Finding Inspiration in the Heart of Paris: Reflections from a Founder

As I sit down to reflect on the whirlwind of experiences in Paris this past week, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude. It's been an incredible journey representing Australian climate tech alongside 11 remarkable companies. From pitching to investors to immersing ourselves in the local ecosystem, every moment has been inspiring.

But amidst the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city, I've also had the privilege to honour someone incredibly special in my life. She is the strongest woman I know, always challenging us to think differently, be true to ourselves, and question the status quo—the epitome of irreverence. Her own health challenges became the catalyst for our journey into functional medicine, igniting the spark that led my brother Tom Bauer and I to envision Airgarden

Her resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit continue to guide us on this remarkable journey of innovation and transformation. Paris holds a unique magic for us both, with every corner telling a story and every alleyway whispering secrets of the past. Memories are etched into the very fabric of this city, forever treasured and held close to our hearts.

We did manage to have fun along the way in between the important sessions.

At Airgarden, we consider it a privilege to offer a viable solution to our flailing food system. Presenting our vision for the future in a city as storied and ancient as Paris, founded in the 3rd Century, has been a humbling experience. It's exceptionally invigorating to be surrounded by decision-makers who share our ethos, embracing change, acknowledging the need for a different approach, and demonstrating a commitment to taking collective responsibility at all levels.

Airgarden has always been more than just a business opportunity. It's our chance to create awareness, provide education, and empower collective responsibility towards food sustainability—both domestically and at scale, globally.

As I return home, I carry with me the lessons learned, the connections made, and the inspiration gained. And I look forward to continuing this journey, fuelled by the spirit of innovation and guided by the wisdom of those who inspire us most.

Immediate action is imperative in addressing the pressing challenges our food sector faces. At Airgarden, we believe in hitting the ground running, which is why our return to Queensland means diving straight into action. We're thrilled to announce the first harvest of our Grow It Forward Community Urban Farm in Northern NSW, setting the stage for what's possible when we come together to grow food locally. This pilot project, nestled within a single 5.5 x 2.5 outdoor carpark space, showcases how even the smallest areas can yield significant impact. With the first harvest planned for next week, we're excited to demonstrate how accessible and sustainable food production can be, feeding communities within a 2km radius of the growing site. It's a tangible example of the transformative power of collective local responsibility.

As we gear up to expand this initiative, there are numerous ways you can get involved and make a difference:

1. Own an Airgarden for your domestic use: Start your journey towards sustainable food production right in your own home, contributing to a healthier and more resilient food system.
2. Sponsor an Airgarden Urban Farm: Businesses can play a pivotal role in supporting local food production by sponsoring urban farms via our Grow It Forward initiative. Your contribution helps us distribute fresh produce to communities in need through our network of Food Bank and Community Partners.
3. Set up your own urban farm: Utilise available spaces like carparks or spare land to establish your own urban farm, creating opportunities for your business, school or community to contribute directly to the local food ecosystem. By leveraging under-utilised spaces, you can make a meaningful impact on food accessibility and sustainability in your community.

Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future, one where access to fresh, nutritious food is a reality for all. Join us in taking collective responsibility and reshaping the future of food production, one harvest at a time.

#FoodSustainability #UrbanFarming #CollectiveResponsibility #GrowItForward #Airgarden

Trade and Investment Queensland Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Mick Liubinskas Olivia Utharntharm Climate Salad Julia Spicer OAM Prue Bauer Tom Bauer Evolve Group Ty Hermans