Organic waste, also known as biodegradable waste, are essential compound. Examples of organic waste include leftover food, food byproducts such as eggshells and coffee grounds, flowers, and leaves, among others.
This waste should be treated to reduce landfill usage. This is important because organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. That traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. Instead, it can be transformed into nutrient-rich soil, providing essential nutrients for plant growth. This helps improve soil quality and fertility, promoting sustainable farming practices.
Overall, treating organic waste is a win-win solution, benefiting both the environment and agriculture.
Biosalleh is one of the three winners that are currently under incubation phase 2 of the DAWERR Innovation Challenge 2023 funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Berytech.
Biosalleh came up with an innovative idea to handle organic waste in a cost-efficient way.
We sat down for an interview with the three founders behind the startup: Sara Sleem, Mohamed Kobrosly, and Khoren Aintablian.
Q: Can you tell us about yourselves and how you came up with the idea for your startup?
A: We are a diverse team with various backgrounds. Sara is a Civil and Environmental Engineer, Mohamed is a Dental Specialist and a Technical Expert, and Khoren is a Supply Chain Manager and an Architect.
Our varied expertise has been instrumental in the success of Biosalleh. We started this project driven by our shared passion for exploring innovative solutions. We noticed that there is a pressing need to tackle the challenges of organic waste, which often go unnoticed. There is a significant amount of leftover food going to waste, and we were determined not to discard it. This drove the creation of Biosalleh was created to simplify organic waste management; making it easy to sort and maximize the value of organic waste.
We began our journey with the belief that efficient sorting of organic waste is key to transforming it into a valuable resource. With expertise and determination, we developed a solution that streamlines organic waste sorting for both individuals and businesses aiming to efficiently collect biodegradable waste and promote eco-friendly waste management.
Q: What are some of the challenges that you’ve faced and how did you overcome them?
A: The main challenge that we faced was dealing with the complexity of organic waste which is often intimidating due to its intricacy. Thanks to the support and guidance from the experts and the Berytech team, we were able to find the right solution for our startup.
Q: Why did you decide to apply to the USAID DAWERR Innovation Challenge?
A: We had the idea for our startup, but we didn’t know how to turn it into a viable product. Through the USAID support and guidance, we transformed our idea into a tangible offering. We must admit that the DAWERR Innovation Challenge played a pivotal role in shaping our concept and introducing us to the business world. Every workshop is an invaluable learning opportunity. Although, at times the program requirements proved to be very challenging, we remained committed to our goals and eventually, our dedication to the program resulted in the swift transition from an idea to a functional prototype.
Q: What’s the value of such programs for the Lebanese entrepreneurs?
A: We can’t even overstate the importance of these types of programs for the Lebanese startup ecosystem. They offer hope to aspiring entrepreneurs who come from diverse backgrounds, equipping them with essential business knowledge and tools to assist them in entering the market. These programs foster innovation and contribute tremendously to Lebanese economic growth.
Q: What’s next for Biosalleh?
A: Our vision is to lead the way in organic waste management, making a significant impact on the environment. To achieve this, our immediate focus is on developing the project and further integrating it within our cities. We plan to extend our reach to other regions, aiming to foster a more sustainable and waste-conscious approach to food management.
Q: Any word of advice for entrepreneurs in your industry?
A: Our advice for those considering a venture in the waste management sector is this: Understand that waste management is vital for our daily lives and the planet. There’s ample room for everyone to enter this field and play a role in promoting sustainable practices, addressing a crucial societal need.
