Week 33, Theme: AgTech, Alinghi Red Bull's Secrets to Success & Blackbirds — Stories of Innovation, Sustainability & Resilience
Dr. Johanny A. Pestalozzi
Founder & CEO at AtabeyX | Building Corporate Sustainability Future Readiness? | Foresight Strategist & Tech Entrepreneur | Sustainability Lab Prize Winner | ???? ???? ???? ??????????
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Content Highlights
Note: The text in this newsletter was generated using various GenAI applications, including Microsoft Copilot & ChatGPT. The author recommends verifying the information provided to ensure correctness.
1. Week's Theme: Addressing Food and Water Challenges: The Swiss Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture and Cleaner Resources
A new initiative, titled “For food security – by strengthening sustainable domestic production, more plant-based food and clean drinking water,” has been submitted in Bern with 113,103 signatures, surpassing the 100,000 needed to trigger a public vote. Led by Franziska Herren from the “Clean Water for All” association, the initiative aims to enhance Switzerland's food self-sufficiency from the current 50% to at least 70%.
This shift is proposed to address the high dependency on imported animal-based foods, as about 60% of Swiss arable land is currently dedicated to animal feed. The initiative advocates for focusing more on plant-based food production, which could increase calorie output per hectare. It also emphasizes the need to protect biodiversity and soil fertility, which are threatened by fertilizers and pesticides.
Additionally, the proposal highlights the deteriorating state of water protection due to nitrate and pesticide pollution, which has led to the closure of some drinking water wells and worsening drought conditions. The initiative seeks to address these environmental issues and improve the sustainability and security of Swiss food and water resources.
Source: Swissinfo.ch
1.1 DeepTech & Sustainability Solutions
DeepTech—a term for advanced technological innovations driven by scientific discoveries—can play a significant role in addressing the issues outlined in the Swiss initiative for enhanced food security and sustainable practices. Here’s how DeepTech can contribute:
1. Sustainable Food Production
- Precision Agriculture: Deeptech solutions such as satellite imaging, drones, and IoT sensors can optimize crop management, reducing the need for excessive fertilizers and pesticides. These technologies can enhance precision in applying nutrients and pesticides, thereby protecting soil fertility and biodiversity.
- Vertical Farming and Urban Agriculture: Innovations in vertical farming use advanced hydroponics and aeroponics to grow plant-based foods efficiently in controlled environments, increasing yield per hectare and reducing dependence on animal feed crops.
- Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: Advances in biotechnology and food science can lead to the development of more nutritious and appealing plant-based meat substitutes, reducing the demand for animal-based foods and lowering the environmental impact of livestock farming.
2. Water Protection and Management
- Water Purification Technologies: Advanced filtration systems and nanotechnology can improve the efficiency of removing contaminants like nitrates and pesticides from drinking water, safeguarding clean water supplies.
- Smart Water Management Systems: IoT and AI can be used to monitor and manage water resources more effectively, predicting and mitigating the impacts of droughts and ensuring the sustainability of water supplies.
3. Environmental Monitoring
- Biodiversity Tracking: AI-driven data analysis and remote sensing can monitor changes in biodiversity, helping to assess the impact of agricultural practices on ecosystems and guide conservation efforts.
- Soil Health Sensors: Advanced sensors can provide real-time data on soil conditions, allowing for better management of soil health and fertility, and reducing the need for chemical inputs.
4. Sustainable Energy Solutions
- Renewable Energy: Deeptech innovations in renewable energy, such as advanced solar panels and wind turbines, can reduce the carbon footprint of agricultural operations and support sustainable practices.
- Energy-Efficient Farming Technologies: Technologies that improve energy efficiency in farming operations can lower overall environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable food production.
By leveraging these DeepTech solutions, Switzerland can enhance food security, improve sustainability, and address the environmental challenges related to agriculture and water management.
1.2 DeepTech & Precision Agriculture for Sustainability
Several successful DeepTech startups worldwide are making significant strides in precision agriculture by leveraging technologies such as satellite imaging, drones, and IoT sensors. Here are some notable examples:
1. Planet Labs
- Overview: Planet Labs operates a fleet of satellites that provide high-resolution, frequent, and global satellite imagery. Their data helps farmers monitor crop health, assess soil conditions, and make informed decisions about resource management.
