Kulu Eco-Services - Savant Technology Incubator

Investing in Impact

P4G has awarded the partnership with US $378,733 in grant funding. 

The Kulu Eco-Services - Savant Technology Incubator partnership aims to drive sustainability within South Africa's waste management and bio-energy sector. Kulu Eco-Services offers innovative solutions that seek to reduce reliance on traditional waste management methods by utilizing technologies to process and purify waste streams making them suitable for renewable bioenergy. Its Smart Waste Conversion Hubs are the first point of contact processing facilities, aiming to reduce the logistical costs and disposal fees for waste generators and waste companies. It also earns carbon credits by diverting organic and liquid waste from landfills. 

The partnership seeks to address a significant environmental challenge in South Africa where a staggering 122 million tons of waste is generated annually, with only 10% recycled. Existing solutions like composting have limitations, particularly for complex waste streams. Furthermore, with increasing government pressure to divert organic waste from landfills, new solutions are becoming essential. 

Kulu Eco-Services employs an advanced separation and beneficiation system to convert organic waste from waste, water, energy and agricultural sectors into valuable products like biofuels and biogas, alongside other renewable resources. Its innovative waste processing technologies not only provide environmental benefits but also offer economic advantages. 

Kulu Eco-Services has led advancements in waste stream separation for renewable fuel and energy generation, with ongoing intellectual property and patent developments. These include efficient dewatering, solid separation and oil reclamation from challenging wastes such as grease trap waste and Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) waste; development of extraction facilities tailored for complex waste streams; and downstream integrated co-located biofuel and biogas facilities. 

Kulu Eco-Services has two core business models: decentralized waste processing facilities and tailored waste management solutions. 

With established partnerships involving waste generators, distributors and research institutions, Kulu Eco-Services is well-positioned to address the growing demand for organic waste diversion. The market is projected to divert 5 million tons of organic waste from landfills by 2027, driven by increasing environmental regulations and concerns. 

Over the grant period, the partnership seeks to enhance its Hub functionality and safety by developing improved training manuals and standard operating procedures; implement a digital platform to reduce landfill waste and enhance waste processing; and utilize investment readiness strategies to expand operations. 

Savant will provide essential support and guidance to Kulu Eco-Services, facilitating effective strategies and solutions to advance the partnership’s sustainability objectives and maximize its impact. 

Marketdoor will assist with go-to-market strategies and geographical expansion, helping Kulu Eco-Services scale effectively. 

The partnership comprises the following partners: Kulu Eco-Services (lead business partner); Savant Technology Incubator (lead administrative partner); Marketdoor (capacity building partner).