a PAYGO payment system which we offer as a service to companies that have PAYGO business model for revenue collection.

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

High cost of battery and energy storage solutions affecting uptake of Solar Products for off-grid low-income communities. Batteries are the most expensive part of a solar PV system. Our affordable battery storage solutions promote the adoption of solar PV in off-grid and low-income communities, ensuring access to clean and reliable energy. Many PAYGO solar companies are failing due to inefficient revenue collection resulting from failed remote switching On/Off. We have developed a PAYGO hardware and API for solar companies that are doing PAYGO business. Lack of recycling and refurbishment facilities for used lithium battery waste poses an environmental challenge to communities and e-waste companies. By recycling lithium ion cells, we control the electronic waste which would have ended up in farms or water bodies, thus reducing environmental pollution and health risks.

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).

Our battery packs are less costly than those on the market since we utilize E-waste cells. Our battery packs are robust i.e can easily replace damaged cells ensuring longevity. Our battery packs exhibit high efficiency as they can charge fast and have minimal losses during discharge as opposed to Lead Acid batteries. Our battery packs are easily repairable hence increases service life at low cost as opposed to the imported lithium batteries. The quality of our products is guaranteed and we offer up-to 2 years warranty despite the fact that our battery packs can serve you for more than 5 years uninterrupted. We make basic fishing lamps for small fish which can last for more than 12 hours of lighting on a single charge. We also offer professional solar fishing lamps for big fish which can last for 20 hours + of constant lighting with a constant brightness and are submersible.

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

Our beachhead market includes people residing in off-grid areas that have no access to clean and affordable energy, fishermen along the coastal regions and in Nyanza Province, and companies utilizing the pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) business model. The total addressable market comprises over 5 million off-grid households, small businesses, and fishermen in Kenya. Within this market, approximately 1 million households, small businesses, and fishermen constitute our serviceable addressable market, where we can effectively provide our products and solutions.

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

10/02/2023

01.06 Vendez-vous déjà votre produit/service ?

Oui

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

2

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

0

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

Amwoka Edwin(CEO):He is the founder of Caino Africa with over five years experience in Product design, Hardware, Firmware and Software design, Energy Efficiency, Battery and storage management, Quality Assurance and Installations and certifications in Renewable Energy. He has a professional background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Robin Blank(CFO):He is a co-Founder of Caino Africa. Over 7 years experience in advanced industrial manufacturing processes and materials development. He has led projects focused on achieving efficient energy production and storage.

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://caino.africa/

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

Énergie (équipements, services, énergie durable et fossiles)

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

6

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Caino Africa's provision of affordable and clean energy solutions directly addresses the poverty challenge. Access to reliable electricity is fundamental for poverty alleviation, as it enables households to power essential appliances and engage in income-generating activities. By offering affordable battery storage solutions and implementing PAYGO services, Caino Africa ensures that even low-income communities can access clean and reliable energy, thus breaking the cycle of energy poverty. The economic empowerment facilitated by Caino Africa's initiatives extends beyond basic energy access. With reliable electricity, individuals can establish small-scale businesses, engage in agricultural processing, and develop other income-generating ventures. This economic activity stimulates local economies, creates job opportunities, and enhances overall productivity, all of which are essential components in the fight against poverty.

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

3

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

5

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Reducing Indoor Air Pollution: Traditional energy sources like kerosene lamps emit harmful pollutants that contribute to indoor air pollution, leading to respiratory illnesses and other health problems, particularly in impoverished communities where access to healthcare is limited. By transitioning to clean energy solutions, Caino Africa mitigates these health hazards, reducing the prevalence of respiratory diseases and improving overall well-being. Supporting Mental Health and Well-being: Access to electricity provided by Caino Africa's energy solutions enhances quality of life and supports mental health and well-being. Reliable electricity enables individuals to access information, connect with others through communication devices, and engage in recreational activities, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall mental health. Improving Access to Healthcare: Reliable electricity provided by Caino Africa's clean energy solutions enables healthcare facilities to operate mo

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

5

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

While Caino Africa's primary focus is on providing clean energy solutions, its initiatives indirectly contribute to Goal 4: Quality Education in several ways: Access to Information and Communication: Reliable electricity provided by Caino Africa's clean energy solutions enables access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as computers, internet connectivity, and educational resources. This facilitates distance learning, e-learning platforms, and access to online educational materials, expanding educational opportunities for students in remote and underserved areas. Enhanced Learning Environments: Access to electricity improves learning environments in schools and educational institutions. Caino Africa's energy solutions ensure adequate lighting for classrooms, libraries, and study areas, creating conducive learning environments that support student engagement and academic achievement.

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

3

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/a

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Affordable Energy Access: Caino Africa aim to make clean energy accessible and affordable for off-grid and low-income communities. By offering affordable battery storage solutions, PAYGO payment systems, and other accompanying technologies, it ensures that even those with limited financial resources can access clean energy solutions. Environmental Sustainability: The transition to clean energy sources promoted by us helps mitigate environmental pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Caino Africa contributes to environmental sustainability, protecting ecosystems, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Promoting Renewable Energy Adoption: It focuses on providing clean energy solutions, such as solar power, which harness renewable energy sources like sunlight. By promoting the adoption of renewable energy technologies, it helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.

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

2

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

2

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

2

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

2

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

2

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.13.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

By recycling lithium ion cells, we control the electronic waste which would have ended up in farms or water bodies. Batteries are the most expensive part of a solar PV system. By offering affordable battery storage we promote adoption of solar PV which is a renewable energy and also our solar fishing lamps, powered by renewable energy, significantly lower CO2 emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuel so by so doing, we limit emissions to the environment/atmosphere which are caused by kerosene/fossil fuel equipment like generators and kerosene lamps. Additionally, our battery packs are designed for high efficiency with rapid charging capabilities and minimal discharge losses, ensuring lower energy consumption and enhancing longevity through easy repairability, all contributing to a reduced environmental footprint and fostering a sustainable future.

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

4

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

3

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

2

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

N/A

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

2

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

3

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

5

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

4

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

6

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

6

06.08 Justification

Our project idea is unique and innovative for several reasons. First, we are the only provider of professional solar fishing lamps specifically designed for big fish that offer over 20 hours of constant lighting with consistent brightness and are submersible. This addresses a significant need in the fishing industry for reliable and durable lighting solutions. Furthermore, our use of E-waste cells in our battery packs sets us apart. This not only makes our battery packs less costly compared to those on the market but also contributes to environmental sustainability by repurposing waste materials. Our battery packs are designed for robustness, allowing for easy replacement of damaged cells, thereby extending their lifespan significantly. In terms of efficiency, our battery packs charge quickly and have minimal losses during discharge, outperforming traditional Lead Acid batteries. Additionally, the repairability of our battery packs further increases their service life at a low cost,

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Our competitors are local dealers in imported lithium ion batteries. Our competitive advantage is the price and ability to do local customizations and repairs of the batteries. We are also more reliable due to a steady supply of products as opposed to our competitors who have waiting times and uncertainties resulting from importation of goods. The products we offer also have a unique niche given that our targeted market segment is currently being served by lead acid batteries which have a poorer performance as compared to lithium ion. We are able to match their prices with our better quality battery packs.

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

N/A