Tunisia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

My project consists of modernizing the agricultural sector by implementing new technologies in the farming and livestock management such as IoT, automation, robotics, and renewable energy. Thus improving yields while optimizing resource consumption.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

NextGen Farm is an innovative project idea aiming to transform agriculture through automation, IoT integration and the use of renewable energies. My vision includes automating a wide rage of farming activities, from livestock management to greenhouse operations. This will enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of the solution. Leveraging my skills in IoT, I plan to optimize resource usage, ensuring water, nutrients, and energy are used effectively. Sensors will monitor plants health, detect pests presence, measure water and nutrient levels and track various other metrics inside the greenhouses in real-time. This will enable the user to have a live view of the greenhouse and allow for urgent intervention in case of incident or systems failure. Also, Robotic Automation is an essential part of NextGen Farm, minimizing human intervention to reduce risks related to human error and allow for early intervention in case of urgencies, thus minimizing accidents impact.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem NextGen Farm aims to solve is the inefficiency, unpredictability, and the high amount of wasted resource in traditional farming. Also, we are aiming to minimize the reliance on the traditional energy sources and use renewable one. Additionally, the traditional agriculture is labor-intensive, so automation provide a mean to reduce labor intensity. Furthermore, our solution aims to minimize the impact of contagious disease that affect plants and livestock through means of isolation and early warning, thus improving the yield and quality.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

NextGen Farm provide major benefits such as: 1) Higher quality and yields: through the continues control and monitoring of greenhouses and livestock health and the surrounding environment conditions, NextGen Farm provide a better environment quality and safer conditions for the products, thus increasing yields and improving quality. 2) Resource recycle and optimization: NextGen Farm reduces operational costs by recycling resources power, water, and nutrients and optimizing its usage, thus leading to lower resource consumption and wastes. 3) Longer product availability: in traditional agriculture, most of the products are available only during the season. With NextGen Farm, products availability will be prolonged by at least 2 or 3 months through environment control. 4) Data-Driven decision-making: powered by IoT and Cloud technology, NextGen Farm will provide data insight that enabling the user to make the best decision based on real-time statistics and data analysis.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

NextGen Farm is aimed at serving small and medium-sized farmers, as well as individuals who own unexploited land, encouraging them to implement our solution in exchange for the smallest possible share of their profit, thus achieving a win-win outcome. Also, the local community will be the main beneficiaries of our project by modernizing the agricultural sector, thus creating new jobs opportunities while providing a better working environment for employee. And of course the consumer who will benefit from the increased availability of high quality and sustainably produced agricultural products, ensuring a more reliable and eco-friendly food supply.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

6

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Partner 1 studied system's automation in university, and now he works as full-time employee in a company. He is very active and always open to new project ideas, and he has his own project ideas. Partner 2 my coworker, she is the marketing genius in the company, and she is very active and energetic. Partner 3 graduated as an engineer in computer science and has realized his graduation project in the domain of AI, specifically in NLP (natural language processing). Although we are no longer in contact, he is always open to give any help. Partner 4 is my cousin who is very passionate about mechanics, and also he has applied skills in mechanic he has a general idea about almost anything mechanic. Partner 5 a girl from the neighborhood, she is studying design in university, and she has great aesthetic skills.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Agriculture

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes significantly to the No poverty goal of the UN by enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency. By automating and optimizing farming process, we help small to medium-sized farmers increases their yields and income potential. This increased and efficient productivity leads to lower products price, thus providing the low-income class and middle class society with a decent price product.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

NextGen Farm main aim is to totally eliminate hunger by enhancing productivity through implementing smart automation and IoT technology and with the possibility of integrating artificial intelligence into the decision-making. This will enable farmers to optimize production yields and ensure reliable production. Also, real time monitoring and timely interventions against pests and disease reduce the loss of plants and livestock leading to high yield and product availability, thus achieving food security and self-sufficiency within the community.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

NextGen Farm promote sustainable organic agriculture practice that enhance food quality and safety. With the help of automated system and IoT technology, we have a precise monitoring of plants and livestock health, ensuring the production of nutritious healthy food by reducing the reliance on chemicals and pesticides thus achieving a better food quality. This will directly influence the health and the well-being of the consumer positively.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

NextGen Farm aims is not limited to agricultural domain but extends beyond it, we are planning to provide internship opportunities for students of all related domains such as automation and IoT. Also, we are going to organize workshops and grant all participants access to our hardware and software, thus empowering them with hands-on experience.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Gender equality is a goal for NextGen Farm, by implementing inclusive hiring practice and ensuring equal opportunities for women we eliminate the gender barrier between the male and female worker. Note that in traditional agriculture, females are viewed as cheap employee compared to males. In NextGen Farm, we are looking to eliminate this idea and make it disapear by providing equal opportunities for women, and empowering them with the necessary skills to not only have the equal right but also take the leadership.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Our focus on organic farming minimize dependency on chemicals and pesticides, thus minimizing the risk of water pollution and preserving water quality. Also, by implementing proper waste management and ensuring proper sanitary conditions in our farming, we reduce water and environment pollution.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal by incorporating renewable energy sources, specifically solar power, to meet energy needs on the farm. By utilizing solar energy, we reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and lower operational costs over time. This shift towards clean energy not only enhances energy efficiency but also promotes sustainability within agricultural practices. Additionally, our adoption of automated and IoT technologies helps optimize energy use, ensuring that energy is used efficiently and effectively.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Decent work and economic growth goal by creating employment opportunities in the agricultural sector. We provide training and employment for local community members, including farmers and technicians who operate and maintain our automated and IoT-based farming systems. By enhancing agricultural productivity and profitability, we stimulate economic growth within rural areas, fostering sustainable livelihoods and reducing unemployment.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure goal by integrating advanced agricultural technologies such as IoT, automation, renewable energy systems and the future implementation of artificial intelligence. These innovations enhance the efficiency and sustainability of farming operations, promoting modernized sustainable industrialization. By adopting these technologies, we improve infrastructure resilience and productivity by supporting the development of resilient infrastructure that can withstand environmental challenges and contribute to long-term industrial growth.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

NextGen Farm helps reduce inequalities by supporting small farmers and marginalized communities. We provide training and access to advanced farming technologies like IoT and automation, which are typically available to larger farms. By empowering small-scale farmers with these tools, we aim to reduce economic gaps in agriculture. Additionally, we promote fair employment and for all socio-economic classes, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their social or economic background.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that can be implemented within urban and suburban settings. By utilizing advanced technologies such as IoT and automation, we demonstrate efficient use of land and resources for food production, which is crucial for urban sustainability.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that align with circular economy principles. We prioritize the efficient use of resources and minimize waste through precision farming techniques enabled by IoT and automation. By reducing chemical inputs and adopting organic farming methods, we aim to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable land use.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Climate action goal by implementing sustainable farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts. We prioritize renewable energy sources like solar power and minimize carbon footprint through efficient use of resources and waste management. Our focus on organic farming methods further enhances carbon sequestration in soil, contributing to overall climate resilience.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Life below water goal by promoting sustainable land-based agricultural practices that indirectly benefit marine ecosystems. By minimizing chemical inputs and promoting organic farming methods, we reduce agricultural runoff that can harm aquatic environments. Additionally, our focus on water conservation and efficient irrigation practices helps preserve freshwater resources that ultimately flow into oceans and seas.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Life on land goal by promoting sustainable agricultural practices that protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems. We prioritize organic farming methods and minimize chemical inputs to reduce soil degradation and preserve biodiversity. By implementing precision farming techniques enabled by IoT and automation, we optimize land use efficiency and minimize habitat fragmentation. Additionally, our reforestation and afforestation initiatives aim to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable forestry practices.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal by providing training and employment opportunities in rural areas, which are crucial elements for peaceful societies.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

NextGen Farm contributes to the Partnerships for the goal by actively collaborating with various entities, including academic institutions, schools club, and local communities. We believe in the power of partnerships to accelerate sustainable development goals. By fostering collaborations, sharing knowledge, and pooling resources, we enhance our capacity to implement innovative agricultural solutions and scale impact. Our partnerships facilitate the exchange of expertise in sustainable farming practices, technology adoption, and policy advocacy, thereby strengthening the means of implementation for sustainable agriculture.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

3

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

Our project idea is innovative and unique in terms of implementing a combination of IoT, AI, and renewable energy to achieve efficiency, quality, and yield. Although, NextGen Farm is not an entirely new idea, it represents a great improvement on an existing product which is green houses. Also, NextGen Farm is an extension of many other products, that enhances efficiency and sustainability in agricultural operations, offering farmers powerful tools to make data-driven decisions and maximize yields while minimizing costs by leveraging cutting-edge technology. Additionally NextGen Farm is a response to the demands that traditional agriculture could not satisfy such as prolonged availability of products and automated management of livestocks. Finally NextGen Farm is a new version of farming practices aimed at optimizing and modernizing the sector of agriculture.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

In the region there are no to little number of competitors, who are the owners of greenhouse. But in any case their greenhouse are not modern at all and has no automation tools neither data analysis tools. Some of them implement solar energy, but it is almost useless in the greenhouses and only used to power water pumps and provide electricity to their own houses. So, NextGen Farms clearly stands in top in terms of efficiency, yields, land and resources optimization, and decision-making and most importantly environment impact and water preservation. Also, there's some cold storage facility which they may be considered competitive in terms that they provide off the season agriculture products, but their products are not fresh by any mean, and they depend a lot on traditional electricity to power their plants in contrast to NextGen Farm that aims to provide fresh off the season products while depending on renewable energy.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

For the moment, no, I am not initiating any actions within the community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs.