Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Décrivez votre projet en quelques mots

We make eco-friendly, damp-resistant concrete blocks using zeolite, recycled plastic waste in form of polymer pebbles additive into our concrete mix, and CO2 for curing. Our solution tackles damp penetration in buildings sustainably and cost effectively.

01.01 Décrivez votre startup en détail

Astrae is an innovative startup dedicated to solving the problem of damp penetration in buildings, particularly in Nigeria's tropical and coastal regions. We manufacture eco-friendly concrete blocks that integrate recycled plastic waste, zeolite, and CO2 curing technology. Our blocks are designed to be damp-resistant, providing a durable and sustainable solution for construction projects. By addressing the dual problems of plastic waste and CO2 emissions, Astrae not only offers a high-quality construction material but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Our target market includes construction companies, real estate developers, and individual homeowners in Nigeria, particularly in areas prone to damp issues. Since our inception, we have sold over 2,500 blocks, generated significant revenue, and secured major contracts, demonstrating strong market demand and growth potential. Our mission is to decarbonise the construction industry in Nigeria.

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

We are solving the pervasive issue of damp penetration in buildings, especially in Nigeria's tropical and coastal regions. Damp penetration is a significant yet often underestimated problem that affects the structural integrity and habitability of over 150,000 buildings in Nigeria alone. This leads to various health issues such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses for the occupants, as well as considerable financial burdens on homeowners, who can spend over $10,000 yearly on ineffective solutions. Damp walls diminish the credibility of construction professionals and result in higher maintenance costs. Current solutions are either prohibitively expensive or fail to address the root cause effectively. By integrating recycled plastic waste, zeolite, and CO2 curing technology into our concrete blocks, Astrae provides a cost-effective, sustainable solution to this problem. Our blocks are designed to be damp-resistant using eco-friendly materials as key dehydrators and hydrophilic.

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).

1. Damp Penetration Resistance: Our blocks are specifically designed to address the pervasive issue of damp penetration in buildings, particularly in Nigeria's tropical and coastal regions. This resistance reduces structural damage and health issues such as asthma and other respiratory illnesses associated with damp walls. 2. Environmental Sustainability: By integrating recycled plastic waste and utilizing CO2 curing technology, our blocks help mitigate environmental problems. Each block sequesters CO2 permanently and repurposes plastic waste that would otherwise contribute to pollution. This dual approach addresses two major pollutants. 3. Cost-Effectiveness: Our blocks provide a more affordable solution compared to conventional damp-proofing methods. Homeowners and construction professionals can significantly reduce maintenance and repair costs

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

1. Sustainability Advocates: Our products cater to organizations such as government bodies, construction firms, and related industries that prioritize sustainability. By using eco-friendly materials that incorporate plastic waste and reduce CO2 emissions, Astrae helps these organizations achieve their environmental goals. 2. Damp-Prone Areas: Architects and construction professionals working in Nigeria’s tropical and coastal regions face significant challenges due to damp penetration. Astrae’s blocks offer a durable and cost-effective solution to this problem, improving the quality and longevity of buildings. Our materials are specifically designed to combat dampness, making them ideal for new constructions and renovations in t

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

12/08/2023

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 ?

1

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.).

CEO (Chief Executive Officer): - Name: Kevin Jessica Chioma - Skills and Expertise: Business Administration, Operations Management, Strategic Planning - Experience: Kevin Jessica Chioma, with a background in business administration, plays a pivotal role in steering Astrae towards operational excellence and strategic growth. Her expertise lies in managing day-to-day operations, optimizing business processes, and implementing strategic initiatives. With a keen eye for business development opportunities, Kevin Jessica Chioma ensures Astrae remains agile and competitive in the construction materials sector. Her leadership is instrumental in driving Astrae's mission to tackle damp penetration using sustainable building materials, such as plastic waste and CO2.

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/astrae_ng?igsh=NnVzYnlsYmczNXFx

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'

2

02.01.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

2

02.02.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

2

02.03.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

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'

2

02.06.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

1 - pas du tout d'accord

02.07.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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 company employs local workers, including informal waste collectors, thereby providing decent work and improving livelihoods. Astrae's approach helps reduce construction costs related to damp penetration, supporting broader economic growth by making housing more affordable and sustainable.

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

6

02.09.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Astrae aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by leveraging innovative technology and sustainable practices in the construction industry. Specifically, Astrae uses advanced methods such as incorporating plastic waste and CO2 into its concrete blocks to address damp penetration in building construction. This approach not only promotes sustainable infrastructure development but also encourages innovation in materials science and construction techniques. By reducing reliance on traditional building materials and integrating recycled components, Astrae contributes to more efficient and resilient infrastructure, aligning directly with SDG 9's goals of fostering inclusive and sustainable industrialization and promoting innovation.

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

6

02.10.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Astrae also aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by creating employment opportunities, particularly in communities affected by damp-prone conditions in Nigeria. By employing local workers, including women, and collaborating with informal waste collectors for sourcing plastic waste, Astrae promotes social inclusion and economic empowerment. The company's focus on sustainable building solutions not only addresses environmental challenges but also contributes to reducing inequality by providing dignified work opportunities and supporting local economies. Thus, Astrae's efforts directly contribute to SDG 10's objectives of reducing inequalities within and among countries, making progress towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

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

6

02.11.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

Astrae aligns with SDG 11 by enhancing infrastructure resilience through its damp penetration-resistant building materials, promoting sustainable construction practices with plastic waste and CO2 utilization, and fostering inclusive economic development by creating job opportunities within local communities. These efforts contribute to making cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, in line with the goals of SDG 11.

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

SDG 13 focuses on urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Astrae contributes to this goal by integrating climate-friendly practices into its business model. Through the use of carbon cure technology and the incorporation of plastic waste into building materials, Astrae not only reduces carbon emissions but also mitigates environmental pollution. By sequestering CO2 and offering damp penetration-resistant solutions, Astrae supports efforts to build resilience to climate-related hazards and promote sustainable development practices that are crucial for achieving SDG 13.

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

4

02.14.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

4

02.15.02 Justification de la contribution de ma startup

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

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

2

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.

2

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

2

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

2

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

2

06.08 Justification

Astrae addresses the pressing challenge of damp penetration in construction through innovative concrete blocks that incorporate plastic waste, zeolite, and CO2 for curing. This solution not only enhances durability and moisture resistance but also promotes sustainability in building practices. By filling a gap in traditional construction materials and introducing advanced technologies, Astrae aims to set a new standard for effective and eco-friendly building solutions in tropical and coastal regions of Nigeria.

06.09 Analyse compétitive

Astrae faces competition primarily from traditional concrete block manufacturers in Nigeria, and product addressing post construction dampness. These competitors offer conventional blocks but often struggle to address the pervasive issue of damp penetration effectively. What sets Astrae apart is its innovative approach of integrating advanced materials like polymer pebbles, zeolite, and carbon curing technology into their blocks. These enhancements make Astrae's blocks highly resistant to damp penetration, which is a significant problem in tropical and coastal regions. Astrae's use of recycled plastic waste and CO2 sequestration in the manufacturing process, further distinguishes us in the market. Astrae focuses on customer education and engagement, offering superior customer service and a strong referral program. Their strategy includes targeted marketing efforts that emphasize the health benefits, cost savings, and environmental sustainability.

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