Best Ideas 2022 features all the nominated entries submitted under ‘Submit your Idea’ category. All the entries consist of innovative solutions or propositions for an enterprise that champions the Sustainable Development Goals. They can be on the conceptual, planning, or start-up stage.
Indoor Farming SA
Project Details
Explain your idea in details:
The aim is to source food sustainably by removing monoculture techniques in favour of regenerative ways of controlled farming. We would use recyclable material to avoid waste as much as we can and use the cheapest method of indoor farming which is the shipping container method. As vertical farming is still in its infancy in South Africa, it is more appropriate in this instance to use the top-down approach of entrepreneurship. That is, we would supply foods to well established businesses to generate profit. This would strengthen us as an organisation and improve our methods at a faster pace.
Read MoreExpected impact of your idea on sustainable development
The target is to ultimately phase out the traditional ways of farming in favour of the sustainability of food systems that produce less waste. Data science would play an important role here by ensuring that food is in fact sustainably sourced and doesn't go to waste, that would give us the possibility of implementing block chain technology in food systems. Individuals would know where their food comes from and that it was produced ethically. Our target market, the established businesses, would have the chance to improve their public image and thus solidifying their reputations to consumers as ethical businesses.
Read MorePlans for implementation and sustainability
The business model would focus on establishing a good relationship with other businesses, chain stores, restaurants, franchises and other farms. This would be one of our financial sources, with others being business incubators, grants and private investors. We would collaborate with other sustainability institutes, small scale farmers and environmental initiatives.
Read MoreYour profile
My name is Antoinette Mralasi, I am a student studying Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University. I am motivated by the growing trend of circular green economics and would like to make a positive contribution to my country of South Africa. It is also my vision to support the SDGs and that support has led me here. As someone who is trying to shape their future in entrepreneurship, it is important to be a part of this cause.
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Comments
Hanli Brink
Love your idea Antoinette! Antoinette was also a finalist in Stellenbosch Network\'s #Ideasforchange Challenge 2021 - ideas were submitted to make Stellenbosch a Smarter City.
Good luck with the competition and I know you will be doing fantastic!