- Website: (https://www.planet.com)
2. AeroFarms
- Overview: AeroFarms specializes in vertical farming using aeroponic systems. Their technology optimizes plant growth in controlled environments, reducing the need for traditional farming inputs and improving efficiency in crop production.
- Website: (https://www.aerofarms.com)
3. Taranis
- Overview: Taranis uses high-resolution aerial imagery captured by drones and satellites, combined with AI-driven analytics, to detect crop diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. Their platform helps farmers make precise interventions to enhance yields and reduce chemical usage.
- Website: (https://www.taranis.ag)
4. CropX
- Overview: CropX provides soil sensors and an associated analytics platform that offer real-time insights into soil moisture and nutrient levels. This technology helps optimize irrigation and fertilization, enhancing crop yields and sustainability.
- Website: (https://www.cropx.com)
5. Descartes Labs
- Overview: Descartes Labs uses satellite imagery and machine learning to analyze agricultural data. Their platform provides insights into crop health, yield prediction, and land use, assisting farmers in making data-driven decisions.
- Website: (https://www.descarteslabs.com)
6. AgriWebb
- Overview: AgriWebb offers a farm management platform that integrates IoT sensors and data analytics. Their solution helps farmers streamline operations, track livestock and crop performance, and implement precision agriculture practices.
- Website: (https://www.agriwebb.com)
7. Raven Industries
- Overview: Raven Industries provides advanced agricultural technology, including precision agriculture tools and IoT solutions. Their products focus on optimizing planting, spraying, and harvesting processes to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
- Website: (https://www.ravenind.com)
8. The Climate Corporation
- Overview: A subsidiary of Bayer, The Climate Corporation offers a suite of digital tools and analytics for precision agriculture. Their platform provides actionable insights into weather, soil conditions, and crop performance to help farmers optimize their practices.
- Website: (https://www.climate.com)
These startups are leveraging cutting-edge technologies to transform agriculture, making it more efficient, sustainable, and data-driven. Their innovations help farmers optimize resource use, enhance crop management, and address environmental challenges.
Several innovative startups around the world are successfully leveraging deeptech to advance urban agriculture and sustainability. Here are some notable examples:
1. Infarm (Germany, https://www.infarm.com/)
- Overview: Infarm develops modular, vertical farming systems that can be installed in grocery stores, restaurants, and other urban locations. This allows food to be grown close to the point of consumption, reducing the carbon footprint of food transportation.
- Technology: The company utilizes IoT, cloud computing, and machine learning to monitor and optimize growing conditions in real-time. Infarm’s systems are designed to be scalable, making urban farming accessible to businesses of all sizes.
2. Plenty (USA, https://www.plenty.ag/)
- Overview: Plenty is an indoor vertical farming company that grows a variety of crops using advanced technology. Their farms are designed to maximize space efficiency and minimize water usage.
- Technology: Plenty employs machine learning, robotics, and sensor technology to create optimal growing environments. Their vertical farms are highly automated, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.
3. BrightFarms (USA, https://www.brightfarms.com/)
- Overview: BrightFarms builds and operates hydroponic greenhouse farms near urban areas to provide fresh, locally grown produce. The company focuses on shortening the supply chain to deliver fresher products with a smaller environmental footprint.
- Technology: BrightFarms uses deeptech solutions to manage their greenhouses efficiently, including automated climate control, water recycling systems, and data-driven crop management.
4. Agrilution (Germany, https://www.climate-kic.org/start-ups/agrilution/)
- Overview: Agrilution has developed the "Plantcube," a smart indoor farming appliance designed for home use. The Plantcube is a compact vertical farm that allows users to grow their own herbs, greens, and microgreens indoors.
- Technology: The Plantcube integrates IoT, LED lighting, and automated nutrient delivery systems, all managed via a mobile app that offers tailored advice based on the user’s preferences and local conditions.
5. Square Roots (USA, https://www.squarerootsgrow.com/)
- Overview: Co-founded by Kimbal Musk, Square Roots is an urban farming company that grows fresh produce in shipping containers. Their farms are located in urban areas, close to consumers, which reduces the environmental impact associated with food transportation.
- Technology: Square Roots uses a combination of hydroponics, data analytics, and climate control technologies to optimize growing conditions inside the containers, ensuring year-round production.
6. Bowery Farming (USA, https://bowery.co/)
- Overview: Bowery Farming is another leader in vertical farming, focusing on using deeptech to grow pesticide-free produce in controlled indoor environments. Their farms are located near major urban centers, reducing the time and distance food travels.
