The Enterprise Prospectus Meet
Plastics
Incubator entrepreneurs
The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator was made possible by delivered by
the Mombasa
Prize
USAID
USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic actor driving development results. USAID’s work advances U.S. national security and economic prosperity, demonstrates American generosity, and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience.
In 2020, the U.S. Government passed the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, the most comprehensive legislation ever passed by Congress to address ocean plastic pollution. The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator is one of the ways that USAID Kenya & East Africa is advancing the Agency’s efforts to address ocean plastic pollution.
Challenge Works
Challenge Works is a global leader in designing and delivering challenge prizes that incentivize cutting-edge innovation for social good. As a social enterprise founded by Nesta, the UK’s
innovation foundation for social good, we have delivered 93 challenges to date and distributed more than £156 million to winning innovators.
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3 Contents Introduction 4 Twende Green Ecocycle 6 Plastic Taka Creatives 8 Capapo Solutions 10 Eco-Prints Generation 12 Rafiki Peps 14 Oceania Pacesetter 16 Clean Tech Collectors 18 Plas-Tech 20 Furies Enterprise 22 The Enterprise Prospectus
The Enterprise Prospectus
Introduction
This prospectus highlights the Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator entrepreneurs and their innovations. In it, you will learn about the teams and their prototypes, as well as their plans to bring their innovations to market.
About The Mombasa Plastics Prize (MPP) Incubator
Following on from the success of the Mombasa Plastics Prize, this is the result of a collective locally-driven effort to realize a cleaner, more sustainable plastic waste management in Mombasa’s informal settlements. The MPP Incubator involves a shift from the competitionbased approach to focusing on capacity building.
It involves nine early-stage start-ups that are currently receiving support to formalize their businesses, refine their
ideas into sustainable business plans, enhance their skill sets, and bring their working prototypes to market.
The following pages include profiles of each of the nine Incubator teams, outlining their solutions, impact and their ask for potential partners and investors.
More information about the Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator can be found at: mombasaplasticsprize.challenges.org
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T WENDE
Ecocycle GREEN
Shaping sustainable futures with recycled plastic
Our enterprise
Twende Green Ecocycle is a social enterprise that uses recycling technology to transform discarded plastic waste into durable, high quality furniture. We provide customization options to ensure a perfect fit for customers.
Our solution
We use advanced recycling technology to transform discarded plastic waste into durable, high-quality lockable, school eco-desk that meet the needs of both students and teachers.
Our impact
Twende Green Ecocycle is making noteworthy contributions in the areas of education and environment, including:
•Being recognized with the Mombasa Plastic Prize and a KES 3.5 million award
•Collaborating with Mombasa’s Ministry of Education to furnish schools with eco-friendly desks
•Receiving positive feedback from over 20 schools during product testing phases, leading to additional design requests, including furniture for local manufacturer, Mombasa Cement.
•Saving over 2.3 tonnes of plastic waste from ending up in the ocean to date by turning them into eco-desks and other customizable options.
We are also committed to reducing gender disparities in education by promoting sustainable infrastructure and creating conducive learning environments for all students, especially girls.
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Striving for a green economy
Twende Green Ecocycle
Our ask
Twende Green Ecocycle seeks to expanding its reach and impact by inviting partners and investors to join its mission:
•We are looking to establish partnerships with businesses interested in sustainable building solutions, such as recycled plastic doors and other customizable options.
•We are seeking financial investment to scale production capabilities, expand our product line to include items like benches, wardrobes, and decorative items, and grow our waste collection to 60.4 tons annually.
•We would like support for our educational programs through Twende Green school clubs aimed at educating 200,000 students about plastic waste management.
info@twendegreen.co.ke 0741027140 @twendegreen
www.twendegreen.co.ke
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Contact details
The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator was made possible by delivery by
Revolutionizing recycling: Multi-use yarn and buyback systems unleashed
Our enterprise
Plastic Taka Creatives is a socially responsible and environmentally conscious enterprise bringing creative plastic solutions through incentivised buyback systems and eco-friendly recycled plastic yarns and baskets.
Our solution
We work closely with waste collectors, households and businesses to recycle their plastics conveniently. Our baskets are fashionable, strong and multipurpose, suitable for every day use.
