Solving the Problem of Sustainable Farming: Urban Aquaponics

Website

: http://sweetwaterfoundation.com/

The Idea

At the Exchange I was inspired by stories of effective collaboration to solve major social problems. Subsequent conversations at Marquette led us to try to solve the problem of sustainable agriculture, freshwater scarcity, and global hunger by building networks of urban micro-aquaponics systems.

The Specifics

Cultivate partnerships between urban agriculture pioneers and exemplars of best practices (e.g., Sweetwater Organics) and communities with demonstrated need and capacity for aquaponics systems. Build sustainable social ventures to develop supply chains linking individual aquaponics systems and technology assistance aiding system managers.
As a first step, we have created a specialized new venture incubator specifically designed for companies who want to enter the urban agriculture space. The incubator, specifically aimed at student collaborations, provides business model advice, links to suppliers, partners, and customers, and provides guidance for participating in developing markets in urban centers around the globe.

Discussion

0