- Technology: The company uses a proprietary operating system that integrates AI, machine learning, and robotics to optimize growing conditions and improve crop yields. Bowery’s system learns and adapts, making continuous improvements in efficiency and sustainability.
7. Iron Ox (USA, https://www.ironoxfarming.com/)
- Overview: Iron Ox is an agriculture startup that operates autonomous farms using robots and AI. Their farms are designed to grow food more sustainably by optimizing water, energy, and space usage.
- Technology: Iron Ox combines robotics with hydroponics and machine learning to create a fully autonomous farming system. Their robots handle tasks like planting, watering, and harvesting, while AI optimizes the entire farming process.
8. Urban Crop Solutions (Belgium, https://urbancropsolutions.com/)
- Overview: Urban Crop Solutions provides turnkey vertical farming solutions for urban environments. They offer fully automated systems that can be customized to grow a wide range of crops.
- Technology: The company’s systems use advanced sensors, IoT, and data analytics to monitor and control every aspect of the growing process, from lighting to nutrient delivery.
9. Agricool (France, https://www.agritecture.com/agricool)
- Overview: Agricool focuses on growing strawberries in repurposed shipping containers located in urban areas. Their mission is to provide fresh, pesticide-free produce with a minimal carbon footprint.
- Technology: Agricool uses LED lighting, advanced climate control, and hydroponic systems to create ideal growing conditions inside their containers. Their technology allows them to grow strawberries with 90% less water and 75% less space than traditional farming.
These startups exemplify how DeepTech can revolutionize urban agriculture, making it more efficient, sustainable, and accessible. By leveraging technologies like AI, IoT, robotics, and biotechnology, these companies are helping to create a more resilient and sustainable food system for the future.
1.3 Related Articles & Initiatives
2. Touring Switzerland: Mont Tendre, From Mollendruz to Marchairuz
This is a newly created section in this weekly magazine. Switzerland has beautiful landscapes and I am delighted to explore & share with you. Enjoy this week's selection!
Mont Tendre: From Mollendruz to Marchairuz
Mont Tendre: From Mollendruz to Marchairuz is a scenic hiking route located in the Jura Mountains of Switzerland. This trail offers a captivating journey through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and open meadows to panoramic ridges. The route spans approximately 16 kilometers and connects the picturesque villages of Mollendruz and Marchairuz.
Starting in Mollendruz, the trail winds through dense woods and rolling hills, providing a tranquil setting for nature enthusiasts. As hikers ascend towards Mont Tendre, the highest peak in the Jura at 1,679 meters, they are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks.
The path continues across the Jura crest, offering expansive vistas of the Lake Geneva region and the Alps on clear days. The descent towards Marchairuz leads through charming alpine pastures and serene landscapes, making it a perfect hike for those seeking natural beauty and a sense of serenity.
Mont Tendre: From Mollendruz to Marchairuz is ideal for outdoor lovers, blending physical challenge with the opportunity to experience the scenic splendor of Switzerland’s Jura Mountains.
Source: MySwitzerland.com
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3. Partner Content
3.1 Join DeepTech & Sustainability Ventures ???? ??
Accelerating DeepTech & sustainability, building a Swiss entrepreneurial community, and connecting startups with VC. Phase 1, Ongoing: We harness the power of artificial intelligence and review investment news and scientific publications to identify impactful business cases within this domain.
3.2 Investment Opportunity & Call for Founding Members
?? ?? Nanichi Atabey is a pioneering play-to-earn-and-conserve VR game that leverages Web3 customer loyalty programs for worldwide nature conservation and carbon offsetting initiatives. ??
?? Our games offer immersive experiences in captivating adventures, blending entertainment and wellness as players join vibrant, environmentally conscious metaverse communities, and embark on a profound journey that connects them with ancestral traditions while uncovering the marvels of endemic species from around the globe. We start the experience on the enchanting island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean.
??Experience the forefront of gamified, sustainability-driven adventures, setting a new standard in virtual engagement and environmental stewardship. The startup is currently looking for seed investment and motivated team members. For further details, please contact Dr. Johanny A. Pestalozzi, Founder & CEO.
4. Shared News
5. Posts from my Network
Warren Buffett once said, "In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you."
