Smart water management systems
- Burundi
- For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
our focus is on addressing the specific problem of water scarcity and lack of access to clean drinking water in underserved communities.
In Burundi, the scale of the problem is significant. According to UNICEF, approximately 3.7 million people in Burundi lack access to safe drinking water. This represents a substantial portion of the population and has severe implications for public health, sanitation, and overall well-being.
Factors contributing to the problem of water scarcity and contamination in Burundi include inadequate infrastructure for water supply and treatment, pollution from agricultural practices and industrial activities, limited access to sanitation facilities, and the effects of climate change.
Our solution directly tackles these factors by providing a sustainable water purification system that can effectively treat contaminated water sources. By implementing our solution in Burundi, we aim to improve access to clean and safe drinking water for communities in need, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.
Through our solution, we seek to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of individuals and communities in Burundi. By addressing the water scarcity and contamination challenges, we can contribute to improved health outcomes, enhanced sanitation practices, and the overall socio-economic development of the country.
Moreover, our solution aligns with Burundi's commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which aims to ensure universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030.
By working in partnership with local communities, NGOs, and government agencies, we aim to implement our solution at scale and reach a significant number of individuals in Burundi who currently lack access to clean drinking water. Our ultimate goal is to empower communities, improve their quality of life, and contribute to the sustainable development of Burundi as a whole.
Our solution is smart water management systems. These systems use advanced technology to improve how water is distributed and managed, ensuring efficient and sustainable use of this vital resource.
Here's how it works: Smart water management systems utilize sensors, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor and control water distribution networks. Sensors are placed strategically throughout the water infrastructure to collect real-time data on factors like water flow, pressure, and quality. This data is then analyzed using advanced algorithms to identify patterns, detect leaks, and optimize the distribution of water.
By continuously monitoring the water system, these smart systems can quickly detect any leaks or abnormalities. This allows for prompt repairs, reducing water losses and preventing further damage to the infrastructure. Additionally, the systems can analyze data to predict water demand, helping to allocate water resources more efficiently.
The technology behind smart water management systems includes sensors that capture data, data analytics software that processes and interprets the data, and connectivity through the Internet of Things to transmit information in real-time. This combination of sensors, analytics, and IoT enables efficient water management, leak detection, improved water quality, and better planning for future water needs.
The target population we aim to directly and meaningfully improve are the residents of Burundi, specifically those who are currently facing water-related challenges. This includes both urban and rural communities.
In Burundi, many people are underserved when it comes to accessing clean and safe drinking water. Existing water infrastructure is often inefficient, leading to water scarcity and limited availability. Leaks and water losses further worsen the situation, resulting in inadequate water supply for households, schools, and healthcare facilities. This lack of access to clean water negatively impacts hygiene, health, and overall quality of life.
Our solution, smart water management systems, directly addresses these needs by improving water distribution and reducing water losses. By detecting and repairing leaks promptly, the systems ensure a more consistent and reliable water supply for the population. This means that households, schools, and healthcare facilities can have access to clean water on a regular basis.
Moreover, the optimization of water usage through smart systems allows for more equitable distribution of water resources. This ensures that water is allocated efficiently, benefiting all members of the community. By addressing these underserved needs, our solution aims to significantly improve the lives of the people in Burundi, promoting better health, sanitation, and overall well-being.
We are the ideal team to design and deliver this solution to the target population because we have a strong connection to the communities we serve. Our team lead, Gildas, grew up in the region and has firsthand knowledge of the water challenges faced by the community. They have witnessed the consequences of water scarcity and the difficulties that people face in accessing clean water. This personal connection fuels their passion and determination to make a difference.
In the design and implementation of our solution, we actively engage with the community through various channels. We organize community meetings where we listen to their concerns, gather their ideas, and understand their priorities. We also conduct surveys and interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs and aspirations.
To ensure meaningful guidance, we adopt a participatory approach. Community contributions are taken into account from the early stages of the project, and their ideas and agendas shape our solution. We collaborate with community members, involving them in the co-creation of the solution. Their knowledge of the local context, cultural practices, and preferences is invaluable in designing an effective and sustainable solution.
Regular feedback loops are established to ensure ongoing communication with the community. We seek their opinions and contributions at critical junctures. This iterative process ensures that our solution remains responsive to their evolving needs and preferences.
With a team led by someone who deeply understands the community and actively involves the community in the design and implementation process, we are confident that our solution will be relevant, impactful, and reflective of the community's priorities and aspirations.
- Strengthen coastal and marine ecosystems and communities through the broader blue economy, including fisheries, clean energy, and monitoring, reporting, and verification.
- 3. Good Health and Well-Being
- 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
- 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
- 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 14. Life Below Water
- 15. Life on Land
- Scale
We have made significant progress in the development and deployment of our smart water management systems. To date, we have successfully built and tested a comprehensive solution that incorporates advanced sensors, data analytics software, and communication infrastructure.
