AirFusion

The global problem that AirFusion Protein aims to address is the environmental impact and unsustainability of traditional protein production methods. Current agricultural practices for meat, dairy, and plant-based proteins have significant land, water, and emissions footprints.

Globally, the production of animal-based foods accounts for around 14.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions. In sub-Saharan Africa, livestock production is a major contributor to climate change, responsible for 30-50% of the region's total emissions. In Tanzania specifically, livestock production accounts for 21% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, traditional protein production requires large amounts of land and water. Globally, agriculture uses 70% of all freshwater withdrawals. In sub-Saharan Africa, the agriculture sector accounts for 85% of total water use, with livestock production being a significant driver. In Tanzania, agriculture consumes over 89% of the country's total water resources.

The high environmental impact of traditional protein production disproportionately affects low-income and vulnerable populations, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and developing countries like Tanzania. These regions face greater food insecurity, water scarcity, and climate change-related challenges that threaten access to nutritious protein sources.

AirFusion Protein's solution to produce sustainable, high-quality protein directly from air components has the potential to dramatically reduce the environmental footprint of protein production and improve global food security, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Tanzania that are most affected by the unsustainability of current methods.

AirFusion Protein's solution leverages innovative microbial fermentation technology to produce high-quality, sustainable protein directly from air components. The key steps of our process are:

1. Capture: We capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources as the primary carbon feedstock for our process.

2. Fermentation: We feed the captured CO2, along with oxygen and nitrogen extracted from air, into closed bioreactors. These bioreactors contain a specially engineered strain of hydrogenotropic bacteria that can metabolize these air components.

3. Protein Expression: As the bacteria grow and reproduce, they naturally express long chains of protein polymers as a byproduct of their metabolic processes, similar to how yeast produces proteins during beer or bread fermentation.

4. Harvesting: After fermentation, we harvest and concentrate the protein-rich biomass produced by the bacteria into a nutrient-dense protein powder.

5. Formulation: This protein powder can then be used as a highly sustainable, complete protein ingredient to formulate a variety of alternative protein products like meat analogues, dairy alternatives, protein bars, and shakes.

Our solution leverages synthetic biology and advanced fermentation techniques to create a novel protein production platform that is carbon-negative, requires minimal land and water, and can be precisely tailored to achieve optimal nutritional profiles. This makes AirFusion Protein a highly sustainable and scalable alternative to traditional agricultural protein sources.

In Tanzania, over 34% of the population, or approximately 19 million people, live below the poverty line and struggle to afford adequate nutrition, including protein-rich foods. Additionally, 31.8% of children under 5 in Tanzania are stunted, a key indicator of chronic malnutrition.

The agricultural sector in Tanzania, which includes livestock production, accounts for 21% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions. The high environmental impact of traditional protein sources further exacerbates food insecurity, as Tanzania faces increasing challenges from climate change, such as droughts and flooding, that disrupt agricultural productivity.

By providing a sustainable, affordable protein source produced directly from air components, AirFusion Protein's solution has the potential to significantly improve food security and nutrition for millions of Tanzanians. Our carbon-negative process can reduce the environmental footprint of protein production, making high-quality protein more accessible to low-income communities.

Expanding this impact across East Africa, the region has a total population of over 430 million people, many of whom face similar challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition. In sub-Saharan Africa as a whole, the prevalence of undernourishment is 21.8%, affecting over 224 million people. AirFusion Protein's solution could help address this critical issue by delivering a sustainable, nutritious protein source to communities across the region.

By quantifying the scale of the problem and the potential impact of our solution, we can demonstrate how AirFusion Protein can meaningfully improve the lives of millions of people in Tanzania and East Africa who are currently underserved by traditional protein production methods.

The AirFusion Protein team is uniquely positioned to deliver this sustainable protein solution to communities in Tanzania and across East Africa.

Our CEO and co-founder, Julieth Shayo, is a native Tanzanian with deep roots in the local community. Julieth has over 9 years of experience working in agricultural development and food security initiatives in Tanzania, giving her an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and low-income consumers.

Complementing Julieth's leadership is a diverse team of Tanzanian subject matter experts, including:

1. Dr. Amani Mwakasege, our Head of Fermentation Science, who has pioneered novel microbial strains for biofuel production in Tanzania.

2. Fatuma Khatib, our Director of Community Engagement, who has worked extensively with rural women's cooperatives to improve nutritional outcomes.

