Start SBIR Phase 2 - R&D Phase DrainUpGrader

The huge drainage network in Accra (Ghana) is in bad shape due to interruptions and blockages. This causes fatal floods with millions of euros in damage every year.

There is a lot of waste in the drains, resulting in stagnant polluted water. This entails health risks.

Renovation is traditionally done with concrete gutters. Concrete has a high CO2 footprint and is expensive, making renovation of the entire system prohibitively expensive.

Only small parts are tackled, skipping the most flood-prone areas with the most vulnerable people. The DrainUpGrader is an attachment for an excavator that makes a circular drainage gutter of compressed soil 10x cheaper and 20x faster.

We have entered Phase 2 of developing the DrainUpGrader: the Research & Development phase. The following is planned for Phase 2:

1. Developing the Driving Mould

2. Integration of key components

3. Recipe research

4. Field test with prototype in Accra

5. Developing and implementation of business plan

6. Technical documentation and manual

Each step will involve a circularity check:

1. Only use of primary resources from recycled sources.

2. Reuse components or recycle materials after product use.

3. Longer life span of products (by reuse and/or redistribution).

4. More intensive use of products.