Revolutionizing River-Powered Irrigation
A fully water-driven, zero-energy irrigation system designed for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Rivopump
Irrigation. Solved.
Runs entirely on river flow. No fuel, no electricity, no bills — ever.
Made from recycled materials. Built to last with almost no maintenance needed.
Water your fields year-round and grow three times more crops than before.
Powered Entirely by Flowing Water
No diesel. No solar panels. No energy bills — ever.
CO₂-Neutral by Design
Zero emissions. A long-lasting, climate-positive alternative to diesel pumps.
Built From Recycled Plastic Lumber
60% recycled plastic structure: high durability, zero corrosion, circular-economy positive.
Zero-Maintenance Design
Simple mechanics, minimal moving parts, easy repairs with local skills.
Affordable for Smallholder Farmers
Low CapEx, zero OpEx. Designed specifically for rural communities and cooperatives.
Modular Output (10,000 – 30,000 L/day)
Farmers can attach 1–3 hose reels and adjust wheel depth to match local river conditions.
The Market Opportunity
Addressing a $2.6B irrigation market gap in Sub-Saharan Africa with a scalable, sustainable solution.
The Challenge for Smallholder Farmers
In Sub-Saharan Africa, where over 70% of the population relies on small farms under 2 hectares, worsening climate volatility is making rain-fed agriculture increasingly unreliable and pushing families into deeper financial strain.
Irregular Rainfall & Extended Droughts
Traditional planting calendars no longer work, crops wilt before harvest.
High Fuel Costs & Frequent Breakdowns
Diesel prices consume up to 40% of farm income, remote locations lack repair services.
Low-Value Crops & Market Saturation
Limited to maize and beans, everyone harvests at once flooding markets.
The Cost of Traditional Diesel Pumps
Current irrigation solutions create a recurring cost burden and environmental liability, limiting farmer profitability and scalability.
~€1,013 annual operating cost
Fuel prices continue rising with market volatility, eroding margins.
1,730 kg CO₂ emissions per hectare
Significant environmental liability limiting ESG investment opportunities.
Supply chain dependency & downtime risk
Vulnerable to fuel shortages, frequent repairs impact yield potential.
The Rivopump Advantage
A proprietary water-powered irrigation system that eliminates operating costs and emissions while maximizing farmer profitability and ROI.
€0 operating costs, 2-year payback period
One-time investment delivers immediate and perpetual cost savings.
100% carbon-neutral, ESG-aligned
Attracts sustainable investment and carbon credit opportunities.
Energy-independent, minimal maintenance
High uptime reliability maximizes crop yields and revenue potential.
Economic, Environmental & Market Impact
Proven unit economics, scalable business model, and massive addressable market create sustainable value
Economic Returns
Annual cost savings per farmer vs. diesel (operational costs eliminated)
Doubling of net income through elimination of fuel dependency
Customer Lifetime Value over 5-year contract period
Environmental Value
CO₂ emissions saved annually per Rivopump (creates carbon credit opportunities)
Carbon-neutral operation unlocks ESG investment and sustainable financing
Minimal maintenance and no fuel disposal, reducing environmental liability
Market Impact
Addressable farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa near rivers (SAM)
5-year target deployment at 5% market penetration (SOM)
Shared ownership model multiplies market penetration efficiency
Paid Pilot Projects
4
Rivopumps Installed
Our first pilot projects are already underway: one at a family farm, one at a fish farm, and two with an NGO that trains people in sustainable agriculture. Through these projects, we have already extracted over 3.8 million liters of water.
"Before Rivopump, I spent too much money on diesel for irrigation. Now the river powers my farm for free. I can water my crops whenever I need, even when the rains fail."
More Achievements
Key accomplishments driving our mission forward
Manufacturing Center
We have established our own manufacturing center, allowing us to scale production and maintain full control over quality and innovation.
Key Partnerships
We have built strategic partnerships with NGOs and agribusinesses that support our mission and expand our reach.
Competitions & Awards
Through competition wins, the NRW Start-up Grant, a successful crowdfunding campaign, and achieving a top-22 position out of 15,000 start-ups in the prestigious Hult Prize, we have already secured €59,000 in funding.
