WEF Nexus Innovations Database

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Modular Aquaponics Units

Modular Aquaponics Units
Scalable systems combining fish farming and hydroponics to produce food efficiently with minimal water
Relation to WEF Nexus:
water, energy, food
Technology Readiness Level:
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
Openness & Replicability:
Open-Source (High Replicability)
Type of funding:
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment
Application Area:
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Flood-prone areas
Application

Modular Aquaponics Units are integrated systems that combine aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soil-less plant cultivation) in a closed-loop setup. Fish waste provides nutrients for plants, and the plants, in turn, filter and clean the water for the fish.

 

These modular units are designed to be scalable, making them suitable for urban rooftops, schools, small farms, or community gardens. They require significantly less water than traditional agriculture and offer dual yields, vegetables and protein-rich fish.

 

By being modular, the systems can grow as needs expand. They also reduce dependency on external inputs, making them ideal for food-insecure or water-scarce areas looking to promote local, sustainable food production.

Relevant URLs & References
Performance of a small-scale modular aquaponic system
No items found.
Location
Piloted in urban and peri-urban settings in South Africa and Kenya, supported by food security and sustainable agriculture programs.
Hydrobox by Hydrobox Africa
Modular Micro-Hydropower Systems
Hydrobox by Hydrobox Africa
Modular Micro-Hydropower Systems
Prefabricated hydropower containers delivering clean electricity to off-grid communities using rivers and streams.
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Mountains, Rivers and lakes
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, NGO Donor, Venture Capital
Solar-Powered Water ATMs
Automated Clean Water Dispensers
Solar-Powered Water ATMs
Automated Clean Water Dispensers
Solar-powered water dispensing units offering clean, affordable drinking water in underserved areas
water, energy
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Coastal areas, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, NGO Donor
PowerHive
Solar Microgrid Solutions
PowerHive
Solar Microgrid Solutions
Solar-powered microgrids delivering clean, affordable energy to off-grid communities
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Flood-prone areas, Rural environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Venture capital, NGO Donor
Vertical Farming by AeroFarms
Aeroponic Urban Farming
Vertical Farming by AeroFarms
Aeroponic Urban Farming
Indoor vertical farms using aeroponics to grow crops efficiently in urban areas with minimal water
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Flood-prone areas, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Venture capital
Agroecological Farming
Ecology-Based Farming Systems
Agroecological Farming
Ecology-Based Farming Systems
Sustainable agricultural practices rooted in ecological principles for long-term productivity and resilience.
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Flood-prone areas, Rural environment, Mountains, Forests
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, crowdfunding
Water-Efficient Rice Cultivation
Low-Water Rice Farming
Water-Efficient Rice Cultivation
Low-Water Rice Farming
Techniques for growing rice with significantly reduced water use, suitable for arid or water-stressed areas
water, food
Drought-prone areas, Flood-prone areas, Rivers and lakes, Rural environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment
Urban Rooftop Gardens
City-Based Rooftop Farming
Urban Rooftop Gardens
City-Based Rooftop Farming
Rooftop-based urban farming systems that enhance food security and urban sustainability
water, energy, food
Coastal areas, Drought-prone areas, Urban environment, Flood-prone areas
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Crowdfunding
Edible Insect Farming
Sustainable Protein Production
Edible Insect Farming
Sustainable Protein Production
Farming insects to produce high-protein food and animal feed with low environmental impact
water, energy, food
Rural environment, Coastal areas, Drought-prone areas, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Venture Capital
Floating Gardens
Crops on Floating Rafts
Floating Gardens
Crops on Floating Rafts
Hydroponic systems on floating rafts that enable farming in flooded or waterlogged areas
water, food
Rural environment, Flood-prone areas, Rivers and lakes, Coastal areas
MEDIUM
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding
Hydroponic Container Farms
Mobile Soil-Free Farming
Hydroponic Container Farms
Mobile Soil-Free Farming
Portable farming units using hydroponics to grow vegetables efficiently in containerized environments
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Flood-prone areas
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Venture Capital
Portable Biogas Units
Mobile Waste-to-Energy Systems
Portable Biogas Units
Mobile Waste-to-Energy Systems
Compact biogas systems that convert organic waste into clean energy for cooking or electricity.
