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I have to market my project

A smart robot that runs along pipelines or refineries piping, detecting leaks, and eventually to repair them. This is Ahmad’s idea, one of the incubated projects of The Human Safety Net program for Refugees Start-ups in France with SINGA France.

“I’m an engineer. My strengths are invention, techniques, and calculations. I studied in the United States and worked in the oil and gas sector in Saudi Arabia before going to France for my master’s degree. Now I’m back in Paris to set up my “Roboot” project. The name is an English pun on the words ‘robot’ and ‘reboot.’

 

I have designed a smart robot that moves along pipelines and refinery tubing, using camera sensors to detect potential gas leaks. These leaks are detrimental to a facility’s performance and can cause explosions and fires. Eventually, Roboot will also be able to perform maneuvers like opening and closing valves or even plug leaks and repair pipes. I found out about SINGA through the friend of a friend. When I joined their preincubation program, my Roboot project was already quite advanced. It was not easy to pitch my idea, but after three rehearsals, I won the jury over! After that, I began a six-month incubation period in The Human Safety Net’s for Refugee Start-Ups program. 

 

I focused on taking lessons and learning French. I also attended many workshops on public speaking and on how to develop and market a business plan.

We also have a coworking space - I am learning a lot! I got help from Generali’s volunteers: a marketing expert supported me to create a compelling presentation; a business development professional helped me identify an industrial partner who could finance my prototype and begin production in the future. I have already built a prototype using different parts I bought on the internet: people need to see what Roboot will look like and how it works with their own eyes.

Now I have to work on marketing my project, creating a network with people who can accelerate Roboot’s progress and help me contact investors and potential customers.”

 

A smart robot that runs along pipelines or refineries piping, detecting leaks, and eventually to repair them. This is Ahmad’s idea, one of the incubated projects of The Human Safety Net program for Refugees Start-ups in France with SINGA France.