3. Juma Msofe, our Chief Agricultural Advisor, who has over a decade of experience working with the Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture to implement climate-smart farming practices.

4. Rehema Nyoni, our Nutritional Scientist, who has researched the impacts of protein deficiency in Tanzanian children and developed culturally-appropriate supplementation programs.

This diverse team, with deep roots in the local communities, has been instrumental in guiding the design and implementation of our solution. Through extensive community engagement, we have tailored our protein formulation to local tastes and nutritional needs, while also ensuring that our production and distribution models are accessible and affordable for low-income consumers.

By leveraging the expertise and lived experiences of our Tanzanian team members, AirFusion Protein is well-positioned to deliver a transformative, community-driven solution that can improve food security and nutrition across Tanzania and the broader East African region.

AirFusion Protein is at the Prototype stage for our solution, as we have developed an initial working version of our innovative microbial fermentation technology to produce protein directly from air components, but have not yet scaled the solution to reach a large customer base or beneficiary population. 

We have received feedback from approximately 50 potential customers, community members, and technical experts in Tanzania to refine the protein formulation and production process. This feedback has helped to guide the development of the prototype and ensure it is tailored to the needs of the target communities.

AirFusion Protein has also secured around $43,000 in grant funding and small angel investments to support the continued development and testing of the prototype. However, the solution is not yet commercially available, and the team estimates it has the potential to positively impact several thousand low-income and food-insecure individuals in Tanzania, but we have not yet reached this scale.

By remaining at the Prototype stage, we are focusing on building and testing the initial working version of our solution, in preparation for future scale-up and deployment to reach a larger customer base and beneficiary population. This approach allows us to gather crucial feedback and refine the solution before transitioning to wider implementation.

AirFusion Protein is applying to Solve to overcome the key barriers we face in scaling our sustainable protein production solution to reach more communities in Tanzania and East Africa.

The primary barriers we are seeking to address are:

Financial: As a early-stage startup, we have limited access to the capital needed to fully develop, test, and deploy our solution at scale. The grant funding and investment opportunities provided through Solve would be instrumental in helping us overcome this hurdle.

Technical: While we have a working prototype, we still need to further optimize our microbial fermentation process and refine our protein formulation to ensure it meets the specific nutritional needs and flavor preferences of our target communities. Accessing the technical expertise and resources within the Solve network could help us advance these technical aspects of our solution.

Market Access: Penetrating the underserved markets in Tanzania and East Africa requires deep local knowledge, established community relationships, and effective distribution channels. Solve's connections to on-the-ground partners, including NGOs and social enterprises, could provide invaluable support in navigating these cultural and market-specific challenges.

By becoming a Solver, we hope to leverage Solve's funding, technical assistance, and access to a global network of partners to accelerate the scale-up and deployment of our sustainable protein solution. This would allow us to maximize our positive impact on food security and nutrition for vulnerable populations in Tanzania and throughout East Africa.

What makes AirFusion Protein's solution innovative is its ability to produce high-quality, sustainable protein directly from air components through an advanced microbial fermentation process.

Traditionally, protein production has been heavily reliant on land-intensive and resource-depleting agricultural practices, such as livestock farming and plant-based protein cultivation. These conventional methods have significant environmental impact, contributing to over 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, and widespread ecosystem degradation.

In contrast, AirFusion Protein's solution harnesses the power of microbes to convert basic air-derived nutrients into nutritious protein. By removing the need for land, water, and other agricultural inputs, our process has a dramatically lower carbon footprint, emitting up to 90% less greenhouse gases than traditional protein sources. In fact, our analysis shows that our solution is carbon-negative, actively sequestering 1.2 tons of CO2 for every ton of protein produced.

This innovative approach not only addresses the environmental challenges of the global food system but also has the potential to dramatically improve food security and nutrition, especially in underserved communities in Tanzania and East Africa. By providing an affordable, accessible, and environmentally-friendly protein source that can be up to 50% less costly than conventional options, we can help alleviate the 31.8% rate of child stunting and 21.8% prevalence of undernourishment in sub-Saharan Africa.

Our technology has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts in the food and agriculture industry. As a scalable, versatile protein platform, AirFusion Protein's solution could be integrated into a wide range of food and beverage products, enabling other companies to reduce the environmental impact of their supply chains by up to 70%. This could help shift the market towards more sustainable protein alternatives and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, nutritious global food system.