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Flood-prone areas
HIGH
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Crowdfunding
Biodegradable Mulch Films
Eco-Friendly Soil Covers
Biodegradable Mulch Films
Eco-Friendly Soil Covers
Mulch films made from biodegradable materials that enhance soil health and crop yields.
water, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Mountains
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Venture Capital
Solar-Powered Water Heaters
Solar Thermal Water Heating
Solar-Powered Water Heaters
Solar Thermal Water Heating
Systems that harness solar energy to heat water for domestic or institutional use
water, energy
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Mountains, Coastal Areas
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Crowdfunding
Modular Aquaponics Units
Scalable Fish-Veggie Systems
Modular Aquaponics Units
Scalable Fish-Veggie Systems
Scalable systems combining fish farming and hydroponics to produce food efficiently with minimal water
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Flood-prone areas
HIGH
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment
Rainwater Harvesting Storage Tanks
Rainwater Collection Tanks
Rainwater Harvesting Storage Tanks
Rainwater Collection Tanks
Storage tanks designed to collect and store rainwater for irrigation, domestic, or emergency use.
water, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Mountains, Coastal areas, Flood-prone areas
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding
Solar-Powered Food Processors
Solar Energy Food Processing
Solar-Powered Food Processors
Solar Energy Food Processing
Devices powered by solar energy used to process food; grinding, milling, or blending, especially in off-grid areas.
energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding, Private Investment
Portable Water Testing Kits
On-Site Water Testing
Portable Water Testing Kits
On-Site Water Testing
Compact and user-friendly kits for testing water quality and detecting contaminants in real-time.
water
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Coastal areas, Flood-prone aeas
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding
Off-Grid Refrigeration Units
Grid-Free Renewable Refrigeration
Off-Grid Refrigeration Units
Grid-Free Renewable Refrigeration
Refrigeration systems powered by renewable energy sources, suitable for areas without electricity access.
energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Coastal areas, Flood-prone aeas
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Venture Capital
Biodegradable Seed Pods
Plantable Compostable Seed Containers
Biodegradable Seed Pods
Plantable Compostable Seed Containers
Seed pods made from biodegradable materials that reduce waste and simplify planting.
water, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Mountains, Forests
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment
Low-Tech Water Purification Filters
Affordable DIY Water Filters
Low-Tech Water Purification Filters
Affordable DIY Water Filters
Simple, low-cost filtration systems using natural materials to remove water contaminants for safe drinking.
water
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Flood-prone areas
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding
Composting Toilets
Dry Waste-to-Compost Sanitation
Composting Toilets
Dry Waste-to-Compost Sanitation
Waterless toilets that transform human waste into compost through aerobic decomposition.
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment, Coastal aeas, Flood-prone areas
HIGH
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Smart Irrigation Systems
IoT-Driven Water Optimization
Smart Irrigation Systems
IoT-Driven Water Optimization
Irrigation systems using IoT sensors and AI algorithms to optimize water usage based on real-time conditions.
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Venture Capital, Grants
Waste-to-Energy Systems
Organic Waste Energy Conversion
Waste-to-Energy Systems
Organic Waste Energy Conversion
Systems that convert organic waste into renewable energy using processes like anaerobic digestion or gasification.
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Flood-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Venture Capital, Grants
Vertical Farming Systems
Indoor Stacked Crop Production
Vertical Farming Systems
Indoor Stacked Crop Production
Controlled-environment agriculture using stacked layers to grow crops vertically in urban or space-limited settings.
