James Steere's i-Drop Water wins award

South African entrepreneur James Steere's groundbreaking water purifying business, i-Drop Water, has been making waves on the global stage. Steere recently clinched the bronze award and $50,000 at the prestigious Chivas Regal The Venture final held in Los Angeles, solidifying his commitment to providing affordable and safe drinking water to communities in need. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Steere shared insights into his innovative business model and future plans for expansion. i-Drop Water aims to revolutionize the drinking water industry by making clean water accessible and affordable to everyone, bridging the gap between municipal water and expensive bottled water. The company utilizes cutting-edge nanotech filters imported from the United States to purify water from various sources, allowing consumers to refill their own containers at grocery stores at an affordable price of one rand per liter in South Africa. This innovative approach not only reduces plastic waste but also fosters economic growth by sharing revenue with store owners. Steere's journey to success started with a pitch competition in South Africa, followed by an accelerator week at Oxford University and culminating in the glitzy finale in Los Angeles, where industry heavyweights like Halle Berry, Javier Bardem, and Don Cheadle were in attendance. The competition, focused on social entrepreneurship, featured finalists from 30 countries with groundbreaking ideas aimed at creating a positive impact on society. Notably, Steere's i-Drop Water was among the final 10 contenders from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, showcasing the innovative spirit emanating from the African continent. With plans to expand beyond South Africa, i-Drop Water has already established operations in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Ghana, with a keen focus on delivering high-quality water solutions to regions facing water scarcity and contamination challenges. The proprietary technology utilized by i-Drop Water, including patented filters and machine design, sets the company apart and ensures its competitive edge in the market. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the company is exploring solar-powered options to reach remote areas in need of clean water. The recent cash infusion from the Chivas Regal The Venture competition will further fuel i-Drop Water's expansion efforts and enable the company to scale its impactful water purification solution to regions globally. Steere's vision to transform the drinking water landscape in Africa and beyond is not only commendable but also underscores the potential for social entrepreneurship to drive positive change and create a sustainable future for all.