Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

VenCooker is a solar-powered DC induction cooker paired with a micro-fridge, designed to provide clean, affordable cooking solutions for women in rural and underserved communities, reducing indoor pollution and associated health risks.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

VenAce is a startup born out of curiosity. We aim to revolutionize cooking in rural and underserved communities with the VenCooker (product), a solar-powered DC induction cooker. Indoor pollution from unclean cooking fuels like wood, coal, and biomass leads to 3.2 million deaths annually, severely impacting health in Africa where only 21% use clean cooking facilities. The VenCooker offers a sustainable solution, reducing indoor pollution and health risks. Complemented by a solar-powered micro-fridge, it allows food storage, reducing the need for daily cooking. We target women, often the primary cooks, empowering them with a cleaner, safer alternative. Our pay-as-you-go model ensures affordability, and compatibility with mini-grid systems lowers costs further. By integrating education and awareness campaigns, we ensure proper use and adoption. VenAce seeks to improve health outcomes, empower women, and create economic opportunities through job creation in manufacturing and distribution.

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

The main problem VenAce aims to solve is the reliance on unclean cooking fuels like wood, coal, and biomass, which cause severe indoor pollution and result in 3.2 million deaths annually from respiratory diseases and other health issues. This problem is especially severe in Africa, where only 21% of the population has access to clean cooking facilities, far below the global average of 71%. Women and children in rural and underserved communities are most affected. Our solution, the VenCooker, a solar-powered DC induction cooker paired with a micro-fridge, addresses this issue by providing a clean, affordable, and sustainable cooking alternative. This will significantly reduce indoor pollution, improve health outcomes, and empower women by saving time and reducing exposure to harmful smoke.

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 VenCooker offers several major benefits: 1. Health Improvement: By using clean solar power, the VenCooker eliminates harmful smoke from unclean fuels, significantly reducing respiratory diseases and other health issues caused by indoor pollution. 2. Economic Empowerment: The pay-as-you-go model makes the VenCooker affordable for low-income households. It also reduces daily cooking time, allowing women more opportunities for other productive activities, thus enhancing their economic potential. 3. Environmental Sustainability: The VenCooker reduces deforestation and carbon emissions by eliminating the need for wood and charcoal, promoting a greener environment. Additionally, the integrated solar-powered micro-fridge allows food storage, reducing food waste and the need for frequent cooking. By addressing health, economic, and environmental issues, the VenCooker provides a comprehensive solution for sustainable living in rural and underserved communities.

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

The product, the VenCooker, is aimed at serving women in rural and underserved communities who primarily rely on unclean cooking fuels. These women are often the primary cooks in their households and are most affected by the harmful effects of indoor pollution. The targeted beneficiaries include: 1. Rural Women: Women in rural areas who lack access to clean cooking facilities and are exposed to smoke and harmful pollutants daily. 2. Underserved Communities: Communities with limited access to modern energy solutions, facing economic challenges that prevent them from affording clean cooking alternatives. 3. Families and Children: Entire families, particularly children, who suffer from the health impacts of indoor pollution caused by traditional cooking methods. By providing an affordable and clean cooking solution, the VenCooker aims to improve health outcomes, empower women economically, and enhance the overall quality of life for these communities.

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

12/12/2022

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 ?

3

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. Azeez Musbau is a graduate of physics and a certified project manager, He accumulated over 4 years of experience managing projects from inception to delivery in the construction and renewable energy sectors. His strength has always been to prioritize the client/user as their feedback/input is important to achieve the project/product’s success. He will be part of the product development team at VenAce. 2. Eniola Deborah Otolorin is a final year student of Mechanical Engineerng, she has 4 years of experience as a design engineer and drafter, she specializes in transforming hand-drawn sketches and images into precise 3D models for prototyping and manufacturing purposes. Her expertise lies in utilizing Autodesk Fusion 360 and other tools to bring concepts to life in the digital realm. She will work with the team in the capacity of product research, designs and development.

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/venaceengineering/about/?viewAsMember=true

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'

7 - tout à fait d'accord

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

The project contributes to alleviating poverty through its innovative solution, below is how: 1. Affordable Access: we will employs a pay-as-you-go model, making the VenCooker accessible to low-income households. This ensures that even those living in poverty can afford a clean cooking solution, reducing their health expenses associated with respiratory illnesses caused by indoor pollution. 2. Economic Empowerment: By reducing daily cooking time and improving health outcomes, the VenCooker will empower women, who are often the primary cooks in rural households. This allows them to allocate more time to income-generating activities, thereby contributing to poverty reduction within their families and communities. 3. Job Creation: The VenCooker project will create job opportunities in manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance, particularly in rural areas where unemployment rates may be high. This contributes to economic growth and reduces poverty by providing stable employment.

