Engr. Prince Nwankwo wins the “Inventors Award of the year 2022 in Nigeria” with his innovation: Prince Tech Multipurpose Solar-powered Moveable Booth (with Voice or Mobile Phone Appliances Control System)
Award Recognition: This innovative energy solution earned the prestigious “Inventors Award of the Year 2022 in Nigeria” at the National Innovation Workshop and Exhibition held in Nigeria. About the Event: The National Innovation Workshop (Exhibition) 2022 was organized by the Senate Committee on Science and Technology to connect innovators, inventors, and research/development stakeholders across Nigeria. The aim was to address the nation’s socioeconomic challenges through science, technology, and innovation. Chairperson: Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN, GCON), Vice President of Nigeria (represented by Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, Honourable Minister of State for Science, Technology, and Innovation). Theme: Promotion of Local Inventors of Science, Technology, and Innovation. Venue: International Convention Centre (ICC), Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. Date: Friday 25th and Saturday 26th November 2022. Convener: Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
A. Short Description of the Invention:
The “Prince Tech Multipurpose Solar-powered Moveable Booth (with Voice or Mobile Phone Appliances Control System)” is an approach to provide an off-grid solar energy solution to artisans and small business owners in Nigeria (Africa). It is a mini-grid solar energy station that converts solar energy to electrical energy to serve artisans and small business owners who require a steady, affordable, and cleaner energy supply to run their businesses. All the home appliances (electric Fan, Television, Refrigerator, etc) integrated with the booth, including electric bulbs, are controlled wirelessly either by issuing the corresponding voice command or by clicking the corresponding icon on an Application (App) running on a Mobile Phone.
B. Detailed Description:
Africa, often referred to as the “Sun Continent,” receives more than enough solar radiation to satisfy its energy needs. However, this potential remains largely untapped. In Nigeria, inconsistent electricity supply impedes entrepreneurship, health, and productivity. The Prince Tech Solar-Powered Moveable Booth offers a localized, off-grid solution.
Developed under the Prince Technology and Community Development Foundation, a registered Nigerian NGO, the booth is designed to:
- Offer reliable, clean energy to rural and underserved communities.
- Replace dangerous, polluting fossil fuel generators.
- Increase productivity and reduce operating costs for small businesses.
Features include:
- A mobile booth constructed from durable aluminum profiles and composite panel sheets.
- Size variations ranging from 3 feet × 6 feet to 10 feet × 10 feet, depending on the choice of the customer.
- Rooftop solar panels that harvest solar energy.
- Charge controller and 2kVA to 5kVA inverter.
- Deep-cycle batteries for energy storage.
- AC output of 220V/240V to power standard appliances.
- Wireless appliance control via voice or a mobile phone app.
The multipurpose solar-powered movable booth provides artisans and small business owners with a steady, reliable, affordable, clean, and environmentally friendly energy supply to power their businesses and maximize profits, while also protecting the immediate environment.
C. Integration of Smart Control Systems:
The booth features a smart automation system that enables wireless control of appliances. This is especially beneficial for:
- Elderly and physically challenged individuals who may struggle with manual switches.
- Enhancing safety by reducing the risk of electrical shock.
- Promoting digital inclusion through advanced mobile phone usage beyond calls and texting.
D. Problem Statement:
In Nigeria:
- Small-scale businesses are stifled by the high cost of energy.
- Artisans and small-scale businesses spend over N15, 000 (USD$10) on fossil fuels.
- Power outages cause economic losses, business closures, and increased unemployment.
- Fossil fuels contribute heavily to environmental degradation and health risks.
- Economic Impact: 25% rise in goods/services cost due to generator reliance.
- Social Impact: There is a gradual loss of patronage, as many people are unable to charge their electronic devices or power their businesses. This results in multiple losses and, eventually, the closure of businesses. The end result is massive job losses and increased hardship across the country.
- Environmental Impact: Fossil fuels are the primary source of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to global warming, acid rain, climate change, and the depletion of the ozone layer. Nigeria recorded over 10,000 deaths from generator fumes between 2008 and 2014 (Vanguard, August 2014). The estimated annual expenditure on generator fuel is $14 billion (African Development Bank).
E. The Intervention:
This innovation is a targeted response to the triple challenge of economic underperformance, social exclusion, and environmental harm. It aims to:
- Promote renewable energy access.
- Encourage rural electrification.
- Provide energy independence to micro and small-scale businesses.
F. Target Clients:
This innovation serves the following sectors:
- Battery charging (phones, laptops, vehicle batteries).
- Rural clinics (vaccine and drug refrigeration).
- POS and financial service outlets.
- Barber and beauty salons.
- Business centres (WAEC/JAMB registration, printing).
- Electronics repair workshops.
- Fruit juice and fast food stalls.
- Instant passport photo services.
- Mini shops (cold drinks, snacks).
- Entertainment and media vendors.
G. Primary Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed by the Project
SDG 1 – No Poverty
- Provides income-generating infrastructure to artisans and micro-business owners.
- Reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for fossil fuels.
- Enables self-sustaining livelihoods in underserved and rural communities.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
- Offers decentralized, off-grid, clean energy solutions powered by solar.
- Promotes the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
- Enhances energy access in areas without grid connectivity.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Empowers small-scale entrepreneurs and boosts local employment.
- Facilitates productive use of energy for barbers, POS operators, and vendors.
- Promotes sustainable economic activities at the grassroots level.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Integrates IoT and mobile-based smart control systems.
- Fosters local innovation tailored to the socio-economic context of Nigeria.
- Supports mobile infrastructure development for off-grid solutions.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Promotes inclusive access to sustainable energy for all.
- Enhances urban and rural resilience through mobile, modular infrastructure.
- Supports essential services like mobile shops, and ICT hubs.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generators.
- Encourages climate-smart energy solutions across underserved regions.
- Supports Nigeria’s and Africa’s broader climate adaptation and mitigation goals.
H. Unique Value Proposition:
Unlike conventional generator solutions, this system:
- Eliminates the need for fuel.
- Reduces carbon emissions.
- Provides reliable and steady power.
- Supports health and environmental safety.
- Minimizes maintenance costs.
- Promotes digital innovation through smart control.
I. Conclusion & Call for Partnership
The Prince Tech Multipurpose Solar-Powered Moveable Booth is more than an invention; it is a transformative, eco-friendly solution to Nigeria’s power and development challenges. By integrating renewable energy, mobile infrastructure, and technological innovation, this portable booth provides a practical model for:
- Economic growth through local entrepreneurship and job creation.
- Environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprints and promoting green energy.
- Social equity by reaching underserved populations with vital services.
- Digital empowerment by enabling ICT access and education in off-grid communities
This innovation is not only scalable but customizable to support youth empowerment, mobile clinics, e-learning centers, small businesses, and rural electrification projects.
We Are Seeking Strategic Partners and Supporters: We are currently seeking visionary partners, investors, donors, development agencies, and public-private collaborators to join us in scaling this innovation across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Your support will help us: Expand access to clean, reliable energy, Empower young people, and Foster inclusive development through sustainable technology.
If you believe in inclusive growth, climate-smart solutions, and youth empowerment, then this is your opportunity to partner with us and create a lasting impact. Let us build the future, power communities, and transform lives together
For video presentations of some of Prince’s technological innovations visit the link below: https://princetechfoundation.com/amb-prince-nwankwo
Contact: Phone/WhatsApp +2348063572001, E – mail: princetechfoundation@gmail.com
Website: www. princetechfoundation.com
