Namibia - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Our project underlines the issue is water stress due to water scarcity and arid climate especially in Namibia where little rainfall and plenty sunlight. We aim to empower each and every Namibian - young or old, boy or girl to grow their own food.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Our startup Iimeno Hydroponic Solutions is an Agritech company that develops hydroponic systems for rural and urban farmers for the aim of reducing water stress and improving nutritional value by growing soilless plants - green leafy vegetables that is used to nourish our clients. Currently, we develop 2 systems: automated solar-powered hydroponic systems and standalone (on-grid) system. All these systems use 90% less water in comparison to traditional soil farming. As a company we try to target all customers from all walks of life; those without money to afford electricity and those that utilise it. The seeds are first propagated in foam trays thereafter transplanted into our automated hydroponic systems where you can monitor the pH-level, humidity, water level as well as Electrical Conductivity (EC-level). This is all done seamlessly on a smartphone or those without a smartphone - which is still in development.

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

Water stress and food security issues. According to South Africa(Advisor & Forum, n.d.), Namibians import more than half of their home-grown produce to neighboring countries and out of Africa - we import a staggering 65% of fruit and vegetables. As an Agritech company, we aim to yield our own vegetables for our own people in order to not only feed but eventually eradicate poverty in Namibia - SDG 2.

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).

The advantages of using our hydroponics systems are as follows: The client literally grows their own food wherever they reside Plants can be grown during any season Empowers local products for the country, and therefore economic freedom We test and maintain the systems for you on a monthly basis or when needed - subscription still in development Customers can enjoy their own nutritious produce

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

Our target market is: small-scale farmers, nurseries, garden centers and backyard plant breeders. Namibian population is 3.022 million. From this 55.2% have access to electricity whereas, 51% make use of the internet. Realistic kick-start figure for hydroponics 6% of population of those that have access,. So the addressable market will be approximated to 6% of the entire Namibian population during inception years.

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

20/06/2022

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 ?

2

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.).

Managing Director & Co-Founder: Megameno Nickanor is a Mechanical Engineering Honours student from Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) with a passion in agriculture. He holds several certifications in engineering and sustainability. He has over 2 years of technical, managerial and product development skills R&D Manager and Co-Founder: Ngeendina Itembu holds an B.Com Accounting degree from University of Namibia (UNAM) and has over 5 years experience as a small-scale farmer CFO & Accounting Manager: Aina Nepaya, she acquired a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) with over 3 years of experience in investment reconciliation, preparing and consolidating financial statements in the agricultural sector. CTO & Development Manager: Vera Endjala, she acquired her Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Namibia (UNAM) and will be responsible for maintaining the IoT system in the hydroponic systems.

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/82656100/admin/feed/posts/

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

Agriculture

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

We empower Namibians to yield their own green leafy vegetables that not only have a higher nutritional value than store bought products but also allows them to feed their families.

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

4

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Our startup aims to provide and produce essential foods besides vegetables, but also stable food plants e.g. fodder for animals using a hybrid of our hydroponic systems to enhance food security in rural and urban areas.

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

The hydroponic systems are regulated using an IoT system whereby it monitors the nutrients in the water so that the plants have a balanced amount of minerals for optimum plant growth and nutritional value for clients.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

We educate our clients on how to grow and produce hydroponic systems ensuring that they can maintain their own systems in the long run. Like the saying goes by Lao Tzu, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

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

No only do we have a female as part of our team but our services also cater to all individuals - men or women that are keen to grow their own food.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

The water in the system moves in a continuous cycle and thus recycled. The water is renewed or refilled after every 2 weeks or so, the 'old' water can be used for irrigation of other plants. As the business grows - it would be prudent to treat the water and use it for other uses upon testing whether it is safe for animals to drink and so forth.

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

One of our hydroponics will be powered by solar technology which falls in line with clean and affordable energy as solar is renewable energy.

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

We provide economic growth became through our business registration we pay annual duty and taxes for our registered business, and as the business grows - we will employ more people that will receive a salary that will feed their families and themselves

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

From our research it will be the first solar-powered automated hydroponic system in Namibia that not only uses IoT (Internet of things) but also help eradicate poverty and improve food security especially in the rural communities.

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

Iimeno hydroponic Solutions contributes to the reduced inequalities goal as follows: 1. Access to resources: Promotes hydroponic farming techniques, helps small-scale farmer and communities gain access to efficient farming methods regardless of their geographical location or land availability. This can help bridge the gap between rural and urban areas in terms of access to modern agricultural practices and resources. 2. Income Generation: Hydroponic farming can be implemented in various settings, including urban areas where land availability is limited. By enabling urban dwellers, including marginalized communities, to grow their own food or engage in small-scale hydroponic farming for commercial purposes, Iimeno can contribute to income generation opportunities for these groups, thereby reducing economic inequalities. 3. Knowledge Sharing: Iimeno can conduct training programs and workshops to educate farmers, especially those from underserved communities.

