Katherine Festeryga is the founder of Edie Farming, Ontario’s first urban commercial rooftop greenhouse. Edie Farming utilizes AI technology, a closed-loop hydroponic system, and solar energy to grow the most sustainable produce in the world.
What drew you to entrepreneurship?
I don't think I have any entrepreneurs in my life actually - family or friends. This wasn't anything I set out to do, I would never have considered myself a business-oriented person, however, I'm passionate about rooftop greenhouses being the future for food in cities and no one else was doing this in Ontario so I figured why not me?
What problem are you solving, and what is your unique approach?
We are creating a new food system in cities that is entirely climate-proof. We are solving the issue of an unreliable food supply chain and the growing concern of food insecurity caused by climate change. We know that 24% of crops will be lost globally by 2030 and Canada is particularly vulnerable as almost all of our produce is imported from geographies that will be impacted by climate change the most. Our food supply is lowering, the areas that we purchase the most food from will be unable to supply our food in the future, we need a new food supply within urban centres that are safe from the realities of climate change.
How did you come across this problem and why did it appeal to you?
I studied climate's impact on food supply during my Master's at Northwestern University and my thesis was specifically looking at innovative agriculture to solve this issue. Figuring out how we can ensure Canadians have access to reliable, nutritious and sustainably grown food is particularly impactful to me as I grew up in a family of farmers and understand how crucial our food systems are.
What are you hoping to accomplish for your start-up at the Western Accelerator?
I'm hoping to build our very first greenhouse and truly test all our technology. The accelerator gave my team the space to fully dedicate our time to our minimal viable product (MVP), access to some of the best minds at Western for questions around our AI technology, and 3D printing spouts for our hydroponic system.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned so far during your time at the Wester Accelerator?
To just keep going. You can't give up. Eventually, there will be a breakthrough and you will be able to solve whatever issue you're facing right now. So don't give up.