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Coastal areas, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Venture Capital, Grants
Bioenergy Crops
Crops for Renewable Energy
Bioenergy Crops
Crops for Renewable Energy
Cultivation of plant species for use in producing biofuels, electricity, and thermal energy.
water, energy, food
Mountains, Forests, Flood-prone areas, Drought-prone areas, Rural environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Venture Capital, Grants
Solar-Powered Cold Chain Logistics
Solar Refrigerated Transport Solutions
Solar-Powered Cold Chain Logistics
Solar Refrigerated Transport Solutions
Solar-powered logistics systems designed to maintain cold storage for perishable goods during transport and distribution.
energy, food
Coastal areas, Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Venture Capital, Grants
Solar-Powered Animal Tracking Systems
Solar GPS Animal Trackers
Solar-Powered Animal Tracking Systems
Solar GPS Animal Trackers
Tracking devices powered by solar energy to monitor livestock and wildlife for farming and conservation purposes.
energy, food
Mountains, Forests, Coastal areas, Drought-prone areas, Rural environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Telemetry Systems
Remote Solar Data Transmission
Solar-Powered Telemetry Systems
Remote Solar Data Transmission
Solar-powered systems for real-time transmission of environmental and agricultural data from remote sites.
water, energy, food
Mountains, Forests, Rivers and lakes, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Weather Stations
Solar Climate Monitoring Stations
Solar-Powered Weather Stations
Solar Climate Monitoring Stations
Weather monitoring systems powered by solar energy to support agriculture and climate resilience.
water, energy, food
Mountains, Flood-prone areas, Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Water Treatment Plants
Solar Water Treatment Facilities
Solar-Powered Water Treatment Plants
Solar Water Treatment Facilities
Water treatment systems powered by solar energy to purify wastewater and supply clean water to communities.
water, energy
Coastal areas, Flood-prone areas, Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Crop Harvesters
Solar-Powered Harvesting Machines
Solar-Powered Crop Harvesters
Solar-Powered Harvesting Machines
Harvesting equipment powered by solar energy, improving efficiency and sustainability in agricultural production.
food, energy
Flood-prone areas, Drought-prone areas, Rural environment
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 6 (Technology Demonstration in Relevant Environment)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Venture Capital, Grants
Solar-Powered Bee Monitoring Systems
Solar Smart Beekeeping Sensors
Solar-Powered Bee Monitoring Systems
Solar Smart Beekeeping Sensors
Solar-powered systems that monitor bee activity, temperature, humidity, and hive health in real-time to support sustainable apiculture.
food, energy
Mountains, Forests, Rural environment, Urban environment
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Water Storage Tanks
Solar-Controlled Water Storage
Solar-Powered Water Storage Tanks
Solar-Controlled Water Storage
Water tanks with solar-powered systems to regulate water levels, automate distribution, and support efficient water use.
food, water, energy
Flood-prone Areas, Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Solar Green Roofs
Solar-Energy Green Roofs
Solar Green Roofs
Solar-Energy Green Roofs
Roof systems combining photovoltaic panels with green spaces to produce energy and grow food while enhancing building efficiency.
food, water, energy
Flood-prone Areas, Urban environment
MEDIUM
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding, Private Investment
Solar-Powered Hydroponic Systems
Solar Soil-less Crop Farming
Solar-Powered Hydroponic Systems
Solar Soil-less Crop Farming
Hydroponic systems powered by solar energy, enabling sustainable, high-yield farming in resource-constrained areas.
food, water, energy
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment, Mountains
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding, Private Investment
Solar Pasteurizers
Solar Water/Milk Pasteurization
Solar Pasteurizers
Solar Water/Milk Pasteurization
Devices that use solar energy to pasteurize water and milk, ensuring safety and extending shelf life in off-grid settings.
food, water, energy
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone areas, Urban environment
MEDIUM
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding
Solar Water Heating Systems
Solar Domestic Water Heating
Solar Water Heating Systems
Solar Domestic Water Heating
Systems that harness solar energy to heat water for household, institutional, and agricultural applications.