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

1. Food Security: Hydroponic farming can increase food security in urban areas by providing a reliable and year-round supply of fresh produce. This helps reduce reliance on long-distance food supply chains, making cities more resilient to external disruptions and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for urban populations. 2. Urban Agriculture: By promoting hydroponic farming techniques, Iimeno enables urban agriculture, allowing city dwellers to grow fresh produce in limited spaces such as rooftops, balconies, or indoor facilities. This localized food production reduces the need for transportation and distribution, lowering carbon emissions associated with food transportation and contributing to more sustainable urban environments.

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

1. Reduced Food Waste: By promoting hydroponic farming, Iimeno facilitates local and year-round production of fresh produce, reducing the need for long-distance transportation and storage. This can help minimize food spoilage and waste along the supply chain, contributing to more responsible consumption and production patterns. 2. Resource Efficiency: Hydroponic farming systems used by Iimeno typically require less water, land, and pesticides compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. By maximizing resource efficiency, the company helps reduce the environmental footprint of food production, promoting more sustainable consumption and production practices.

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

1. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Hydroponic farming typically requires less land, water, and energy compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. By promoting hydroponic farming techniques, Iimeno helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with agricultural production. This is because hydroponic systems can be operated in controlled environments, optimizing resource use and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. 2. Water Conservation: Hydroponic farming systems used by Iimeno are typically more water-efficient than traditional soil-based agriculture. These systems recirculate water, minimizing water waste and reducing overall water consumption. By promoting water-efficient farming practices, Iimeno helps conserve water resources, particularly in regions prone to water scarcity or droughts exacerbated by climate change.

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

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

1.Reduction of Agricultural Runoff: Hydroponic farming typically utilizes closed-loop systems that minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By reducing agricultural runoff, which often contains pollutants harmful to marine ecosystems, Iimeno indirectly contributes to maintaining water quality in rivers, lakes, and oceans. 2. Water Conservation: Hydroponic systems are known for their efficient use of water compared to traditional soil-based agriculture. By conserving freshwater resources, Iimeno indirectly helps sustain aquatic habitats, such as rivers and wetlands, which are vital for marine life and 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

1.Preservation of Natural Habitats: By promoting hydroponic farming, Iimeno helps reduce the conversion of natural habitats, such as forests and grasslands, into agricultural land. This helps preserve biodiversity by minimizing habitat loss and fragmentation, thus contributing to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. 2. Reduction of Soil Degradation: Traditional agriculture practices, such as intensive tilling and the heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, can lead to soil erosion and degradation. By promoting soilless hydroponic farming, Iimeno helps prevent soil erosion and nutrient depletion, thus contributing to the preservation of fertile soils and the sustainability of land-based ecosystems.

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

1. Economic Stability: By promoting sustainable agriculture and providing training and employment opportunities in hydroponic farming, Iimeno can contribute to economic stability in communities. Economic stability is often linked to reduced social unrest and can support the establishment of strong and resilient institutions. 2. Community Development: Through partnerships and community engagement initiatives, Iimeno can contribute to community development efforts. By empowering local communities with the skills and resources needed to establish and maintain hydroponic farming systems, the company can foster community cohesion and resilience, which are essential for peace and stability.

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

Iimeno Hydroponic Solutions can contribute to the Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) in several ways: Collaborative Initiatives: Iimeno can establish partnerships with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, and other stakeholders to address complex challenges related to sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental conservation. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, these partnerships can facilitate the development and implementation of innovative solutions that have a greater impact than individual efforts. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Through partnerships, Iimeno can share its knowledge and expertise in hydroponic farming with local communities, farmers, and agricultural organizations. By providing training programs, workshops, and educational materials, the company can build the capacity of partners to adopt sustainable farming practices and improve agricultural productivity.

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

1 = Pas du tout d'accord

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

6

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

6

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

Iimeno will be the first solar powered automated hydroponic system that uses IoT to monitor water level, EC level as well as temperature in Namibia, while providing fresh produce for rural and urban comminities

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Our main potential competitors are: Urban Harvest Namibia and Ferreira gardens. However, none of these businesses offer solar technology, only standalone systems or trays where they are propagated and grown.

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

2 of our employees are females and bring a wealth of experience and expertise in terms of agribusiness