Kenyan cleantech startup, SunCulture is among ventures recognized as 100 Promising Technology Pioneers of 2022, worldwide, by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Sunculture is expanding its technology platform that facilitates the transition of rural African farmers to solar irrigation while also providing additional goods and services for resale.
By leveraging carbon revenues and financial services, SunCulture can offer solar irrigation at a significantly reduced cost of 50% compared to traditional fuel pumps.
“With a comprehensive presence in sales, engineering, and retail across the continent, SunCulture ensures the widespread availability of clean irrigation solutions.”
In Africa, seven startups from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa were recognized.
These companies are driving innovation and shaping various industries, ranging from healthcare to retail.
The WEF Technology Pioneers represent early to growth-stage companies worldwide that utilize new technologies and innovation, poised to make a significant impact on business and society.
Among the African startups selected, three are from Nigeria: Alerzo, providing on-demand inventory distribution and financial services for small informal stores; Shuttlers, offering tech-enabled scheduled mass-transit solutions for individuals and companies; and Vendease, an online marketplace connecting restaurants and food businesses directly with manufacturers and farms for supplies.
South Africa contributes two startups to the list: Dove Air, utilizing advanced Urban Air Mobility technology for aid delivery and maritime conservation; and Omnisient, creating a trust-by-design environment for secure collaboration on first-party data, ensuring compliance with consumer data privacy regulations.
Completing the lineup are Ghanaian agri-tech startup Farmerline and Kenyan solar irrigation company SunCulture.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of SunCulture, Samir Ibrahim shared the news via Linked expressing gratitude for being part of the esteemed World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneer community.
“Excited to announce SunCulture has been selected to join the TechPioneers Class of 2023!” Mr Ibrahim wrote.
This recognition reflects their commitment to addressing critical challenges in the African food sector, particularly in leveraging clean energy (solar) in irrigation to increase food production.
Being part of this community allows the participants to collaborate with like-minded pioneers, thought leaders, and policymakers who share their vision of creating a more resilient and equitable food ecosystem.
Last year, SunCulture received a $11m from SunFunder to upscale solar irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Crunchbase, “SunCulture has raised a total of $37.3M in funding over 7 rounds. Their latest funding was raised on Nov 1, 2022 from a Debt Financing round.”
SunCulture’s “Pay-As-You-Grow” business model makes solar-powered irrigation affordable for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, combining end-user finance, value-added services, modern climate technology, and access to improve productivity.