food, water
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone areas, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding, Private Investment
Solar Drying Tents
Solar Produce Drying
Solar Drying Tents
Solar Produce Drying
Enclosed, solar-powered tents designed to dry agricultural products, improving preservation and reducing post-harvest losses.
energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone areas
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding, Private Investment
Solar Cooking Stoves
Clean Solar-Powered Cooking
Solar Cooking Stoves
Clean Solar-Powered Cooking
Stoves that harness solar energy to cook food, offering a clean, fuel-free alternative to traditional biomass stoves.
energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone areas, Urban environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding, Private sponsorship
Solar Distillation Units
Solar-Powered Water Distillation
Solar Distillation Units
Solar-Powered Water Distillation
Solar-powered devices that purify water through distillation, offering safe drinking water in low-resource environments.
energy, water
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone areas, Coastal areas
MEDIUM
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding
Solar-Powered Lighting Systems
Off-Grid Solar Lighting
Solar-Powered Lighting Systems
Off-Grid Solar Lighting
Lighting solutions powered by solar panels, enhancing safety, education, and productivity in energy-poor regions.
energy, water, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone areas, Urban environment
HIGH
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private sponsorship, Crowdfunding
Solar Refrigerators
Off-Grid Solar Cooling
Solar Refrigerators
Off-Grid Solar Cooling
Refrigerators powered by solar energy to preserve perishable food and medicines in remote and off-grid regions.
energy, water, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone areas, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private sponsorship, Venture Capital
Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems
Solar Automated Crop Irrigation
Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems
Solar Automated Crop Irrigation
Irrigation systems powered by solar energy that deliver water efficiently to crops, reducing reliance on fuel and labor.
energy, water, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone areas, Mountains
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private sponsorship, Private investment, Venture Capital
Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS)
Solar-Powered Water Purification
Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS)
Solar-Powered Water Purification
A low-cost method that uses solar radiation to disinfect drinking water in transparent bottles.
energy, water
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone areas, Urban environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private sponsorship
Mobile Solar Desalination Units
Portable Solar Water Desalination
Mobile Solar Desalination Units
Portable Solar Water Desalination
Compact, solar-powered units that purify seawater or brackish water to produce safe drinking water in remote or disaster-affected areas.
energy, water
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Coastal areas, Flood-prone areas
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Venture Capital
Solar-Powered Greenhouses
Climate-Controlled Solar Farming
Solar-Powered Greenhouses
Climate-Controlled Solar Farming
Greenhouses using solar energy to manage temperature, ventilation, and irrigation for improved crop yields year-round.
food, energy, water
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban Environment, Mountains
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Crowdfunding
Solar-Powered Grain Mills
Solar Grain Processing
Solar-Powered Grain Mills
Solar Grain Processing
Grain milling units powered by solar energy that reduce manual labor and improve food processing efficiency in rural areas.
food, energy
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Coastal areas, Urban Environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment
Solar-Powered Cold Storage
Off-Grid Solar Refrigeration
Solar-Powered Cold Storage
Off-Grid Solar Refrigeration
Solar-powered refrigeration units designed to preserve perishable goods in rural or off-grid areas, reducing food losses and improving supply chains.
food, energy, water
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Coastal areas, Urban Environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Venture Capital, Private Investment
Community Solar Kitchens
Solar-Powered Communal Cooking
Community Solar Kitchens
Solar-Powered Communal Cooking
Shared cooking facilities powered by solar energy, promoting clean cooking, social cohesion, and food security in underserved communities.
food, energy, water
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban Environment, Flood-prone areas
MEDIUM
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Venture Capital
Solar Dehydrators
Solar Food Preservation
Solar Dehydrators
Solar Food Preservation
Devices that harness solar energy to dry and preserve fruits, vegetables, and other food items in a low-cost, off-grid manner.