Through rigorous testing and optimization, we have ensured the reliability and accuracy of our data collection and analysis processes. Our smart water management system has been implemented in several pilot projects across different regions, serving a diverse range of customers and beneficiaries.
In our pilot projects, we have successfully served over 10,000 customers and beneficiaries, including residential areas, commercial establishments, and government institutions. By utilizing real-time data monitoring and analytics, we have achieved substantial water conservation and efficiency improvements.
Our system has detected and prevented numerous leaks and pipe bursts, resulting in significant water savings and infrastructure damage prevention. We have also implemented demand management strategies based on accurate water demand predictions, enabling optimized resource allocation and better water distribution.
The positive impact of our smart water management systems has been observed in terms of reduced water consumption, improved operational efficiency, and cost savings for our customers. Moreover, our solutions have contributed to environmental sustainability by promoting responsible water usage and minimizing wastage.
We continue to work closely with our customers, partners, and stakeholders to refine and expand our smart water management systems. By leveraging the power of technology and data-driven insights, we are committed to making a lasting difference in water management practices and ensuring a sustainable future for water resources.
I am applying to Solve because I firmly believe that our team has an innovative and promising solution to address the problem we are facing. Our main goal in applying to Solve is not just to raise funds but rather to benefit from monetary and/or non-monetary support to overcome specific obstacles we are facing.
The obstacles that we hope Solve can help us overcome may include financial, technical, legal, cultural, or business challenges. Here are some examples of these obstacles:
Financial Obstacle: We may need additional financial resources to scale up the development and implementation of our solution. We hope that Solve can connect us with partners who can provide financial support to cover implementation costs, research and development expenses, or help create sustainable business models for our solution.
Technical Obstacle: We may encounter technical challenges in the design or adaptation of our solution. We hope that Solve can connect us with technical experts or partners who can provide guidance and resources to overcome these obstacles.
Legal Obstacle: Regulations and legal aspects can pose a challenge to the deployment of our solution. We would like to benefit from Solve's assistance in connecting us with legal experts or partners who can guide us through the necessary legal and regulatory processes.
Cultural Obstacle: Understanding cultural norms and local specificities can be crucial for the success of our solution. We hope that Solve can help us establish partnerships with local stakeholders or organizations that have deep knowledge of the culture and local practices, to assist us in appropriately tailoring our solution.
Business Obstacle: We may need assistance in establishing strategic business partnerships or developing effective distribution models for our solution. We hope that Solve can connect us with networks of entrepreneurs, investors, or marketing experts who can provide business support and help us maximize the impact of our solution.
By applying to Solve, we are seeking monetary and/or non-monetary support to overcome these specific obstacles and significantly advance our solution. We are aware that Solve aims to connect Solver teams with partners who can help them progress, and we are ready to leverage this opportunity to develop and implement our solution more effectively and sustainably.
- Business Model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
- Financial (e.g. accounting practices, pitching to investors)
- Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development)
- Legal or Regulatory Matters
- Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g. collecting/using data, measuring impact)
- Product / Service Distribution (e.g. delivery, logistics, expanding client base)
- Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)
1. NDIHOKUBWAYO Jean Baptiste
2. NAHIMANA Cyrien
3. IRIBUKUMUSAVYI Melyse
4. NSHIMIRIMANA Nadine
5. CIMPAYE Gildas
As an applicant to Solve, our business model is centered around providing value to the populations we aim to serve. We have identified key customers and beneficiaries who will benefit from our products and services.
Our primary product is a sustainable water purification system designed to provide clean and safe drinking water to communities in need. This system incorporates innovative technology and efficient purification processes to ensure access to clean water, which is essential for the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
We plan to provide these products through a combination of distribution channels, including partnerships with local NGOs, community organizations, and government agencies. By collaborating with these stakeholders, we can reach the target populations more effectively and ensure the sustainable deployment and maintenance of our water purification systems.
The need for safe drinking water is a fundamental requirement for human survival and development. Many communities around the world face challenges related to water scarcity, contamination, and inadequate infrastructure. Our solution addresses these issues by providing a reliable, affordable, and sustainable source of clean water.
In addition to the immediate impact on health and well-being, access to clean water has numerous positive ripple effects, such as improved sanitation, reduced waterborne diseases, enhanced educational opportunities, and increased economic productivity. By addressing these pressing challenges, we contribute to the overall betterment and empowerment of the communities we serve.
While our primary focus is on generating social impact, we also recognize the importance of financial sustainability. We plan to implement a hybrid business model, combining revenue streams from product sales, service contracts, and potential partnerships with organizations interested in supporting our mission.
Overall, our business model aims to create a win-win scenario, where the communities we serve benefit from improved access to clean water, and our organization sustains its operations and expands its reach to serve even more populations in need.