Smartfill, a greentech startup that eliminates the need for single-use plastic through a smart, efficient and sustainable dispenser solution, has been accepted into two prestigious programmes: Level 4 of the Microsoft Startup Founders Hub and the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA). Smartfill further holds a grant from the AgriTech Innovation Centre at the UK Research and Innovation Centre. After a rigorous selection process, these programmes have recognised Smartfill’s potential to transform packageless retail and will provide significant resources to accelerate growth, says Nevo Hadas, CEO of Smartfill and a partner of Smartfill developer DY/DX. “Now we need more retailers, brands and manufacturers to boldly come on board and accelerate growth.”
Smartfill is a smart Internet of Things (IoT) dispenser developed by digital transformation consultancy DY/DX in collaboration with Smollan, a diversified retail marketing services company that connects people, brands and opportunities with 80 000 staff globally. Designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising efficiency and margin for retailers and brands, Smartfill allows for a wide range of products, from detergents to basic food items, to be dispensed into any container. It allows consumer packaged goods companies and retailers to sell branded consumables in any quantity and without packaging.
According to Hadas, packageless retail offers the most sustainable solution to the problem of plastic packaging waste, says Hadas. “We’re stuck in old retail paradigms – there are better ways to do things and the technology is available. If products can be sold without packaging and consumers use reusable containers or even paper bags, we can reduce up to 80% of household flexible plastic waste. It further enables people to purchase just the amount of product they can afford, a powerful solution in developing markets. A true circular economy solution is not just about recycling plastic, it’s about completely rethinking how products are packaged and delivered to consumers, reducing waste and improving efficiency. It’s cheaper to avoid packaging completely than recycle it.”
The Climate Finance Accelerator, as part of its commitment to fostering innovation in the battle against climate change, offers a powerful platform for startups like Smartfill. The initiative provides readiness resources and access to funding for climate-related startups, helping startups like Smartfill secure more than $4 million USD in funding. By facilitating access to capital, the CFA assists in scaling up operations and in research and development efforts aimed at enhancing sustainable technologies.
For Smartfill, the backing from the CFA could be a game-changer. “Funding will enable Smartfill to roll out and test our IoT dispensers at scale, develop new features, broaden our market reach, and continue to innovate,” says Smartfill Chief Operating Officer Marc Wetselaar. “Through workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities provided by the CFA, we look forward to gaining insights into climate finance and sustainability practices, shaping our strategy.”
The Microsoft Startups Founders Hub, aimed at empowering startups at various stages of development, offers a tiered benefits program, including funded access to leading AI models through Azure. Smartfill has now been assigned to Level 4, the highest level, which is a testament to the company’s advanced stage and promising outlook. This level comes with a further $125,000 USD in cloud and services funding, enabling Smartfill to leverage Microsoft’s state-of-the-art technology and resources for further growth. “We are working in diverse geographies and need to monitor and access our dispensers across the world,” says Wetselaar. “We will be enabling ourselves through the cloud to remotely port and manage our network of smart dispensers using Azure Cloud.”
Smartfill addresses critical challenges at the intersection of affordability, sustainability, and safety in the food sector, particularly targeting the bottom of the economic pyramid. The Global South is already familiar with buying this way at local markets and stores, says Hadas. “By offering a tailored solution that harnesses technology and builds on existing purchasing habits, Smartfill can make food more affordable and empower these communities, building on sustainable habits that are already part of the consumers’ lifestyle. We aim to make refilling part of the culture.”
Hadas says the success of sachet coffee, sugar and other foodstuffs demonstrates the potential for growth in similar markets. “There is a clear demand for smaller quantities. Now we need to answer these consumer needs in a way that is both cost-efficient and environmentally conscious.”
The broader acceptance and implementation of Smartfill’s advanced dispensing technology requires a shift in the retail sector and stronger collaborations with brands and manufacturers to uphold food safety standards and champion sustainability, Hadas highlights. “Retailers often adapt to market changes slowly. There’s a pressing need for retailers, brands and manufacturers to recognise the value and integrate these innovative dispensing solutions into their distribution networks. We are often asked what this looks like at scale. Even the iPhone didn’t have scale when it launched, or for many years after, so the retailers and manufacturers need to have a vision of the future.”
Being part of both these accelerator programs will propel Smartfill forward, providing the start-up with the financial support, technical resources, and network needed to scale operations and make a significant impact in the field, says Hadas. “Smartfill is a smart, user-friendly solution that tackles the plastic problem effectively. Using technology, we can transform retail and provide consumers, retailers and brands with better, more sustainable processes and experiences across the value chain. With the help of these programmes, we are aiming for large-scale adoption in a way that makes a major impact and challenges unsustainable retail models.”
