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Climate Adaptation & Low-Carbon Housing Challenge

Omiflo

Omiflo combats severe wastewater pollution using energy and chemical-free systems that convert wastewater to clean water using natural plant-based biotechnology.

Team Leader
Mshila Sio
Omiflo combats severe wastewater pollution using energy and chemical-free systems that convert wastewater to clean water using natural plant-based biotechnology.

The Problem

Omiflo is tackling the severe lack of sewage treatment infrastructure in developing nations. Over 90% of the wastewater is discharged entirely untreated. As a result, almost 2 billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces and about 80% of illnesses are linked to inadequate water and sanitation.

The Solution

The Omiflo system is a plant-based biotechnology system that combines phytoremediation and hydroponics principles to recycle wastewater more effectively and sustainably than conventional technologies. The innovation uses no energy or chemicals, eliminates smells entirely, and provides high effectiveness in a significantly smaller footprint than open ponds or constructed wetlands. The system is self-sustaining with no moving parts, making it robust and sustainable. Omiflo delivers the effectiveness of electro-mechanical systems without their entry and operational barriers. Omiflo reduces the need for costly infrastructure or technical expertise usually required to benefit from wastewater treatment.

Stats

Omiflo's 42 operational installations serve approximately 22,000 beneficiaries.

What is the name of your organization?
Omiflo
What is the name of your solution?
Omiflo
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Omiflo combats severe wastewater pollution using energy and chemical-free systems that convert wastewater to clean water using natural plant-based biotechnology.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Nairobi
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
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What type of organization is your solution team?
For-Profit
Film your elevator pitch.
—
What specific problem are you solving?
Omiflo is tackling the severe lack of sewage treatment infrastructure in developing nations. Over 90% of the wastewater is discharged entirely untreated. As a result, almost 2 billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces and about 80% of illnesses are linked to inadequate water and sanitation.
What is your solution?
The Omiflo system is a plant-based biotechnology system that combines phytoremediation and hydroponics principles to recycle wastewater more effectively and sustainably than conventional technologies. The innovation uses no energy or chemicals, eliminates smells entirely, and provides high effectiveness in a significantly smaller footprint than open ponds or constructed wetlands. The system is self-sustaining with no moving parts, making it robust and sustainable. Omiflo delivers the effectiveness of electro-mechanical systems without their entry and operational barriers. Omiflo reduces the need for costly infrastructure or technical expertise usually required to benefit from wastewater treatment.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Our beneficiaries are urban/peri-urban residents relying on on-site sanitation, and our direct target market is the exhauster truck operators serving them. We provide these operators with affordable, conveniently located treatment sites. Currently, transport and dumping account for 79% of operators' costs. Our sites reduce round-trip travel from 3 hours to just 30 minutes, drastically cutting fuel and maintenance expenses. This boosts operator profits and eliminates the temptation of illegal dumping. For municipalities and communities, our scalable solution ensures compliant waste disposal, improved water quality, and better public health. For funders, we offer a financially sustainable, high-impact investment built entirely with local plants and labor. By transforming the sanitation supply chain, we lower costs for end-users, empower marginalised truck drivers through training, and deliver a highly profitable, nature-based infrastructure solution.

Organization Type:
For-Profit

Headquarters:
Nairobi, Kenya

Stage:
Growth

Working In:
Kenya

Solution Website:
www.omiflo.com

Solution Team:
Mshila Sio
Mshila Sio
Co-Founder CEO