Saving the unbelievable 45% of food that spoils from lack of cold storage in developing countries, these solar-powered refrigerators keep food cool at markets and during transportation. Founded by a Nigerian entrepreneur and radio host, Nnaemeka Ikegmuonu, 'ColdHubs' saves 25% of farmers incomes while providing a larger amount of produce for community members to purchase.
Providing solar-powered refrigerators that have panels on the top of its walk-in design, these fridges are used at markets on a pay-as-you-store basis to keep food out of the hot sun. Making fruit and vegetables last for 21 days instead of two, this start-up is changing the lives of people across the continent.
Selected by the United Nations to help solve the 'Sustainable Development Goals' by 2030, ColdHubs will soon save food, jobs and strengthen economies in developing countries around the world.
Solar-Powered Refrigerators
This Nigerian Start-Up Offers Cold Storage on a Pay-As-You-Store Basis
Trend Themes
1. Solar-powered Refrigerators - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Developing solar-powered refrigerators that extend the shelf life of food and reduce food waste in developing countries.
2. Pay-as-you-store Cold Storage - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Implementing pay-as-you-store cold storage solutions at markets to provide affordable access to refrigeration for farmers and food vendors.
3. Sustainable Development Goals - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Aligning efforts with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by leveraging solar-powered refrigerators to address food security and economic growth in developing countries.
Industry Implications
1. Food Storage and Preservation - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Redesigning food storage systems and refrigeration infrastructure with solar-powered solutions to improve food preservation and reduce spoilage.
2. Agriculture and Farming - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Introducing solar-powered refrigeration to agricultural practices to increase food production, minimize post-harvest losses, and improve the incomes of farmers.
3. Renewable Energy and Sustainability - Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Advancing the integration of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, into sustainable solutions like solar-powered refrigerators to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.