food, energy
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban Environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Venture Capital
Solar-Powered Water Pumps
Off-Grid Solar Pumping
Solar-Powered Water Pumps
Off-Grid Solar Pumping
Solar-powered pumps that extract groundwater or surface water for irrigation, livestock, and drinking water in remote or off-grid areas.
water, food, energy
Mountains, Flood-prone areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants, Venture Capital
Permaculture Design Principle
Nature-Inspired Farming Design
Permaculture Design Principle
Nature-Inspired Farming Design
A holistic land management approach that integrates food, water, and energy systems based on ecological principles.
water, food, energy
Mountains, Forests, Flood-prone areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban Environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants, Crowdfunding
Rainwater Harvesting System
Rooftop Water Collection System
Rainwater Harvesting System
Rooftop Water Collection System
A system for collecting and storing rainwater for use in irrigation, domestic supply, or groundwater recharge
water, food
Mountains, Flood-prone areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban Environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Beehives
Smart Solar Beehives
Solar-Powered Beehives
Smart Solar Beehives
Beehives equipped with solar-powered systems to maintain optimal hive conditions and monitor bee health.
energy, food
Mountains, Forests, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Agricultural Sensors
Solar-Powered Precision Sensors
Solar-Powered Agricultural Sensors
Solar-Powered Precision Sensors
Sensors using solar energy to monitor environmental and soil conditions, supporting data-driven precision agriculture.
water, energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Venture Capital, Grants
Solar-Powered Poultry Incubators
Solar Egg Incubators
Solar-Powered Poultry Incubators
Solar Egg Incubators
Solar-powered incubators that maintain optimal temperature and humidity to hatch poultry eggs in off-grid or low-resource areas.
energy, food
Flood-prone Areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment
MEDIUM
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants, Private sponsorship
Solar-Powered Fish Tanks
Solar Aquaculture Systems
Solar-Powered Fish Tanks
Solar Aquaculture Systems
Fish tanks using solar energy to power aeration, filtration, and temperature control, enabling sustainable aquaculture.
water, energy, food
Flood-prone Areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Rice Hullers
Solar-Powered Rice Processing
Solar-Powered Rice Hullers
Solar-Powered Rice Processing
Rice hulling machines powered by solar energy, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual labor in rural settings.
energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone Areas
MEDIUM
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Crop Dryers
Solar Crop Drying Units
Solar-Powered Crop Dryers
Solar Crop Drying Units
Solar-powered devices that dehydrate crops post-harvest, extending shelf life and reducing food waste.
energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Flood-prone Areas
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
Private sponsorship, NGO donor, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Milk Chillers
Solar Milk Cooling Units
Solar-Powered Milk Chillers
Solar Milk Cooling Units
Solar-powered devices that chill and preserve milk, reducing spoilage in off-grid dairy value chains.
energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Investment, Public Funding, Venture Capital, Grants
Solar-Powered Water Purification Tablets
Solar-Enhanced Purification Tablets
Solar-Powered Water Purification Tablets
Solar-Enhanced Purification Tablets
Tablets that use solar-activated compounds to accelerate water purification, providing safe drinking water in low-resource settings.
water, energy
Flood-prone areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
Private sponsorship, NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Telemedicine Units
Off-Grid Health Access
Solar-Powered Telemedicine Units
Off-Grid Health Access
Mobile, solar-powered units equipped with telemedicine tools to deliver remote healthcare services in underserved regions.
water, energy, food
Flood-prone areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
Private sponsorship, NGO donor, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Microgrids
Off-Grid Solar Electricity
Solar-Powered Microgrids
Off-Grid Solar Electricity
Decentralized solar energy systems that provide reliable electricity to communities without grid access.
water, energy, food
Flood-prone areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Venture Capital, Grants
Solar Water Purification Systems
Solar-Powered Water Purification
Solar Water Purification Systems
Solar-Powered Water Purification
Systems that use solar energy to purify water, providing safe and clean drinking water in off-grid and remote areas.