Our impact
•Awarded KES 2.5 million from the Mombasa Plastics Prize
•Successfully collected and sold over five tonnes ofplastic, generating KES 169,532
•Established partnerships, including with Jill Industriesand Mr. Green Africa, to supply plastics collected through buyback for recycling.
•Projected to generate KES 1 million annually from basket sales and buyback operations.
•Aiming to create over 500 annual jobs for waste collectors, weavers, and salespeople, plus 10 permanent positions at our facility.
•Focused on improving livelihoods within communitybased weaving groups, predominantly comprising women
•Plans to decentralise buyback centres to make them more accessible to informal settlements.
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Plastic Taka Creatives
Our ask
Plastic Taka Creatives seeks financial support and strategic partnerships to scale operations:
•We need KES 4 million for operational costs to boost basket production and add value to plastics collected through buyback with projected sales of KES 1 million
•We’re seeking investment in rental spaces for our buyback shops in informal settlements to enhanceourcollectionandproductioncapacity.
•We need support to become the leading provider of strong, flexible, eco-friendly weaving yarns for both retail and commercial markets.
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Contact details
plastictaka@gmail.com +254719543927, +254715211959
by
by plastic-taka-creatives
The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator was made possible
delivery
Pioneering stronger-than-concrete green building solutions
Our enterprise
Capapo Solutions is at the forefront of the green building sector, dedicated to crafting sustainable, eco-conscious construction materials. By utilizing recycled plastic waste, we produce building solutions that are not only stronger than concrete but also zero-maintenance, durable, and pestresistant. These innovative products are perfectly aligned with global green building practices, offering affordable and durable alternatives for modern construction needs.
Our solution
We have converted plastic waste into durable plastic panels, known as “Eco-poles”. This versatile solution has the potential to supplant traditional construction materials and serve as the building blocks for sturdy temporary structures, including refugee camps and business stalls, as well as essential community facilities like public restrooms.
Our impact
•Partnered with Maweni Primary School Girl Guides to secure a steady supply of raw plastic waste.
•Currently identifying suppliers for manufacturing product samples to demonstrate the effectiveness and quality of our green building materials
•Projected to upcycle up to 1.3 tonnes of various types of plastic waste per 1000 square meters, manufacturing products such as Eco-poles, cabro blocks, and panels
• Seeking financing to purchase machinery, open a hardware shop, and stock it with our innovative products.
•Aiming to develop partnershipswithin the construction value chain to enhance product reach and impact.
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Capapo Solutions
Our ask
Capapo Solutions is looking for financial and strategic support to expand our operations:
•We are seeking $12,000 in funding to support initial operational needs and scale production capabilities
•We require assistance with IP registration to protectourinnovativegreenbuildingsolutions
•We are keen to identify strategic partnerships with stakeholders in the construction and recycling sectors to ensure sustainable growth.
info@capapo.co.ke 725807110, 0769394448
www.capapo.co.ke
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Contact details
by delivery by
The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator was made possible
High-quality eco accessories for 3D printers
Our enterprise
Eco-Prints Generation advances 3D printing technology with their eco-friendly, high-quality filaments, under the tagline “3D printing the future.” They ensure sustainability by partnering with waste collectors and recyclers to convert discarded plastics into premium, refined filaments for 3D printers.
Our solution
Team Eco-Print Generations is determined to fight plastic pollution with the use of the groundbreaking Poliformer. This high-fidelity prototype effectively transforms single-use plastic bottles into premium-quality 3D printing filaments. Beyond its environmental benefits in reducing marine plastic waste, this innovative technology empowers local communities by providing them with a sustainable income source.
Our impact
•Supported by prominent institutions like the Tech Kids Africa and involved in Tech bridge incubator program.
•Filaments are highly regarded in sectors like healthcare, education, and technology for producing robust prototypes
•Empowered 400 students from Miritini High School in 3D printing technology, plastic waste recycling and career development on 3D printing.
•Collected over 200 kg of plastics reducing marine plastic pollution.
•Significantly reduced plastic waste inthe environment by repurposing it into valuable printing materials
•Boosted the availability of recycled materials in manufacturing, promoting eco-friendly practices.
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Eco-Prints Generation
Our ask
Eco-Prints Generation is seeking strategic partnerships and financial backing to enhance their production capabilities and market reach through:
•Financial investments to scale up operations and expand our product line to meet increasing demand, especially from the healthcare and educational sectors.
