BioLite

The challenge

Half the planet cooks on smoky indoor fires, endangering the lives of the poor and the environment. Each year, 4.3 million die from inhaling indoor air pollution, adding up to more deaths than from malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS combined. The vast majority of poor households that rely on inefficient cookstoves and traditional sources of energy also end up spending a significant proportion of their income on fuel.

The innovation

BioLite’s low-cost biomass HomeStove creates a highly efficient fire that not only drastically reduces carbon emissions but also generates electricity, providing users in the poorest, most unconnected parts of the world. The stove lessens smoke-related illnesses, reduces income spent on fuel consumption, and improves access to electricity. The HomeStove is the world’s first biomass stove that creates a smokeless cooking experience independent of an external source of energy.

The impact

The HomeStove generates 2W of electricity and saves families up to $200 annually, while creating 94% less smoke and 91% less carbon monoxide than regular cookstoves. BioLite will continue to expand its operations serving customers in India, Ghana, and Uganda in the coming years.