social innovation
Social entrepreneurs are change-drivers that creatively approach some of our most substantial social problems and look to leverage business solutions in solving them. Their social purpose allows them to change the world while their business focus allows for sustainability and flexibility. This past weekend Beakerhead held a Social Venture Pitch Contest, sponsored by Trico Charitable Foundation. There were 5 up-and-coming social entrepreneurs competing to win a prize of $10,000 in a Dragon’s Den style pitch event. And the winner was...
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The Winner!
Congratulations to the winner of the $10,000 prize, Deepwater Farms! Food insecurity and health are two extremely pressing issues in today’s society and this social enterprise is making a real, tangible impact right here in Calgary.Deepwater Farms creates environments that enable sustainable food production all year round in any climate. Combining aquaponics, engineering, and technology, Deepwater Farms grows food 3x faster, while using 95% less water than conventional methods. Deepwater Farms vegetables are purchased by local restaurants and will soon be in local grocery stores. Utilizing a low cost and rapidly deployable farm model Deepwater Farms is on a mission to grow more food, to feed more people, in more communities.Watch this video to see what they’re doing in more detail!
Founder Paul Shumlich is a recent graduate from the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University where he studied Economics and Social Innovation. Paul was recently named National Student Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and Runner Up by the Entrepreneurs Organization and Enactus Canada, for his work in aquaponics and the community.
to learn about the amazing work being done by the runner-up companies!