•Collaboration with technology innovators and commercial sectors to develop new applications for our eco-filaments
•Support in marketing and distribution to broaden our customer base and access global markets.
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Contact details
ecoprintersgeneration@gmail.com +2547 40263933 The
was made possible by delivery by eco-prints-generation @EcoPrints_
Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator
Pioneering zero waste cities, one community at a time
Our enterprise
Rafiki Peps is dedicated to advancing zero-waste initiatives across Mombasa by providing comprehensive waste collection services, including plastics, organics, and non-recyclables.
Specializing in waste segregation at the source, we empower communities through extensive door-to-door awareness campaigns.
Rafiki Peps supplies residents with color-coded bin liners to facilitate efficient waste sorting and collection, conducted twice a week, with recyclables directed to proper facilities.
Our solution
Rafiki Peps has embarked on a mission to motivate communities in the Likoni Sub-county area and throughout Mombasa County to decrease the amount of plastic waste flowing into local water bodies. As part of the initial phase of the Mombasa Plastics Prize, they introduced the ‘Plastiki ni Gold’ initiative, which involved gathering waste from households in informal settlements in Mombasa and conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns and community clean-up activities.
Our impact
•Partnerships with the Kenya Girl Guides Association to enhance waste segregation education
•Organized multiplebeach clean-ups,significantly reducing local environmental waste
•Enhanced collection capabilities with a new cart, gathering over 300 kgs of plastic waste and initiating community campaigns for waste segregation.
We would like to continue to expand waste collection capacity and fostering more recycling partnerships.
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Peps
Our ask
Rafiki Peps is actively seeking support to scale their impact through:
•Fundraising for a garbage truck to increase waste collection capacity significantly
• Assistance in securing a waste collection permit from the Department of Environment to formalize and expand operations. Contact details
rafikipeps@gmail +254701600599
rafiki-peps-963a2a26b
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Rafiki
The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator was made possible by delivery by
From waste to wonder: An art-attack on marine plastics
Our enterprise
At Oceania Pacesetter, we transform marine plastic waste into stunning artworks and functional items, demonstrating that environmental sustainability can be beautifully achieved through creative innovation. By converting discarded plastics into valuable pieces, we not only tackle pollution but also change perceptions about recycled materials.
Our solution
Team Oceania Pacesetter is focused on fighting plastic pollution by creating simple devices that intercept plastic waste and was the third place winner of the initial Mombasa Plastics Prize phase. With peddlers and an anchored net, they collect debris directly from the ocean. The collected plastics are then repurposed to create art installations, DIYs, and other creative projects.
Our impact
•We champion the conversion of ocean waste into educational and inspiring art.
•We engage communities with effective plastic collection drives, successfully gathering over 200 kg of plastics and demonstrating the potential for substantial environmental impact
•We are recognized for our innovative approach with a third-place finish in the Mombasa Plastics Prize, securing Kshs 1.2 million to support our impactful work.
In future, we aim to expand our outreach and educational programs to further promote the benefits of recycling and the artistic value of upcycled materials. We plan to increase our operational capacity to handle more recycled materials, boosting both our environmental and artistic contributions.
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17 Our ask We are seeking partners and investors who share our passion for merging art with environmental sustainability. We need your support to:
our collection and production capabilities
educational campaigns to positively shift consumer perceptions towards sustainability.
innovative marketing strategies and strengthen community engagement to extend our reach and impact. Contact details
oceaniapacesetter1@gmail.com +254743536507 The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator was made possible by delivery by www.oceaniapacesetters.co.ke
•Enhance
•Expand
•Develop
Oceania Pacesetter
Efficiency in every pick-up
Our enterprise
Clean Tech Collectors is a youth-led initiative, dedicated to integrating technology to streamline the collection process. Our mission is to make waste management more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly, harnessing technology to support community cleanliness and sustainability.
Our solution
Clean Tech Collectors is committed to establishing a clean and plastic-free environment by reimagining the systems of plastic use and collection. Their solution aims to use technology to simplify and formalise waste collection in communities. They want to generate sustainable revenue through a subscription-based model, product promotion, and sales via an e-commerce platform.
