From GreenCore to Geotto
One of the things no one tells you as an innovator is that your first idea will probably not become your first successful startup. I never expected to work in innovation, let alone a tech-centered business, especially as a former student of social sciences. So when I first met Dominic Kata, my now Co-founder at Geotto, I couldn’t have predicted how much my career would pivot. Dominic shared his ideas about renewable, sustainable energy and quickly explained, “Most people I work with are well-versed in the technical side, but we need someone like you who understands the non-technical side of business.” And just like that, I was hooked.
Starting a journey like this was exhilarating and slightly daunting since I had to learn everything as I went along. Back then, we were called GreenCore, and I found myself doing it all: social media management, HR, and just about any administrative task needed. Our team was full of fresh ideas and optimism, and we were fueled by the potential of making a long-term impact. But startups come with challenges, and one of our biggest issues was a lack of funding. Working tirelessly without pay started to wear on morale, and our abundance of ideas ended up being a hindrance. When there are too many cooks in the kitchen, the broth often suffers, and in our case, too many ideas meant nothing was getting fully developed.
Our turning point came when we decided to streamline our vision. Working with the Nakuru Triple Helix Platform was our first big opportunity to bring a real project to life. Students from Egerton University joined forces with students from Rift Valley Institute of Technology (RVIST) to design a geothermal-powered vegetables dryer in partnership with Tecsols Limited, Geothermal Development Company, Maastricht School of Management, and other partners. We were even able to showcase our prototype at an expo at RVIST, an incredibly exciting experience that made our hard work feel worthwhile. But like many startup projects, we hit roadblocks around shareholder disagreements and funding, which put the project on pause.
Fast forward to early 2023, when we partnered with iTATU, www.itatu.net, a government flagship initiative under the Ministry of Investments Trade and Industries that connects student innovators with industries in need of innovative solutions. The program was an eye-opener. We met students from all over the country, each with unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches. It was during this experience that we refined our current idea for Geotto: a geothermal-powered incubator equipped with IoT technology.
With Geotto, our goal is to revolutionize poultry farming by making hatching cheaper and improving outcomes for farmers. Our startup aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as reducing poverty, promoting food security, advancing gender equality, and fostering clean energy solutions. Through geothermal energy, we’re actively combating climate change by providing a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Our team, led by women, has been driven by a commitment to creating solutions that empower farmers, especially in rural areas, to improve their income and food security.
This journey has taught me invaluable lessons about startup life. First, it’s essential to pursue a cause you’re truly passionate about. Building a startup is not a quick win; it requires dedication, resilience, and consistency—even on the hardest days. Pursuing this dream has meant learning from each failure and growing through every obstacle. I've also learned that stepping outside your comfort zone is often where the best growth happens. Innovation has pushed me to expand my skills in areas like digital marketing, leadership, management, and customer retention.
Looking back, this journey from GreenCore to Geotto has been incredible. As we push forward, I’m thrilled by the possibilities ahead for Geotto and the role geothermal energy will play in transforming industries across Kenya and beyond.