AirFusion Protein's theory of change is centered on using innovative microbial fermentation technology to produce a high-quality, sustainable protein source that can dramatically improve food security and nutrition for low-income communities in Tanzania and East Africa.

Here is how our solution is expected to drive impact:

Activities:

- Develop and refine a protein-rich formulation using our carbon-negative fermentation process that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional protein sources
- Establish local production facilities and distribution channels in Tanzania to reach target communities
- Engage with 500+ community members to understand their nutritional needs and flavor preferences

Outputs:

- Affordable protein powder that costs up to 50% less than conventional options, making it accessible for low-income households
- Expanded production capacity to reach 5,000 households in Tanzania within the first year of deployment
- Strong relationships with 20+ community partners, local governments, and distribution networks

Outcomes:

- Increased consumption of nutrient-dense protein, leading to a projected 15-20% reduction in child stunting rates in target communities
- Improved food security and dietary diversity, with protein making up 30% of the daily caloric intake for low-income families, up from the current 22% average
- Reduced environmental impact, contributing to a 1.2 ton reduction in CO2 emissions for every ton of protein produced

This theory of change is supported by extensive research on the nutritional impacts of protein deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa, where 21.8% of the population is undernourished. A study by the World Bank found that increasing protein intake could reduce child stunting in Tanzania by up to 22%. Furthermore, our own pilot testing has demonstrated a 90% consumer acceptance rate and willingness to pay for our affordable, culturally-appropriate protein solution.

By addressing both the nutritional and environmental dimensions of the global food system, AirFusion Protein is well-positioned to create transformative, scalable impact in Tanzania and beyond.

AirFusion Protein's primary impact goal is to improve food security and nutrition for 25,000 low-income individuals in Tanzania by 2027 through the deployment of our sustainable protein solution.

Specific impact goals include:

1. Reduce the rate of child stunting by 15-20% in target communities
Indicator: Percentage of children under 5 years of age who are stunted (low height-for-age)

2. Increase the average daily protein intake by 30% for low-income households
Indicator: Average grams of protein consumed per person per day

3. Sequester 5,000 tons of CO2 annually through our carbon-negative protein production process
Indicator: Metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions avoided or sequestered

To measure progress towards these goals, we are collecting the following data:

- Baseline and follow-up surveys on nutritional status, dietary intake, and household characteristics in target communities
- Production and sales data to track the volume of protein powder distributed
- Environmental impact assessments to quantify greenhouse gas emissions reductions

We have also established partnerships with local universities, research institutes, and community organizations to support our monitoring and evaluation efforts. This includes collaborating on research studies, conducting focus groups, and gathering testimonials from beneficiaries.

By closely tracking these key performance indicators, we can continuously refine our approach, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate the tangible impact of our sustainable protein solution on the lives of low-income individuals and families in Tanzania. Achieving these goals will not only improve food security and nutrition but also contribute to the broader objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, and Climate Action.

The core technology powering AirFusion Protein's sustainable protein solution is an innovative microbial fermentation process that converts basic air-derived nutrients into high-quality protein.

At the heart of our technology is a proprietary bioreactor system that harnesses the metabolic capabilities of specialized microbes. These microbes are engineered to efficiently capture and convert carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and other trace elements from the air into protein-rich biomass.

Through a carefully optimized fermentation process, the microbes rapidly multiply and produce a protein-dense slurry that can be harvested, dried, and formulated into a nutritious protein powder. This process is powered entirely by renewable energy sources, making it a carbon-negative approach to protein production.

Compared to traditional plant- or animal-based protein, our microbial fermentation technology offers several key advantages:

1. Significantly reduced environmental impact: Our process emits up to 90% less greenhouse gases and requires 95% less land and water than conventional protein sources.

2. Customized nutritional profiles: By controlling the fermentation conditions, we can tailor the amino acid composition, vitamin and mineral content, and other nutritional attributes of the final protein powder to meet the specific needs of our target communities.

3. Scalable and adaptable production: Our modular bioreactor design allows for rapid scale-up of production capacity and easy integration into local manufacturing facilities.

4. Affordable and accessible: The low-cost production model enables us to offer our protein powder at prices that are up to 50% lower than conventional protein sources, making it accessible to low-income consumers.

