Tanzania - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES produces Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films designed to extend the shelf life of tomatoes by protecting them from microbial attack. This innovative product helps reduce post-harvest losses for farmers.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES specializes in the production of Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films, a revolutionary product designed to significantly extend the shelf life of tomatoes. These films create a protective barrier that effectively shields the tomatoes from microbial attack, reducing the risk of spoilage and ensuring their freshness for an extended period. The innovation lies in the unique composition of the films, which combine Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibrils and honey as plasticizers. Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibrils are derived from chitin, a natural biopolymer found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. These nanofibrils have excellent barrier properties, preventing the entry of oxygen and moisture, which are major contributors to the deterioration of tomatoes. Honey, known for its antimicrobial properties, further enhances the films' effectiveness by inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms.

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

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES is focused on solving the critical issue of post-harvest losses in the tomato supply chain. Post-harvest losses occur due to spoilage and damage that happen between the time of harvest and consumption. In the case of tomatoes, this can be as high as 40% in some regions. These losses not only impact the income of farmers but also contribute to food insecurity and environmental degradation through wasted resources like water, energy, and land. By extending the shelf life of tomatoes with our innovative Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films, we aim to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring that more tomatoes reach consumers in a fresh and usable condition. This solution not only benefits farmers by increasing their profits but also contributes to a more sustainable and efficient food system by reducing waste and improving food security.

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 Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films offer several key benefits. Firstly, they significantly extend the shelf life of tomatoes, reducing post-harvest losses for farmers and ensuring a more sustainable and efficient tomato supply chain. This leads to increased profitability for farmers and improved food security. Secondly, by protecting tomatoes from microbial attack, our films allow for better storage and transportation, reducing the need for immediate consumption or costly preservation methods, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the tomato supply chain. Lastly, our films are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, aligning with global efforts towards sustainability. This makes our solution not only effective but also environmentally responsible, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses.

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

Our startup's product is aimed at serving smallholder farmers, agricultural cooperatives, and agribusinesses involved in tomato production and supply chains. These stakeholders are the targeted beneficiaries as they face significant challenges due to post-harvest losses, which our product directly addresses. Additionally, consumers benefit from access to fresher and higher-quality tomatoes, contributing to improved food security and nutrition. Our solution is especially beneficial for farmers in developing regions where post-harvest losses are high and access to advanced preservation technologies is limited.

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

07/07/2023

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 ?

3

01.08 Parmi les autres propriétaires, combien sont des femmes ?

2

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

Grace John, an agricultural engineer, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in agricultural practices, technology, and sustainability to the startup. Her expertise lies in finding practical solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency, making her a valuable asset in developing innovative products and strategies for the farming sector. Grace's skills are instrumental in ensuring that the startup's offerings are not only effective but also sustainable, aligning with the goal of promoting environmentally friendly practices in agriculture. Filomena Kibasa, a food scientist, specializes in food preservation, safety, and quality. Her deep understanding of food science principles ensures that the products developed by the startup meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Filomena's expertise is crucial in ensuring that the startup's solutions are not only effective in reducing post-harvest losses but also safe for consumption

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.instagram.com/ecofresh_technologies?igsh=cnNubGR5bG9ycmxr&utm_source=qr

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

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES aligns with SDG 2 by helping to improve food security. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology helps to ensure food reaches the market, contributing to a more stable food supply and reducing hunger.

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

Our technology contributes to SDG 3 by helping to ensure that consumers have access to fresher and higher-quality produce. This can lead to improved health outcomes, as fresh produce is an important part of a healthy diet.

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

5

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Education: ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 4 by supporting farmers, who are often key members of rural communities. By helping farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods, our technology can contribute to the overall development of these communities, including access to education.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our technology can contribute to SDG 5 by empowering female farmers, who often play a significant role in agriculture. By helping female farmers to reduce post-harvest losses and increase their income, we can contribute to greater gender equality in agriculture.

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 6 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the amount of water wasted in agriculture, contributing to more efficient water use.

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

5

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 7 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the energy inputs required for agriculture, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES directly contributes to SDG 8 by helping to create economic opportunities for farmers. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods.

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

Our technology directly contributes to SDG 9 by providing an innovative solution to a key challenge in agriculture. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to improve the efficiency of agricultural infrastructure and promote innovation in the sector.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 10 by helping to reduce inequalities in rural areas. By helping farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods, our technology can contribute to reducing inequalities between rural and urban areas.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 11 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, contributing to more sustainable cities and communities.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES directly contributes to SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption and production practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology helps to ensure that food is produced and consumed more efficiently, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption patterns.

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

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 13 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production, contributing to climate change mitigation.

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

5

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 14 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the effect of agriculture on marine ecosystems, contributing to the conservation of marine biodiversity.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 15 by promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. By reducing post-harvest losses, our technology can help to reduce the conversion of natural habitats for agriculture, contributing to the conservation of terrestrial biodiversity.

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

5

02.16.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES indirectly contributes to SDG 16 by promoting economic opportunities in rural areas. By helping farmers to increase their income and improve their livelihoods, our technology can contribute to greater stability and prosperity in rural communities.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our technology indirectly contributes to SDG 17 by promoting partnerships between different stakeholders in agricultural sector. By working with farmers, government agencies, and other partners, we can help to build more resilient and sustainable food systems.

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

4

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

7 - Tout à fait 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.

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

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

7 - Tout à fait d'accord

06.08 Justification

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES' Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films are unique and innovative as they specifically address the critical issue of post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector, a need that has not been effectively satisfied by other products. Unlike existing solutions, our product combines natural materials to create a biodegradable, antimicrobial film that significantly extends the shelf life of tomatoes and other perishable goods. This new technology not only improves the quality and safety of produce but also supports sustainable farming practices. Our approach leverages cutting-edge biomanufacturing techniques, setting it apart from conventional preservation methods. By directly responding to the unmet demand for effective, eco-friendly post-harvest solutions, our product stands out as a transformative innovation in agricultural technology, offering tangible benefits to farmers, consumers, and the environment.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES faces competition from companies producing synthetic food preservation films and conventional post-harvest treatment solutions. Key competitors include manufacturers of plastic-based wraps, chemical preservatives, and other post-harvest technologies like controlled atmosphere storage. What sets us apart is our use of Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibril (DeChNF)-honey plasticized films, which are biodegradable, antimicrobial, and made from natural materials. Unlike synthetic alternatives, our product is environmentally friendly and supports sustainable agriculture. Additionally, our films provide superior protection against microbial attack, significantly extending the shelf life of tomatoes and other perishable goods without relying on harmful chemicals. This unique combination of eco-friendliness, effectiveness, and safety positions ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES as a leader in innovative, sustainable post-harvest solutions, offering unmatched benefits to farmers and consumers

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

Yes, ECOFRESH TECHNOLOGIES actively promotes the role of female entrepreneurs within our community through various initiatives. We run mentorship programs where experienced female entrepreneurs provide guidance to aspiring women business owners, sharing insights and offering business development advice. We organize workshops and training sessions focused on entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and leadership to equip women with the necessary tools to start and grow their businesses. Additionally, we host regular networking events that bring together female entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to foster collaboration and create opportunities for partnerships and funding. Our community outreach includes engaging with local schools and groups to inspire young girls to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career path, featuring talks and seminars led by successful female entrepreneurs. These actions reflect our commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment.