Mini-Farm Fresh to Table

When living in an urban setting, growing your own vegetables can be difficult and at times, nearly impossible. The lack of greenspace and sunlight can deter people from trying to grow produce when living in a city. Hala Al-Amine, founder of Gardenlix, is trying to change that.

Gardenlix is a smart planter that allows urban growers to produce their own environmentally-friendly supply chain of fresh herbs and vegetables. A sensor feeds real-time data to the heating and irrigation system, ensuring healthy growth and high yields.

“[The Esch Award] has given me more confidence. I’m excited to take the next step toward a complete prototype and customer validation.”

Al-Amine had previously applied for the Esch Awards but was unsuccessful. Determined, Al-Amine took the feedback she received from the Esch committee, particularly one interested reviewer, and kept working on Gardenlix. She entered Cooperathon, the largest open innovation challenge in Canada, and was a finalist for the most environmentally responsible solution award.

Al-Amine went on to win a stage one Esch Award, and interest in her sustainable solution continues to grow. She says the Esch Award has given her the confidence to continue moving forward with Gardenlix.

“It has given me more confidence. I’m excited to take the next step toward a complete prototype and customer validation.”