i-solar

Energy Efficiency

i-solar is a company that aims to increase access to clean energy financing for low-income consumers by leveraging mobile technology. Their goal is to remove barriers and promote carbon-reducing behavior, ultimately changing lives and accelerating progress towards 13 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). i-solar provides solutions that enable customers to enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted electricity, eliminating reliance on traditional grid systems and reducing issues such as tampering with transformers. The company has received recognition as the "Best African Energy Startup 2022" and is available on platforms like Nedbank AVO and MTN MOMO. i-solar invites individuals and businesses to become distribution partners and contribute to their mission.

Contact

Pramod Penceliah

pramod@i-solar.co.za

Country:     South Africa
Year:     2022

Tshwane University of Technology

Water Efficiency

The cleantech solution developed by Tshwane University of Technology is a water purification system that utilizes locally sourced maize tassel, a waste material discarded by farmers. The technology combines the maize tassel with carbon nanotubes to form activated carbon composites, which effectively remove pollutants from water, providing safe drinking water in rural agricultural areas. The solution is unique as it repurposes a waste material abundantly available in South Africa, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional activated carbon used in water purification. The system targets the removal of herbicides, which can be harmful to human health. The initiative aims to address the lack of clean and pollutant-free water supply in rural and semi-urban areas, producing an estimated 3 million liters of water per month. The potential impact is significant, promoting environmental sustainability, recycling, and providing clean water to communities.

Contact

Bongeka Mavumengwana

tryladyb@gmail.com

Country:     South Africa
Year:     2022

Agri Smart Engineering

Advanced Materials & Chemicals

AgriSmart Engineering is a company specializing in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) solutions specifically tailored for cannabis cultivation. The company is driven by its founders, Constant Beckerling, a chemical engineer, and Anlo van Wyk, a mechatronic engineer. Constant's expertise lies in nutrient formulation, waste water treatment, and bio-engineering, while Anlo focuses on embedded systems design, software development, and electronic/mechanical analysis. Together, they are pursuing their respective MSc degrees at the University of the Witwatersrand. AgriSmart's goal is to develop technologies that contribute to a sustainable cannabis industry worldwide, including closed-loop hydroponic systems, cultivation lighting designs, and data management solutions. The company offers services in facility design, production planning, and operational management for cannabis cultivation.

Contact

Constant Beckerling

agrismartengineering@gmail.com

Country:     South Africa
Year:     2022

Versatile green

Renewable Energy

Versatile Green Solutions is a company dedicated to environmental sustainability and providing alternative solutions in the form of clean renewable energy. Based in Johannesburg, the company offers services in environmental chemistry, protection, and enforcement. They believe in protecting the environment and combating challenges like climate change and high fuel prices through their commitment to clean energy. Versatile Green Solutions provides a range of offerings, including projects, short courses in biofuels, consultation services in the bioenergy sector, and innovative ideas in technology development. Their team, consisting of experienced professionals, specializes in bioenergy and aims to support entrepreneurs, startups, communities, large corporations, and government entities. The company's mission is to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Country:     South Africa
Year:     2022

Loo Afrique

Water Efficiency

Loo Afrique is an innovative company that specializes in manufacturing improved sanitation solutions. Their goal is to save water, improve hygiene, and utilize greywater for flushing. Collaborating with the SABS Design Institute, they locally design and manufacture their products. Loo Afrique offers three types of sanitation solutions: the Pee Basin, which combines a urinal unit with a hand wash basin for a hygienic experience; the Evo-Flush Toilet, a low-flush toilet unit with an integrated hand washbasin; and the V-Cistern, a water-efficient toilet cistern with a hand washbasin. With a specialization in the water supply and waste management sector, Loo Afrique aims to provide sustainable and eco-friendly sanitation options.

Contact

Rori Mpete

info@looafrique.co.za

Country:     South Africa
Year:     2022

Reevell Enterprise Development

Energy Efficiency

Reevell Enterprise Development (RED) is a level 2 B-BBEE company that offers a wide range of services and solutions. With a management team boasting over 80 years of combined knowledge and experience, RED serves both government and private sectors in Africa and Europe. The company has achieved numerous milestones throughout its journey, including the development of business solutions, ISO certifications, and collaborations with development fund institutions. Their mission is to be a global center of excellence for 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) and Solutions Development, while their vision is to establish a "one stop" development house for the 4IR, Community Development, and Business Solutions. Trusted by major brands, RED provides services such as enterprise resource planning, entrepreneur development, community development projects, business diagnostics, systems auditing, and more.

Contact

David Reevell

info@red-za.co.za

Country:     South Africa
Year:     2022

Brayfoil Technologies

Renewable Energy

Brayfoil is a pioneering company that utilizes biomimetic design inspired by African birds of prey to develop morphing wing technology for wind turbines. Their innovative adaptive turbine blades have the potential to revolutionize wind energy performance by addressing the challenges of weight and cost. By dynamically changing the shape of the blade during operation, Brayfoil's patented Morphing Wing Technology modulates loadings and enables longer blades for increased energy production. This results in reduced storm loads, operational loads, and perturbation sensitivity, leading to lower energy costs and improved efficiency. With their rigorous approach, interdisciplinary expertise, and support from AI and machine learning, Brayfoil aims to contribute significantly to the wind energy sector and make a substantial impact on global emissions reduction.

Contact

Matthew Bray

info@brayfoil.com

Country:     South Africa
Year:     2022

Sonke

Energy Efficiency

Sonke is a company that designs, manufactures and operates automated "refill" machines for consumer goods. Sonke refilling machines reduce cost by eliminating single-use plastics and driving bulk efficiencies. Sonke has recently achieved significant milestones in expanding its business reach and strengthening its position in the market. They have formed partnerships with prominent organizations such as the OBC Group, Spar Group, and Pick n Pay, allowing them to roll out their machines nationally and collaborate with forward-thinking franchisees. These partnerships are crucial for Sonke's growth as they enable the company to expand its reach while maintaining a high level of quality and service. Additionally, Sonke emphasizes the importance of brand activations to establish a connection with their audience, increase brand awareness, and foster customer loyalty by creating unique and engaging experiences.

Contact

Eben De Jongh

info@sonke.org

Country:     South Africa
Year:     2022

Rubber Nano Products

Advanced Materials & Chemicals

Rubber Nano Products (RNP) possesses advanced technology that enables the development of chemically specific vulcanization activators using sulfur. These activators belong to various accelerator classes, determined by the specific chemical species that form the active component of the accelerator. The innovative RNP technology allows for the utilization of different substrates, making it possible to create activators from a wide range of materials commonly used in rubber production, including stearic acid. The use of RNP products offers several benefits, including the reduction and optimization of zinc oxide and zinc content in the manufacturing of rubber articles. Moreover, these products facilitate lower cure press temperatures, resulting in energy savings. The coactivators used in RNP formulations enable exceptional property performances that go beyond those typically seen in standard ZnO2 rubber formulations.

Contact

Robert Bosch

info@rubbernano.co.za

Country:     South Africa
Year:     2022