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

5

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

VenCooker contributes to zero hunger indirectly by addressing food security challenges: 1. Food Preservation: The solar-powered micro-fridge is an innovation we have in the pipeline. We hope to launch it following the VenCooker market acceptability. It will allow users to store cooked food, reducing food waste and ensuring that meals can be preserved for longer periods. This helps households better manage their food resources, contributing to food security. 2. Time Savings: By reducing the time spent on daily cooking tasks, particularly for women in rural areas, the VenCooker frees up time for other activities, including food production and livelihood activities. This can indirectly contribute to increased food production and availability, thereby supporting efforts towards zero hunger. While the primary focus of VenAce is on providing a clean cooking solution, the VenCooker's ancillary benefits contribute to broader sustainable development goals, including zero 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

1. Clean Cooking: VenCooker will eliminates indoor pollution, reducing respiratory diseases and promoting well-being. 2. Safer Environment: It will create a healthier cooking space, particularly beneficial for women and children. 3. Illness Prevention: By reducing exposure to harmful pollutants, VenCooker will help prevent respiratory illnesses. 4. Nutritional Benefits: It will minimize food spoilage and waste, ensuring access to nutritious meals for better health.

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

How solution does not contribute to academics. However, we will carry out several initiatives on product educations and product knowledge.

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

5

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

1. Reduced Burden: Women in rural areas are often responsible for cooking using traditional, time-consuming methods, limiting their opportunities. The VenCooker efficient cooking capabilities free up time, allowing women to pursue education, employment, and personal development. 2. Health Benefits: Women who cook in the rural area with polluting fuel by burning firewood indoor are disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods. The VenCooker will reduce their exposure to harmful pollutants, improving their health and well-being. 3. Economic Empowerment: The VenCooker pay-as-you-go model will make it financially accessible to women in low-income households. Time saved on cooking can be redirected towards other income-generating activities, contributing to economic empowerment. 4. Education and Awareness: VenAce's project will include education campaigns on health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability tailored to women in rural communities.

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

The project does not directly involve in clean and sanitation

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

1. Solar-Powered Solution: The VenCooker utilizes solar energy, a renewable and clean source of power, making it environmentally friendly and sustainable. 2. Affordability: The VenCooker's pay-as-you-go model makes it affordable for low-income households, allowing them to access clean cooking solutions without facing financial barriers. This model enables users to pay for the product in small installments over time. 3. Reduction of Indoor Pollution: By replacing traditional cooking methods that rely on unclean fuels with the VenCooker's clean energy solution, the project will reduces indoor pollution, which has significant health and environmental benefits. 4.Promotion of Sustainable Practices: The project will promote the use of sustainable energy practices by encouraging the adoption of clean cooking technologies in rural and underserved communities.

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

The VenCooker project contributes to decent work and economic growth by: 1. Job Creation: Creating employment opportunities in manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance. 2. Entrepreneurship: Empowering individuals, especially women, to become distributors or retailers. 3. Supply Chain Development: Strengthening local economies through robust supply chains involving local suppliers. 4. Income Generation: Enabling households to allocate resources to education, healthcare, and income-generating activities, stimulating economic growth at the household level.

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

The VenCooker project contributes to industry innovation and infrastructure by: 1. Technological Innovation: Developing advanced solar-powered cooking solutions, driving innovation in clean energy technology. 2. Infrastructure Development: Establishing manufacturing, distribution, and service infrastructure, enhancing local capacity and connectivity. 3. Market Expansion: Introducing new products stimulates competition, encouraging innovation and investment in sustainable energy solutions. 4. Capacity Building: Training local technicians and entrepreneurs builds expertise, supporting the adoption and maintenance of clean energy infrastructure.

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

The VenCooker project directly contributes to the Reduced Inequalities goal by providing affordable and clean cooking solutions to underserved and rural communities. The product will be designed to be accessible and affordable through a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) model, making advanced technology affordable for low-income households. By targeting women in these communities, we address gender disparities and empower them economically.

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. Reducing Pollution: The VenCooker will eliminate the use of unclean cooking fuels, reducing indoor air pollution and improving overall air quality, contributing to healthier environments. 2. Promoting Renewable Energy: By using solar power, the project will encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Economic Empowerment: The pay-as-you-go model makes the VenCooker affordable, enhancing economic stability and resilience in low-income communities by freeing up resources for other essential needs. 4. Health Improvements: Reducing exposure to harmful pollutants leads to better health outcomes, decreasing healthcare costs and enhancing the well-being of community members. 5. Education and Awareness: The project includes educational campaigns on health, hygiene, and sustainable practices, empowering communities with he knowledge to make informed decisions and adopt sustainable lifestyles. 6. Job Creation

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

6

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

1. Sustainable Energy Use: The VenCooker uses solar power, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and promoting responsible energy consumption. 2. Reduced Resource Depletion: By replacing traditional cooking fuels like wood and charcoal with solar energy, the project helps preserve forests and reduces deforestation. 3. Educational Initiatives: VenAce will include campaigns on sustainable practices, teaching communities about clean energy and responsible resource use, encouraging sustainable consumption. 5. Efficient Production: The project will emphasize local manufacturing and distribution, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supporting local economies. In conclusion, the project promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns, supporting environmental conservation and community well-being.

