SBIR oproep Innovaties voor grotere veerkracht bij klimaatverandering - publieke samenvattingen fase 1

De ondernemers krijgen 6 maanden en een budget van maximaal € 50.000 per project om de haalbaarheid van de innovatie in het land van hun keuze te onderzoeken en een plan te schrijven voor een vervolgtraject. Met deze innovatiecompetitie wil het programma SBIR in Developing Markets innovaties laten ontwikkelen die de gevolgen van klimaatverandering kunnen aanpakken en tegelijkertijd aansluiten bij speerpunten van de Nederlandse ambassades in de betreffende landen. 

Ondernemers konden hun ideeën indienen voor 3 verschillende thema’s. 

1. Klimaatbestendigheid door schadebeperking 
   Producten en diensten die de veerkracht vergroten en zo voorkomen dat ongunstige weersomstandigheden schade toebrengen aan huishoudens, productiemiddelen en naoogstactiviteiten op het platteland.
2. Omgaan met en aanpassen aan de gevolgen van klimaatverandering
   Producten en diensten om beschadigde infrastructuur en huizen te reconstrueren door hergebruik van bouwmaterialen, om waterproblemen op te lossen door water af te voeren of de watervoorziening te herstellen, en om te voorzien in (alternatieve) energievoorziening.
3. Benutting van ongebruikte beschikbare grondstoffen en materialen
   Innovaties die beschikbare reststromen, afval en bijproducten gebruiken ter vervanging van dure (geïmporteerde) materialen, voer en voedsel. Het valoriseren van onaangeboorde hulpbronnen kan boeren extra inkomensstromen bieden. 

De 20 winnende partijen

De winnaars van deze competitie zijn een diverse groep ondernemers met als verbindend element de koppeling van een innovatief idee aan een maatschappelijke uitdaging en verdienmodel. In deze oproep wordt een beroep gedaan op het koppelen van sociaaleconomische uitdagingen (veerkracht) aan klimaatuitdagingen, met als doel concrete innovatieve oplossingen met impact op de langere termijn door een goede business case.

Hieronder vind u de projectbeschrijvingen. Omdat dit internationale projecten zijn, zijn de samenvattingen in het Engels.

Information in English

Theme 1. Climate resilience through damage control

MetaMeta Research B.V. – Ecological rodent management for horticulture production, Senegal

Climate change has intensified rodent infestations in Senegal, causing severe horticultural crop losses. Current chemical rodenticides are neither effective nor eco-friendly. The EcoHort project strengthens the climate resilience among horticulture producers by developing Ecologically-Based Rodent Management (EBRM) services tailored to various crops. This project supports the transition from conventional rodenticides to agroecological approaches, making EBRM a standard for Integrated Pest Management. By integrating sustainable pest control across the horticulture value chain, EcoHort aims to deliver lasting socio-economic benefits for Senegal while ensuring a greener, more resilient agricultural sector.

Inner Group B.V. – GreenCAFS, water-efficient fire suppression for Climate Resilience, South Africa

GreenCAFS is a low-cost, water-efficient fire-fighting system designed for farmers and rural communities in Africa, where wildfires and farm fires destroy homes, crops, and infrastructure. These fires often start in labour cottages or storage areas and spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds, while emergency services are often late or unable to acces remote areas. GreenCAFS provides an innovative, low-pressure foam system that uses 80% less water than traditional methods. Using biodegradable, plant-based foam and simple, cost-effective technology, GreenCAFS empowers farmers and rural communities to contain fires faster, protecting their land and livelihoods.

Inner Group B.V. – TransWeeder, Kenya

The TransWeeder is an innovative retrofit kit that enables fishermen to easily transform their fishing boats and nets into seaweed farming equipment and vice versa. This provides a sustainable alternative income as climate change threatens traditional fishing. The kit allows offshore seaweed cultivation (0-3m depth), increasing production, and creating new jobs, especially for women. By repurposing plastic fishing nets, it contributes to environmental protection and the circular economy. The project is in line with SDG goals and Kenyan regulations on marine plastic waste. With its pay-as-you-grow model, the TransWeeder is easy to afford, enhancing economic resilience and sustainability of coastal communities.

Theme 2. Coping and adapting to impacts of climate change

CoolBricks B.V. – CoolCrops, Kenya

CoolCrops aims to develop climate-resilient cold storage buildings for smallholder farmers in Kenya, combining modern materials science and advanced airflow modelling with reimagined vernacular architecture and indigenous cooling techniques. This R&D-driven solution provides energy-free, low-cost cooling to maintain crops at 12-13°C, protecting harvests from climate extremes and cutting post-harvest losses by up to 40%. Co-created with local artisans and women’s farmer cooperatives, the design is culturally embedded, easy to maintain, and scalable across rural regions. By replacing expensive solar cooling with nature-based passive cooling, CoolCrops offers affordable climate adaptation while strengthening economic resilience and empowering women in agriculture.