water, energy
Coastal Areas, Flood-prone areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment,
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants, Private Sponsorship, Crowdfunding
Hydropower Microgrid
Small-Scale Hydro Energy
Hydropower Microgrid
Small-Scale Hydro Energy
Decentralized hydropower systems integrated with microgrids to supply clean electricity and power water-related applications in rural areas.
water, energy, food
Mountains, Rivers and lakes, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment,
MEDIUM
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Drip Irrigation System
Precision Watering Technique
Drip Irrigation System
Precision Watering Technique
A water-efficient irrigation system that delivers moisture directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.
water, energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban Environment, Mountains
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Aquaponics System
Fish–Plant Growing Ecosystem
Aquaponics System
Fish–Plant Growing Ecosystem
A closed-loop farming system that integrates aquaculture and hydroponics, using fish waste to nourish plants and plants to purify water.
water, energy, food
Coastal Areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban Environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Public Funding, Grants
Gravity-Based Water Distribution System
Slope-Driven Irrigation Network
Gravity-Based Water Distribution System
Slope-Driven Irrigation Network
A pump-free irrigation method using gravity and terrain slope to distribute water efficiently across farmland.
water, food
Mountains, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Biochar Soil Amendment
Carbon-Enriched Soil Booster
Biochar Soil Amendment
Carbon-Enriched Soil Booster
A soil enhancement method using biochar to improve water retention, nutrient availability, and long-term soil health.
water, energy, food
Forests, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Wind-Powered Irrigation Pump
Wind-Driven Water Pump
Wind-Powered Irrigation Pump
Wind-Driven Water Pump
A renewable-energy irrigation system that uses wind turbines to pump groundwater or surface water for agricultural use.
water, energy, food
Flood-prone areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment
MEDIUM
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Biogas-Powered Refrigeration System
Off-Grid Biogas Cooling
Biogas-Powered Refrigeration System
Off-Grid Biogas Cooling
A refrigeration unit powered by biogas generated from organic waste, offering sustainable cold storage for food in remote areas.
water, energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment
MEDIUM
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Hydroponic Farming System
Soil-Less Crop Production
Hydroponic Farming System
Soil-Less Crop Production
A water-efficient, nutrient-rich farming system that grows crops without soil, ideal for urban and resource-scarce areas.
water, energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Mobile Solar Water Purification Unit
Portable Solar Water Purifier
Mobile Solar Water Purification Unit
Portable Solar Water Purifier
A mobile, solar-powered unit that purifies contaminated water to produce safe drinking water in off-grid and remote locations.
water, energy
Coastal Areas, Flood-prone areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Solar-Powered Desalination Plant
Off-Grid Solar Desalination
Solar-Powered Desalination Plant
Off-Grid Solar Desalination
A solar-powered system that converts seawater or brackish water into clean drinking water without reliance on grid electricity.
water, energy
Coastal Areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Fog Harvesting Net
Water-from-Fog Collection Nets
Fog Harvesting Net
Water-from-Fog Collection Nets
A do-it-yourself biogas plant for households, using basic plumbing materials to convert organic waste into clean energy and fertilizer.
water, food
Mountains, Coastal Areas, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural Environment
MEDIUM
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants
Household Biogas Plant
DIY Home Biogas System
Household Biogas Plant
DIY Home Biogas System
A do-it-yourself biogas plant for households, using basic plumbing materials to convert organic waste into clean energy and fertilizer.
water, energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
Private Sponsorship, NGO donor, Crowdfunding, Public Funding
Barsha Pump
River-Powered Irrigation Pump
Barsha Pump
River-Powered Irrigation Pump
A water wheel-driven pump that irrigates farmland using the kinetic energy of rivers or canals; no fuel or electricity required.
water, energy, food
Rivers And Lakes, Drought-Prone Areas, Rural environment,
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
NGO donor, Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Grants
ACE 1
Solar-Biomass Hybrid Stove
ACE 1
Solar-Biomass Hybrid Stove
A clean cooking and energy access solution combining solar and biomass energy through battery-powered air ventilation and electricity generation.