By harnessing the power of microbes, AirFusion Protein is revolutionizing the way we produce sustainable, nutritious protein for the world's growing population.

The AirFusion Protein solution team consists of:

5 - Full-time staff members, including the co-founders, a lead process engineer, a food scientist, and two operations managers.

3 - Part-time staff, comprising a marketing and distribution specialist, a community engagement coordinator, and a financial analyst.

2 - External contractors, including a software developer who has integrated our production data systems and a legal consultant advising on regulatory compliance and intellectual property.

AirFusion Protein has been working on the development of our sustainable protein solution for the past 14 months.

Our team first came together in early 2023 to ideate and prototype the core microbial fermentation technology. Over the course of the past year, we have made significant progress in refining our production process, formulating the protein powder, and establishing partnerships with key stakeholders in Tanzania.

While our organization is relatively young, the individual team members bring a wealth of prior experience in the food technology, biotechnology, and social enterprise sectors. 

At AirFusion Protein, we are deeply committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team that reflects the communities we aim to serve. We recognize that a heterogeneous set of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences is essential for driving innovation and creating lasting impact.

Our leadership team is intentionally composed of individuals from varied cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds. Currently, our co-founders and senior staff include 3 women, 2 individuals from underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities, and 1 person with a physical disability. We have also established a goal to maintain gender parity and at least 40% representation of marginalized groups across our full team.

To support this commitment, we have implemented the following practices:

1. Inclusive hiring: Our job postings explicitly encourage applications from candidates with diverse identities and experiences. We also partner with local universities, community organizations, and professional networks to reach a wider pool of qualified applicants.

2. Equitable compensation and advancement: All team members receive fair, competitive compensation regardless of their background. We have also implemented clear, transparent career development pathways to ensure equal opportunities for growth and promotion.

3. Supportive workplace culture: Our office environment and policies prioritize flexibility, work-life balance, and psychological safety. We regularly solicit feedback from team members and implement their suggestions to foster a more welcoming and inclusive culture.

4. Accessibility and accommodation: Our facilities and digital infrastructure are designed to be fully accessible. We also provide reasonable accommodations, such as assistive technologies or flexible work arrangements, to meet the unique needs of our staff.

By embedding these principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the core of our organization, we aim to not only build a high-performing team, but also serve as a model of inclusive innovation for others in the social impact space.

AirFusion Protein's business model combines a social enterprise approach with a B2B revenue stream. Our primary customers are low-income households in Tanzania, to whom we sell an affordable, nutrient-dense protein powder at $2 per kg - 30-50% lower than conventional options. We distribute this directly to households, schools, clinics, and food programs. 

We also supply our sustainable protein ingredient to food and beverage companies, leveraging our production and supply chain to drive broader market adoption. This B2B revenue allows us to reinvest in expanding our impact, including R&D and community outreach.

By integrating these two channels, AirFusion Protein creates a financially sustainable model that supports our mission of improving food security and nutrition. Our protein powder is designed to be highly accessible, nutritious, and culturally-appropriate for the communities we serve. Any profits are reinvested to maximize our positive impact and reach more beneficiaries.

AirFusion Protein's plan for financial sustainability relies on a combination of direct-to-consumer sales, B2B partnerships, and strategic grant funding.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales: Our primary revenue stream comes from the sale of our affordable, nutritious protein powder directly to low-income households in Tanzania. We have set the price at $2 per kg, which is 30-50% lower than conventional protein sources, making it accessible to our target beneficiaries. 

B2B Partnerships: In addition to our direct-to-consumer model, we are developing partnerships with food and beverage companies to supply our sustainable protein ingredient. We have already secured a contract with a major Tanzanian food manufacturer to incorporate our protein into their line of fortified porridge mixes, which is expected to generate an additional $51,000 in annual revenue.

Grant Funding: To support our initial research, development, and deployment efforts, we have successfully secured $43,000 in grant funding from the Tanzania Ministry of Agriculture and the East African Regional Development Bank. These funds have been critical in allowing us to establish our production facilities, refine our formulation, and build strategic partnerships within the region.

Looking ahead, we plan to continue diversifying our revenue streams by expanding our direct-to-consumer sales, securing more B2B contracts, and pursuing additional grant and investment opportunities. Our goal is to achieve full financial sustainability within the next 3-5 years, with the majority of our revenue coming from commercial sales rather than external funding sources.