In "Artificial Integrity," I invite you to engage in that conversation to create more integrity-led AI systems. I invite you to envision how AI could be a force for good in society, backed by research, innovation, and the firm belief that what should be at the heart of all things computational is one thing: our humanity at its best. Together, we can ensure that AI upholds that integrity. See you at work. Pre-order on Amazon.
??6. Standing-Up Against Cyber-Bullying??
After being a victim of cyberbullying, I would like to help raise awareness on the topic and provide information to prevent and successfully manage these cases.
6.1 Online Harassment
My friend said, "he tracks all my online presence, my inbox, my social media, everything! Every day, he makes me realize that he is tracking all my movements! I don't know how to let him understand that I want this to stop!"
Online harassment in Switzerland is any form of abusive or threatening behavior conducted through digital platforms, including social media, email, messaging apps, and other online communication channels. The Swiss legal system treats online harassment seriously, and there are specific measures and steps you can take to document and address it.
Forms of Online Harassment
1. Cyberstalking: Repeatedly pursuing or contacting someone online, causing fear or distress.
2. Harassing Messages: Sending threatening, insulting, or unwanted messages.
3. Identity Theft: Using someone else’s identity online to harass or defraud them.
4. Defamation: Spreading false information online that damages someone's reputation.
5. Doxxing: Publishing personal information without consent to intimidate or harass.
Documenting and addressing online harassment involves careful record-keeping and taking advantage of the legal and support resources available. This approach helps ensure that the harassment is properly investigated and that appropriate measures are taken to stop it.
6.2 A message of resilience
"Even in the darkest corners of the digital world, remember that your strength is a light that can't be dimmed. Every challenge you face today is shaping the resilient, empowered individual you'll become tomorrow. Keep moving forward with courage and self-belief—your journey is a testament to your inner strength and unbreakable spirit." ??
7. Swiss Film Awards (Quartz Awards)
The Swiss Film Awards, also known as the Quartz Awards (Schweizer Filmpreis), are the most prestigious film awards in Switzerland, celebrating excellence in Swiss cinema. Established in 1998, the awards recognize outstanding achievements across various categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress. They also honor achievements in screenplay, cinematography, and other key film elements.
Organized by the Swiss Film Academy, the Quartz Awards aim to promote Swiss films both domestically and internationally. The awards are presented annually in a high-profile ceremony that attracts filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from across Switzerland and beyond.
The selection process involves nominations from a panel of film experts, followed by voting by the Swiss Film Academy's members. Winners are chosen based on their artistic and technical contributions, with the awards serving as a significant platform for showcasing Swiss talent and fostering the growth of the country's film industry.
For more information on nominations, winners, and the annual ceremony, you can visit the official [Swiss Film Academy website](https://www.schweizer-filmakademie.ch).
7.1 Winner, Best Feature Film 2024: Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry
Elene Naveriani is a Georgian filmmaker known for her work in independent cinema. Her film “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry” has garnered attention for its unique storytelling and style.
About the Film:
“Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry” is a film directed by Elene Naveriani that explores themes of identity, loss, and the search for meaning. The film's narrative often blends personal and cultural elements, reflecting Naveriani's distinctive artistic vision.
Notable Achievements:
- Film Festival Circuits: The film has been showcased at various international film festivals, highlighting its impact on the global film community.
- Critical Acclaim: “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry” has received positive reviews for its innovative approach and evocative storytelling.
Recognition:
While not specifically a winner of the Swiss Film Awards (Quartz Awards), Naveriani's work, including “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry”, contributes to the broader conversation in independent and international cinema. Her films often explore deep, personal themes and have been recognized in various film circles and festivals.
For more details on “Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry” and Elene Naveriani’s filmography, you can look up film festival archives, reviews, and the filmmaker’s official profiles.
Website: Quartz.ch
"In a world full of differences, let us find strength in our shared humanity. Embrace peace, seek unity, and spread kindness. Together, we can overcome challenges and build a future where peace and understanding prevail. Let harmony guide our hearts and actions." ??
Thank you to my network for sharing valuable content with all of us! And, THANK YOU, for reading this newsletter feed!
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Wishing you a great weekend! ??
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Founder & CEO at AtabeyX | Building Corporate Sustainability Future Readiness? | Foresight Strategist & Tech Entrepreneur | Sustainability Lab Prize Winner | ???? ???? ???? ??????????
3 个月Interesting edition.