Would you like to meet a persistent and passionate cleantech entrepreneur? We are pleased to introduce you to Nigerian microbiologist Olatunbosun Obayomi. For 20 years, he has been dedicated to converting waste into clean energy. Now, the time seems right to transform his visionary idea into a viable business.
A quick Google search for Olatunbosun will lead you to his 2010 TED Talk, where he demonstrates his plan to tackle Nigeria’s massive waste problem and simultaneously produce clean energy. He does this using biotanks. His innovative approach places him at the forefront of sustainable solutions.
Reflecting on his early challenges, Olatunbosun notes, “When I was studying, the internet was not as widespread, and there was less focus on climate change and sustainable entrepreneurship. Now, I can make videos and share them on Instagram and Facebook, reaching a much wider audience. Tomorrow, I could be talking to the President of America because of that. Yes, it’s possible.”
Discovering What Works
Throughout the years, Olatunbosun has remained steadfast. “You can say I made a lot of mistakes, but actually, I made a lot of discoveries. For example, I discovered that my initial ideas were not economically viable. Financial sustainability is crucial when working on sustainable innovations. The biotanks I envisioned would only be profitable for large industrial farms with 5,000 or 10,000 pigs, making them unsuitable for the nomadic farmers in Nigeria.
“So I pivoted to focus on wastewater management. Rather than just producing energy, I concentrated on the water aspect. By incorporating algae oxidation into the process, I could transform 100 liters of wastewater into 100 liters of clean water using natural, energy-free processes, unlike conventional wastewater management. Over the years, my concept evolved into its current form.”
From Cool Green Idea to Viable Business Idea with Climate Launchpad
“I really believe in the curriculum of Climate Launchpad. The program challenged me to test my ideas. Is it going to be profitable? Who is the target audience? Is it realistic? F The tools provided, like the Excel sheet for calculating economic viability and CO2 emissions, were invaluable,” says Olatunbosun.
“Now, I am ready to launch my business: BioApplications Initiative. I’m developing a prototype to test in abattoirs. Following this, I need a team to build an MVP and scale it up. I need engineers, financiers, and individuals with government connections. I am looking for people who will join me in making my dream a reality.”
Olatunbosun’s journey is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the transformative power of sustainable solutions. Through Climate Launchpad, his vision is set to make a significant impact on both the environment and society.