Our impact
•We’ve initiated a tech-driven approach to waste collection with our upcoming app, designed to automate and enhance the efficiency of waste logistics, much like Uber does for transportation
•We have effectively piloted our service in Tudor, where we’ve engaged collectors with tools, overalls, and training in waste segregation.
•Our initiative not only tackles plastic waste but also enhances the livelihoods of our collectors, equipping them with skills and knowledge for their safety and efficiency.
To expand our operational capacity, we’re exploring partnerships for assets like trucks or tuk-tuks and seeking necessary licenses from KEBS and CAK.
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19 Our ask We are looking for long-term partners and investors who share our vision of a sustainable future. Your support can help us scale our impact, secure our operations, and expand into new markets. Contact details
Tech Collectors info@cleantechcollectors.com The
was made possible by delivery by
Clean
Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator
Fanning the flame of sustainability
Our enterprise
Plas-Tech is at the forefront of sustainable innovation in Mombasa, converting plastic waste into clean cooking gas. Our process not only mitigates environmental pollution but also provides a renewable energy solution, transforming community waste management practices.
Our solution
Plas-Tech is striving to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste mismanagement through a technology converting plastic waste into clean and affordable cooking gas. This innovative solution not only helps alleviate plastic pollution but also offers a sustainable energy source. Moreover, it actively engages youth from informal settlements in Mombasa in the collection and processing of plastic waste.
Our impact
•We have significantly exceeded our initial waste collection target, gathering 300kg of plastic waste compared to the expected 200 kg, showcasing effective community engagement and operational efficiency.
•Currently, we are negotiating with Mombasa Cement for a space to expand our facility, which will allow us to enhance our testing and refine our technology.
Moving forward, we would like to master the technology for compressing gas into cylinders and expand our storage capabilities to scale up for commercial production, as well as establish a fully-equipped production facility to meet growing demand and regulatory requirements.
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Our ask
We are looking for strategic partners and investors with a vision for environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Support is needed to:
•Secure KES 20 million for establishing a larger facility and scaling up our operations
•Obtain expertise in CAD and 3D modelingto advance from basic sketches to precise production designs
•Gain advocacy and networking support to facilitate negotiations with local governments and partnerships with organizations like the Clean Cooking Alliance.
s.omondisamuel35@gmail.com
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Contact details Plas-Tech
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The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator
was made possible
Enviro-games for a greener tomorrow
Our enterprise
Furies Enterprise is a womenled green business that designs entertaining and educational games targeting environmental issues, notably marine plastic waste pollution.
Our solution
Our enterprise sets itself apart by intricately localising complex environmental concepts, integrating captivating gameplay mechanics, and aligning its products with school curricula to ensure maximum impact and engagement among its target audience of children aged 8-12.
Our impact
We have achieved significant accomplishments in the county, especially amongst young people, including:
•The successful development and deployment of the 7th iteration of our flagship board game,Baharia Ninja, boasting a growing base of paying users, as well as the sale of over 85 board games, resulting in a revenue of Ksh 175,000.
• Hosting numerous highly successful game nights, reaching out to eight schools, and establishing key partnerships with industry leaders such as TechBridge
•We are currently in production of 100 additional games in response to market demand.
Additionally, we aim to create employment opportunities for five individuals, with a specific focus on empowering women by ensuring a 75% representation in our workforce.
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Furies Enterprise
Our ask
We are seeking a financial investment of Ksh 1.5M to fuel our operations and marketing efforts over a 12-month period. This investment will be allocated towards enhancing our Baharia Ninja brand, expanding our portfolio of products and offerings, and scaling operations beyond Mombasa County.
We would also like to explore partnerships with the County Government of Mombasa and marketing companies in Kenya to assist in strengthening our brand and increase sales.
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Contact details
Furies Enterprise furiesenterprise@gmail.com +254798559936 @baharia_ninja
made possible by delivery by
The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator
was
The Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator was made possible by delivered by 58 Victoria Embankment London EC4Y 0DS +44 (0)20 7438 2500 mombasaplaticsprize.challenges.org Nesta is a registered charity in England and Wales with company number 7706036 and charity number 1144091 Registered as a charity in Scotland number SCO42833. Registered office: 58 Victoria Embankment, London, EC4Y 0DS.