Warsha – Biopolymer-Enhanced Reverse Osmosis Membranes for Sustainable Advanced Water Processing, Egypt

This project offers an innovative solution to improve the efficiency and sustainability of reverse osmosis (RO) technology. By utilizing a renewable plant-based material, we aim to enhance membrane performance, reduce operational costs, and lower environmental impact. The project focuses on developing a more durable and cost-effective filtration membrane tailored to Egypt’s agriculture water treatment needs, including desalination and heavy metal removal. This initiative supports global efforts to provide cleaner, more affordable water while promoting sustainable resource utilization in water purification technology.

Spaak Circular Solutions – Valorisation of crayfish shell in Egypt

Crayfish is causing damage to the ecosystem in and around the Nile. For the valorisation of the waste from industrial processing of the crayfish, Chitosan EG and Spaak Circular Solutions are investigating new processing opportunities. In addition to the polymer chitosan, which is used in the agro-food and personal care sectors, other functional compounds such as pigments will be targeted in this study. The partners are also interested in the commercialising these compounds beyond the borders of Egypt. The aim of this collaboration is not only technical development and the business expansion towards the European market, but also to involve local stakeholders.

Orange Sparks BV – AquaFarm: Aquatic-based Quality farming Utilizing Alternative resources for Floating Agriculture and Repurposing Materials (water hyacinths), Ghana

Across Ghana, invasive water hyacinths choke waterways, disrupt ecosystems, and hinder agriculture. At the same time, climate change-induced floods and droughts reduce arable land for food production. AquaFarm presents a nature-based solution: transforming invasive hyacinths into floating vegetable farms, ensuring year-round, climate-resilient agriculture. The feasibility study will assess the technical, economic, and commercial viability of this model in Ghana, with site trials in the Volta Region, Tano River Basin, and Lower Volta Delta. Insights from Bangladesh’s floating farms will inform scalable solutions. The study supports Ghana’s food security goals, economic resilience, and environmental restoration efforts.

Easy Building Concepts BV – Tutajenga: Building Climate-Resilient Homes for All, Kenya

In this R&D project, Easy Building Concepts innovates Tutajenga, which means “we will build” in Swahili. Tutajenga is a climate-resilient and community-driven housing solution. By combining local building expertise with our top-notch engineering experience in developing nature-based housing solutions, we co-create resilient homes for everyone. Tutajenga builds climate resilience by designing timber homes that can withstand extreme heat and rainfall, are flood and storm resilient, and which are designed to harvest rainwater and solar energy.
The core of the solution are IKEA-like self-build packages which enable low-income households to build their own resilient homes at low costs. Tutajenga!

Q Point BV – Tuk Tuk Cargo Water Filtration System: Mobile Off Grid Water Filtration for Kenyan Communities

This project focuses on designing and assembling a locally produced, solar-powered, mobile water filtration system—the Tuk Tuk Cargo Water Filtration System. Using reverse osmosis and hybrid energy (solar plus generator), it addresses declining water quality and limited electricity in rural Lake Turkana communities. By providing both clean water and basic electricity, the system aims to improve community health and boost local economic prospects.

NETICS B.V. – ReefXycle, Kenya

ReefXycle boosts environmental restoration by offering a self-sufficient business model for reef elements completely made from waste materials. ReefXycle makes use of compression of sugar cane waste and recycled glass into modular elements. Together with local entrepreneur Susan and coral reef restoration company REEFolution, we aim to enter the large market of REEF-elements with a locally-driven, environmentally friendly and cost saving alternative. In this project, the technical and economic feasibility of locally sourced production plant, specifically designed for REEFolution, will be investigated.

NETICS B.V. – MangrowTube, Senegal

MangrowTube is a unique solution against climate change impact, inspired by traditional solutions such as sand bags, adapted to African rural communities affected by climate change. The MangrowTube is a nature-friendly barrier, completely made of recycled plastic geotextile and filled with mud, that is designed to temporarily protect from storms and floods. After natural mangrove barriers are restored, the MangrowTube is (re)movable, therefore being climate adaptable. In this project, the technical and economic feasibility of a MangrowTube production plant and pilot, specifically designed for mangrove restoration, will be investigated by combining the latest advancements in reusing textile (NETICS & geotextile partners) with vast ecosystem restoration experience in Senegal.

Theme 3. Utilisation of untapped resources

Spaak Circular Solutions – Banana-based female sanitary pads, Ivory Coast

This project focuses on the development of sustainable, biodegradable, and affordable sanitary pads with improved moisture absorption. This will be achieved by combining FriFri’s existing sanitary pads, made from banana stem residues, with banana leaf hydrogels developed by Spaak. This feasibility study will assess the technical and economic viability of the combined product and its potential for launch in both Ivory Coast and European markets.

CoolBricks B.V. – CoolCement, Kenya

Cement is the most polluting building material, responsible for 8% of global CO₂ emissions , and rising prices are making it increasingly unaffordable for low- and middle-income families. CoolCement is a fully circular, biological alternative derived from biopolymers and fibres from locally available agricultural waste such as maize husks, cassava peels, and sugarcane residues. Pre-packaged and storable, it allows builders to mix it on-site, ensuring consistent quality while cutting costs by up to 40% and emissions by 90%. By turning waste into affordable homes, CoolCement supports climate resilience, boosts farmer incomes, and helps close Kenya’s affordable housing gap.

