Social Enterprise AgriFood Grow Strategy
Project scope
Categories
Product or service launchSkills
hydroponics aeroponics soil scienceIdentify the appropriate genetics for plants intended to be grown in vertical farm and greenhouse environments, in a soil-less grow strategy (aeroponics or hydroponics). Identify near-term and long-term opportunities to develop grow strategies to provide a complete diet to Northern Ontario residents year-round.
Benjamin has taught independent studies, led capstone projects, and fulfilled internships/co-ops for mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, computer scientists, and architects. He has fulfilled such obligations with positive results for more than fifty students ranging in practice from research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to industry experience.
About the company
AgriTech North is an Indigenous- (Métis), disabled-, and LGBTQ-owned social enterprise corporation with a mission to grow nutritious food for Northern Ontario, focusing on Far North indigenous communities, that is of a consistently high quality, available year-round, and provided at a competitive price. The facility will be located in Dryden, Ontario, Canada to harness the waste heat, energy, and carbon from the Domtar Mill, establishing a Biohub with carbon negative operations. Dryden is ideal because of favorable transportation capabilities throughout the region and workforce access. The revenue from the food sold will ensure it is self-sustaining long-term as a research center. After proving the success of novel methods, AgriTech North will expand successful research projects throughout Canada to tackle a wider variety of food security issues throughout the country, made possible in part via several academic and indigenous partnerships.