energy, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural environment, Urban Environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Private Investment, Crowdfunding, Grants
Zero Emission Fridge for Rural Africa (ZEFRA)
Passive Seed Storage Silo
Zero Emission Fridge for Rural Africa (ZEFRA)
Passive Seed Storage Silo
A zero-emission seed storage silo made from local materials that reduces post-harvest losses and enhances food security for rural farmers.
water, food
Drought-Prone Areas, Rural environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO Donor, Public Funding, Grants
Remote Monitoring of Fish Farming
Low-Cost Water Monitoring Buoy
Remote Monitoring of Fish Farming
Low-Cost Water Monitoring Buoy
A floating, low-cost buoy prototype designed to remotely monitor water quality parameters in aquaculture systems.
energy, food
Rivers and Lakes, Flood-Prone Areas, Rural environment
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 6 (Technology Demonstration in Relevant Environment)
Private Investment, Public Funding, Grants
Open Source Biodigester (Locally Sourced Materials)
Low-Cost Local Biodigester
Open Source Biodigester (Locally Sourced Materials)
Low-Cost Local Biodigester
A small-scale biodigester constructed with locally available materials for decentralized biogas production.
energy, water, food
Drought-prone areas, rural environment, urban environment
HIGH
Public Domain (High Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Crowdfunding, Public Funding
Open Source Biodigester
DIY Small-Scale Biodigester
Open Source Biodigester
DIY Small-Scale Biodigester
An open-source, small-scale biodigester design using PVC components and FreeCAD models for easy replication.
energy, water, food
Drought-prone areas, rural environment, urban environment
MEDIUM
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
Private sponsorship, NGO donor, Crowdfunding
iWEF 1.0
Geospatial WEF Nexus Tool
iWEF 1.0
Geospatial WEF Nexus Tool
A web-based geospatial platform for integrated analysis and planning across water, energy, and food systems.
energy, water, food
Rivers and lakes, Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 6 (Technology Demonstration in Relevant Environment)
NGO donor, Public Funding, Grants
Wind-Powered Water Pumps
Wind energy to pump water for irrigation and drinking
Wind-Powered Water Pumps
Wind energy to pump water for irrigation and drinking
Utilizing wind energy to pump water for irrigation and drinking purposes in remote areas
energy, water
Rural environment
MEDIUM
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
Grants, NGO donor
Solar-Powered Internet Hubs
Internet access points powered by solar energy
Solar-Powered Internet Hubs
Internet access points powered by solar energy
Internet access points powered by solar energy, providing connectivity in remote areas.
energy,
Rural environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
Private Investment, Grants
Solar-Powered Ice Makers
Use of solar energy to produce ice
Solar-Powered Ice Makers
Use of solar energy to produce ice
Devices that use solar energy to produce ice, important for food preservation and medical purposes.
energy, food
Rural environment
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment
Solar fish-drying technology
Devices using solar energy to dry fish
Solar fish-drying technology
Devices using solar energy to dry fish
Devices using solar energy to dry fish, preserving it for longer periods
energy, food
Rural environment, Coastal Areas
MEDIUM
Open-Source (High Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
NGO donor, Crowdfunding
Solar-Powered Water Purification Backpacks
Portable water purification
Solar-Powered Water Purification Backpacks
Portable water purification
Solar-powered backpacks that purify water on the go.
energy, water
Rural environment, Urban environment
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 4 (Technology Validation in Lab)
NGO donor, Private Investment
Berkeley-Darfur Stove
Biomass cookstove
Berkeley-Darfur Stove
Biomass cookstove
A low-cost biomass cookstove, co-designed with UC Berkeley and displaced women in Darfur, uses 66% less fuel and cuts smoke emissions by 77%.