Q Point BV – Affordable and Sustainable Local Algae Production for Food, Feed, and Climate Impact in South Africa.

This project is investigating the feasibility of producing and refining microalgae in South Africa, with the aim of developing sustainable protein sources and natural colours for the feed and food industries. With favourable climatic conditions and the use of renewable energy, this approach can lead to a lower carbon footprint and responsible use of water. We combine local and international expertise to research and combine innovative breeding and processing methods into a sustainable approach. In doing so, we are stimulating the protein revolution and creating new economic opportunities in South Africa. Our efforts contribute to a more sustainable food chain, while supporting employment and knowledge development in the region.

NGN New Generation Nutrition – Enhancing food security through cricket farming and bread production, Nigeria

This project leverages cricket farming to develop high-protein, nutrient-rich bread, offering a sustainable and innovative food solution. Despite its nutritional benefits, cricket flour remains underutilised, presenting a market opportunity. Crickets require minimal resources, making them a viable alternative to conventional protein sources. This feasibility study will assess scaling potential, optimise processing, and propose a business model. In line with SBIR Theme 3, the project transforms crickets into a commercially viable food application. Nigeria’s suitability is demonstrated by existing cricket farms in Ibadan and Akure, where NGN has trained farmers through incubation programmes at the University of Ibadan.

Stichting Habitat for Humanity Nederland – HARVEST – Housing Advancement through Residue Valorisation for Environmental Sustainability and Thermal efficiency, Egypt

Habitat for Humanity and Spaak Circular Solutions propose to introduce innovative building panels made from agricultural residues. The panels will augment conventional ways of building walls by offering sustainable and affordable building material and process. The panels will insulate houses, reduce heat stress and improve energy efficiency. It will also create economic opportunities through backward linkages from the aggregation of agricultural residue. The feasibility will explore ways to successfully bring this technology, which has been tested and proven in The Netherlands, to Egypt, adapting it to the local context and needs. Ultimately, this innovation has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to environmental sustainability.

GOA Ventures - Sustainable Seaweed processing, Ghana

This project explores processing Ghanaian seaweed into protein and biogas. The aim is to exploit this sustainable biomass resource for local employment and as a stable source of energy and food. The research consists of market research in Ghana, testing local seaweed varieties in the Netherlands and adapting the business case to the local context. GOA Ventures is working with local partners and experts to ensure the technological feasibility and food safety of seaweed processing. This project contributes to climate adaptation and sustainable economic development.

Féro B.V. - Cooling with soil and rice husks: Circular cool storage for food, Senegal

The innovative cold storage concept replaces materials with high embedded CO₂ emissions with sustainable, locally available raw materials and agricultural residues. Instead of steel and concrete for the supporting structure, Féro uses earth blocks, while insulation panels made of rice husks and rice flour provide energy-efficient cooling. With just six 400W solar panels, the system can effectively cool 55 tonnes of fruit or vegetables. The design combines West African building traditions with modern technology, resulting in an affordable and scalable solution for the Senegalese economy.

NETICS B.V. – ECO-BRIQUE, Morocco

ECO-BRIQUE, reviving traditional building techniques with the latest knowledge on sustainable construction of the future! ECO-BRIQUES are 100% circular bricks for building, repairing, insulating, and can be directly used by Eco-Dôme’s traditional housing. Instead of using primary materials, such as cement, sand and gravel, ECO-BRIQUE uses locally abundant materials to produce fully circular and high-performance bricks. These bricks form the basis for Eco-Dômes traditional dome-shaped houses suitable for different climatic conditions. In this project, the technical and economic feasibility of an ECO-BRIQUE production plant, specifically designed for Eco-Dôme, will be investigated by combining the latest advancements in building with waste streams (NETICS) with the large-scale restoration of Moroccan and African patrimony (Eco-Dôme).

Partners for Innovation B.V. - Char and energy production from Cocoa residues, Ivory Coast

The CharCaCo project aims to convert Cocoa Pod Husks (CPH) into energy and biochar, creating a win–win situation for the local economy and the environment in Côte d’Ivoire. CPH (seven times the volume of dried cocoa beans), is left to decompose in the field, generating significant emissions of methane (a potent greenhouse gas). CharCaCo is investigating the feasibility of producing biochar and energy from the CPH, generating farmer income through carbon credits and soil improvement through biochar in compost. The energy generated in the process can be used in local industrial processes, reducing the use of wood and fossil fuel, resulting in cost savings and climate benefits.

Meer weten? 

• Heeft u vragen over deze SBIR-competitie? Stuur dan een mail naar sbir@rvo.nl
• Deze oproep is nog onder de naam SBIR, maar valt onder Innovation Impact Challenge, de nieuwe naam voor SBIR.