Kidus Asfaw is the CEO and Co-founder of Kubik – an environmental tech company turning plastic waste into low-carbon buildings. Having grown up in Ethiopia, Kidus has seen firsthand how the lack of access to information was marginalizing its most vulnerable citizens. Inspired by this experience he decided to combine his love for technology with his passion for public service to empower youth through technology.
Founder and Co-founder of Kubik, Image credit ( Kubik)
It’s impressive to hear about Kidus’s role at UNICEF Innovation and his extensive experience in bridging the needs of children with opportunities from the private sector technology. With over 40 country deployments, Kidus has gained valuable insights into the actual needs of children , which is crucial for driving meaningful change. His unique combination of on-the-ground experience and expertise in leveraging technology and business for social advancement makes him a valuable asset in addressing the challenges faced by children around the world.
Entering such a field with its revolutionary idea, companies and entrepreneurs immediately recognized the need to invest in this talent. The Global Startup Awards (GSA), which awards entrepreneurial efforts and promotes financial success via connection to stakeholders and investors, named Kubik as the 2023 Startup of the Year and recently closed $3.34 million in a seed funding round. This honor helped increase national and international acclaim for the company, which further expanded Kubik’s growth.
Kidus Asfaw with French President Emmanuel Macron at VivaTech 2023, Image credit( spotlightethio.com)
Kubik is committed to sustainable and environmentally-friendly growth and the idea that growth doesn’t haveto come at the cost of the environment is an important perspective, especially in a world facing significant environmental challenges.
The focus on low-carbon and ultra-durable buildings aligns well with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting longevity in infrastructure. By removing plastic waste from the environment, Kubik not only addresses the issue of plastic pollution but also contributes to the overall health of ecosystems.
WHAT A HOME MADE OF KUBIK BUILDING MATERIALS WOULD LOOK LIKE. IMAGE CREDIT (KUBIK)
The statistic of 300 million families needing dignified housing by 2030 highlights the pressing need for affordable and suitable housing solutions. Kubik’s efforts to provide clean and affordable living spaces are crucial for improving the quality of life for many individuals and families around the world.
Kubik’s Dream Team, Image Credit ( Kubik)
Kubik’s overall vision and actions reflect a responsible and forward-thinking approach to development, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, affordability, and accessibility in building a better future for all.