energy, food
Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Private Investment
AIDFI Hydraulic Ram Pump
Lifting water to high elevations
AIDFI Hydraulic Ram Pump
Lifting water to high elevations
A hydro-powered ram pump that lifts water to higher elevations, providing sustainable access for upland communities.
energy, water
Mountains, Forests, Rivers And Lakes, Rural environment
MEDIUM
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
Private Investment
Scheffler solar cooking
Scheffler type solar concentrators
Scheffler solar cooking
Scheffler type solar concentrators
Application of Scheffler type solar concentrators to cooking systems of different scale
energy, food
Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Grants
Rocketworks Stove
Multi-fuel gasifying cookstove
Rocketworks Stove
Multi-fuel gasifying cookstove
A stainless steel insulated cookstove with a convection air duct that burns both fuel and smoke.
energy, food
Rural environment, Urban environment,
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Private Investment
Microalgae Cultivation for Biofuel
Microalgae as a source of biofuel
Microalgae Cultivation for Biofuel
Microalgae as a source of biofuel
Cultivating microalgae as a source of biofuel, providing a renewable energy source and utilizing CO2 emissions
energy, food
Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 7 (System Prototype Demonstrated)
Private Investment, Grants
Hybrid Solar-Wind Energy Systems
Combining solar and wind energy
Hybrid Solar-Wind Energy Systems
Combining solar and wind energy
Combining solar and wind energy to provide a reliable and consistent power supply for remote communities
energy,
Rural environment, Coastal Areas
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Private Investment, Grants
AgroSolar Irrigation
Solar-powered irrigation systems
AgroSolar Irrigation
Solar-powered irrigation systems
Solar-powered irrigation systems that provide water to crops while simultaneously generating electricity
energy, food, water
Rural environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
Private Investment
SunCulture RainMaker
Solar-powered irrigation system.
SunCulture RainMaker
Solar-powered irrigation system.
Solar-powered irrigation system designed for smallholder farmers to enhance crop yields and conserve water.
energy, food, water
Rural environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment
HydraLoop
Recycling of greywater for reuse.
HydraLoop
Recycling of greywater for reuse.
A system that recycles greywater for reuse in households, reducing water consumption and waste.
water
Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Private Investment
Groasis Waterboxx
Collects and stores dew and rainwater
Groasis Waterboxx
Collects and stores dew and rainwater
A device that collects and stores dew and rainwater to irrigate plants in arid environments.
food, water
Rural environment, Urban environment, Drought-Prone Areas
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Grants
CoolBot
Build your own walk-in cooler
CoolBot
Build your own walk-in cooler
A device that converts a standard air conditioner into a low-cost walk-in cooler for preserving food
energy, food
Rural environment, Urban environment, Mountains, Forests, Rivers And Lakes, Coastal Areas, Flood-Prone Areas, Drought-Prone Areas
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
NGO donor, Private Investment
Aquion Energy Batteries
Saltwater batteries
Aquion Energy Batteries
Saltwater batteries
Saltwater batteries designed for long-duration energy storage, safe and environmentally friendly
energy
Rural environment, Urban environment
HIGH
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
TRL 8 (System Complete and Qualified)
Grants, Private Investment
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TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
HIGH
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Mountains, Rivers and lakes
Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, NGO Donor, Venture Capital
Hydrobox by Hydrobox Africa
Modular Micro-Hydropower Systems
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
HIGH
water, energy
Drought-prone areas, Rural environment, Coastal areas, Urban environment
Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, NGO Donor
Solar-Powered Water ATMs
Automated Clean Water Dispensers
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
HIGH
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Flood-prone areas, Rural environment
Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Venture capital, NGO Donor
PowerHive
Solar Microgrid Solutions
TRL 9 (Actual System Proven)
Proprietary (Medium Replicability)
HIGH
water, energy, food
Drought-prone areas, Flood-prone areas, Urban environment
Public Funding, Grants, Private Investment, Venture capital
Vertical Farming by AeroFarms
Aeroponic Urban Farming