In the heart of Toulouse, a city center in Haute-Garonne, Nicolas Auriac and Quentin Jeandel founded Neopouss, the first urban farm in the Pink City. The duo set up their operation in Arnaud Bernard district to cultivate nutrient-rich and flavorful microgreens for local restaurateurs. They grow a variety of microgreens such as carrots, peas, mahogany, nasturtium, and borage in vertical modules that maintain ideal temperatures and humidity levels.
Nicolas had already experimented with growing microgreens at home and persuaded Quentin to join him on this sustainable venture. The two friends won a regional grant in April 2021 for their climate change initiative and opted to implement hydroponics techniques to reduce water and energy usage. Their first operation began on rue Gabriel Peri. However, they soon realized the limitations of their initial location and relocated to Arnaud-Bernard in the summer of 2022. Currently, Neopouss cultivates around forty microgreen varieties sold to approximately forty restaurants, including renowned chefs like Yannick Delpech among their clientele.
To emphasize their environmental commitment, Neopouss prioritizes sustainable delivery methods such as walking or biking. In 2022, the Toulouse-based company was chosen to participate in the TechTheMoon incubator’s second cohort focused on lunar economy innovations managed by Nubbo and CNES. Recognizing the potential of microgreens for space missions, Neopouss highlighted its ability to preserve 97% of a plant’s nutrients after dehydration. This trait makes microgreens an essential resource for astronauts by providing essential nutrients while minimizing transported provisions’ weight. Leveraging their expertise in space-related projects, Nicolas and Quentin collaborate with Toulouse’s Purpan agronomy engineering school on microgreen-based food supplements.
Recently, Neopouss expanded its operations with a franchise in Marseille to further reach out and impact urban farming initiatives across France.
In conclusion, Nicolas Auriac and Quentin Jeandel’s vision for sustainable urban farming is becoming a reality through Neopouss. Their innovative approach not only provides fresh produce but also focuses on reducing waste while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
As the world faces growing concerns about climate change and sustainability, it is crucial that companies like Neopouss lead by example with practical solutions that can be replicated across different cities worldwide. With their unique approach to urban farming using hydroponics techniques and collaboration with agronomy schools like Purpan, Nicolas Auriac and Quentin Jeandel are paving the way towards a more sustainable future for all of us.
By utilizing hydroponics technology to reduce water usage by up to 90%, Neopouss is making significant strides towards creating a more environmentally conscious society that prioritizes sustainability over profitability.
Overall, Nicolas Auriac’s entrepreneurial spirit combined with his passion for sustainable agriculture has led him on an incredible journey towards creating one of France’s first urban farms that could have global implications beyond just Europe.