Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

Disrupting Fossils Generator industry and Empowering communities & Household with zero-emission energy, clean water, and oxygen through innovative reversible PEM fuel cell technology as a compact turn key home appliance. LINK: https://bit.ly/3XwkBR7

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Newdigit Technologies is a pioneering cleantech startup specializing in the production and distribution of the "Just Add Water" zero-emission electrical generator. This innovative solution leverages highly efficient reversible Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell technology, making us the first company in Nigeria to manufacture PEM hydrogen fuel cell systems from Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA). Our generator not only provides reliable and sustainable electricity but also produces clean drinking water and oxygen gas as by-products. Targeting middle-income households and community hospitals, our solution addresses critical energy, water, and healthcare needs. We offer our systems at $199 per kVA through an installment-based plan, making clean energy accessible and affordable. Households can further benefit economically by selling oxygen gas to nearby partner hospitals at $4 per 2-liter cylinder, with hospitals saving $6 per cylinder compared to the market price and sharing profits

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

For more than 30 years now 90% of Nigeria has been without electricity, leaving 120 million low to middle-income Nigerians residing in rural and suburban areas of Lagos to heavily rely on fossil fuel hydrocarbon-powered generators like Tiger Gen, Mikano, Elepaq, and others to meet their basic electricity needs. However, a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered alarming findings, that the fumes emitted by these generators have caused more fatalities than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. Moreover, the inadequate electricity infrastructure in the country, with approximately 65% of hospitals lacking consistent power, has led to shortages of oxygen gas and compromised patient care

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).

Just Add Water is a compact, single-unit product that recycles household dirty gray water to generate electricity, medical-grade oxygen, and clean drinking water through the process of electrolysis. It employs an innovative reversible PEM Fuelcell, designed to act as both an electrolyzer and a fuel cell, using iron composite catalysts to reduce costs and cellulose fiber to condense water vapor generated in the PEM to clean water. The solution aims to serve as a household off-grid appliance, community micro-grid and alternative power for Hospital electrification while meeting their oxygen gas

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

Newdigit Technologies' "Just Add Water" solution is aimed at serving middle-income households, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and community hospitals in Nigeria. Our targeted beneficiaries include: 1. Households: Particularly those without reliable access to continuous electricity, providing them with a sustainable and affordable energy source that also offers clean drinking water and a potential revenue stream from oxygen sales. 3. Hospitals: Medical facilities that need consistent and clean energy sources to power their operations, along with a reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen. Our system provides hospitals with an affordable energy solution and a steady oxygen supply, enhancing patient care. By targeting these groups, our solution aims to improve quality of life, reduce environmental impact, and support economic development in Nigeria’s underserved regions.

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

05/01/2023

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 ?

1

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

Joy Egbe: A climate activist, COO & Co-Founder of Newdigit Technologies. She has 11 years of experience in climate activism and 7 years in project management and policy reform. Her work has spanned various high-level events with the United Nations and government bodies, where she has driven initiatives to combat climate change. Derick Nwasor: A physicist, CEO & Co-Founder of Newdigit Technologies. With 7 years of experience providing hardware and software engineering solutions for companies and government institutions, He has also worked at the KAUST Catalysis Center in Saudi Arabia, where he honed his skills in advanced catalysis and renewable energy technologies. Michael Odili: An industrial physicist and the CTO of Newdigit Technologies. With 12 years of experience developing solar panels, IoT, and embedded systems for companies and institutions, Michael brings extensive technical expertise to the team. His work focuses on creating innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

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://newdigit.vercel.app/

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'

4

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

4

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

Newdigit Technologies, directly contributes to UN SDG Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being by providing a sustainable source of oxygen gas. The "Just Add Water" system not only generates zero-emission electricity but also produces oxygen as a by-product. This oxygen supply is crucial for hospitals, particularly in underserved areas, where access to medical-grade oxygen is often limited. By ensuring a steady and affordable oxygen supply, we enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and support emergency response efforts. Our innovative solution addresses critical healthcare needs, reduces respiratory issues from fossil fuel emissions, and promotes overall well-being in the communities we serve.

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

3

02.04.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

4

02.05.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

Our startup directly aligns with UN SDG Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by offering an innovative solution that generates clean drinking water as a by-product of its main function. The "Just Add Water" system utilizes reverse fuel cell electrolysis to recycle household greywater into electricity, producing clean water during operation. This water is then harnessed for safe consumption. In many parts of Nigeria, access to clean drinking water is a significant challenge, leading to various health issues. Our technology provides households with a reliable source of clean water, reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing public health.

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

Our solution aligns with UN SDG Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy by providing a sustainable and innovative alternative to traditional energy sources. The system leverages reversible PEM fuel cell technology to produce zero-emission electricity, addressing the critical need for clean energy in Nigeria and beyond. This technology converts household greywater into hydrogen, which powers the fuel cell and generates electricity. Additionally, the system produces clean drinking water and oxygen as by-products, further enhancing its environmental benefits. By offering an affordable installment-based pricing model, we make clean energy accessible to middle-income households and small businesses. This not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also mitigates indoor air pollution, a common issue with traditional generators. Our solution contributes to reducing carbon emissions and supports the global transition to renewable energy sources, making a significant

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

4

02.08.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

4

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

4

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

4

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

4

02.12.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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 startup supports UN SDG Goal 13: Climate Action by providing a clean, zero-emission energy solution that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The "Just Add Water" system replaces traditional fossil fuel generators which cut down the carbon emissions and other pollutants that contribute to climate change. This innovative approach not only helps mitigate the adverse effects of climate change but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle. Additionally, our technology raises awareness about the importance of renewable energy and empowers communities to take proactive steps toward a greener future.

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'

3

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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'

4

02.17.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

4

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

5

06.08 Justification

Our Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) technology stands out from existing solutions through several key innovations. Firstly, it integrates reversible functionality, combining fuel cell and electrolyzer operations into one unit, simplifying the system and reducing costs. Secondly, instead of expensive platinum catalysts, we use cost-effective iron nanoparticles. Although these corrode within 14 weeks, we’ve developed a self-replacing Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA) mechanism that ensures consistent performance and longevity. Thirdly, our system uniquely produces clean drinking water and oxygen gas as by-products, adding significant value by addressing both energy and essential resource needs. Additionally, our technology's scalability and affordability make it accessible to a broad market, serving numerous households and institutions. These features collectively position our PEM technology as a transformative, multi-functional, and cost-effective solution in the clean energy sector, off

06.09 Analyse compétitive

In the Nigerian household and SME energy market, our main competitors include traditional fossil-based generator providers such as Mikano, Sumec, and Elepaq, which dominate the market with an 80% share. Emerging competitors like Luminous are making strides in the clean energy space with solar inverter units. However, our "Just Add Water" solution differentiates itself with several key advantages. Unlike fossil-based generators, our system is zero-emission and far more sustainable. It also offers significant cost savings, especially with recent increases in fossil fuel prices. Furthermore, our technology provides additional benefits such as generating clean drinking water and oxygen gas, which not only address critical healthcare needs but also offer an additional revenue stream for households. Our system’s affordability, combined with its multi-functional capabilities, makes it a highly attractive alternative. By partnering with retail outlets for installations and enabling households

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

Yes, we are actively promoting female entrepreneurship within our community. For instance, we conducted a workshops and mentorship programs for aspiring female entrepreneurs in Abuja, and collaborated with local women's organizations to create networking opportunities.