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

VenAce will contribute significantly to the Climate Action goal by promoting the use of renewable solar energy through our VenCooker, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and traditional biomass cooking methods. This shift will directly lowers greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change. Additionally, our project will help preserve forests by reducing the demand for firewood and charcoal, crucial for carbon sequestration. By raising awareness and educating communities on sustainable energy practices, we will foster behavioral changes that support long-term climate action.

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

3

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

I Somewhat Disagree because VenAce's primary focus is on providing clean energy solutions for cooking and food storage, primarily benefiting terrestrial environments and communities. While our work will indirectly benefits the environment by reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, the direct impact on oceans, seas, and marine resources is minimal. Our operations do not directly address issues such as marine pollution, overfishing, or habitat destruction in aquatic ecosystems. However, by promoting sustainable practices and reducing overall pollution, we will contribute indirectly to environmental health, which can have some positive effects on marine ecosystems.

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

5

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

1. Sustainable Energy Use: The VenCooker reduces reliance on traditional cooking fuels like wood and charcoal, decreasing deforestation rates and preserving forests. 2. Forest Preservation: By using solar power, our project helps reduce the demand for firewood, which protects forests and supports their role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity. 3. Combating Desertification: Reduced deforestation helps prevent desertification by maintaining healthy soil and vegetation cover, which is crucial for sustaining ecosystems. 4. Land Degradation: The VenCooker reduces the environmental impact of fuel gathering and cooking, helping to prevent land degradation and promote soil health. 5. Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting forests and reducing land degradation helps maintain habitats for numerous species, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance.

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

While VenAce's primary focus is on providing clean energy solutions, our work will indirectly supports the Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions goal. By improving the quality of life in underserved communities, we will contribute to social stability and inclusivity. Our pay-as-you-go model will fosters economic empowerment and financial inclusion, promoting a sense of justice and fairness. Additionally, our partnerships with local organizations and governments will emphasize accountability and inclusivity in our operations. Although our direct impact on peace and justice is limited, these aspects of our work align with promoting sustainable, inclusive 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

VenAce actively contributes to the Partnerships for the Goal by collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve sustainable development. We will partner with local communities, NGOs, and government agencies to promote the adoption of clean energy solutions. Additionally, we will work with technology providers to enhance our product offerings and with microfinance institutions to facilitate the pay-as-you-go model. These partnerships will be essential essential for expanding our reach, improving our products, and ensuring the financial accessibility of our solutions. By fostering these collaborations, we will strengthen the means of implementation and contribute to the broader goal of sustainable development.

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

3

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

5

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

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

VenAce's project idea stands out due to its unique combination of features tailored specifically for rural and underserved communities. While existing solar cookers and induction cooktops exist, VenCooker integrates solar power with battery backup for uninterrupted cooking, addressing the challenges of inconsistent energy access. Furthermore, the inclusion of a solar-powered micro-fridge extends the utility of the system, allowing for food storage and reducing the need for continuous cooking. Our pay-as-you-go system ensures affordability and accessibility, a feature lacking in many existing clean cooking solutions. Overall, VenAce offers a comprehensive, sustainable, and affordable solution designed to improve the lives of millions while considering the unique needs and challenges of the target demographic.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

VenAce's main potential competitors include other providers of clean cooking solutions, such as solar cookers, cook stoves, and induction cooktops. However, what will set VenAce apart is our holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by rural and underserved communities. Unlike competitors, VenAce will offer a comprehensive solution that combines solar-powered cooking with a micro-fridge for food storage, ensuring greater convenience and efficiency. Additionally, our pay-as-you-go system will enhance affordability and accessibility, making clean cooking accessible to those who need it most. Furthermore, VenAce will prioritize community engagement, cultural sensitivity, and local empowerment, fostering trust and long-term partnerships. Overall, our unique blend of technology, affordability, and community-centric approach will distinguish us as a leader in the clean cooking sector.

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

Yes, I am part of a group of people that organizes and train females in clean energy. This help to understand the basics of renewable energy, solar in particular. We train them on its marketing, design, installation and finance.