Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We're transforming urban life with cutting-edge vertical gardens, teaching students to cultivate vibrant green spaces amidst the cityscape. Our interactive workshops empower students to grow fresh, local produce sustainably, making green living fun

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Vertigo Gardens is a pioneering urban agriculture initiative dedicated to transforming cityscapes with recyclable materials through innovative vertical gardening. Focused on sustainability and education, Vertigo Gardens empowers students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to assemble and maintain vertical gardens, making fresh, local produce accessible in urban environments. By integrating cutting-edge vertical farming techniques, Vertigo Gardens aims to inspire a new generation of urban farmers, promoting green living and fostering a deeper connection with nature amidst the concrete jungle.

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

The main problem Vertigo Gardens is trying to solve is the lack of green space and access to fresh, local produce in urban environments. By educating students on how to assemble and maintain vertical gardens, Vertigo Gardens aims to address issues of food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and the disconnection from nature that many city dwellers face.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Urban Greening with Recyclable Materials: Vertigo Gardens empowers urban dwellers to create lush green spaces using innovative vertical gardening techniques that incorporate recyclable waste materials like PET bottles. 2. Access to Fresh, Local Produce: By utilizing recyclable materials, Vertigo Gardens enables communities to grow their own fresh vegetables, and herbs locally. This approach reduces reliance on traditional gardening resources and supports a circular economy model, contributing to environmental conservation. 3. Educational and Environmental Impact: Through hands-on workshops and educational programs, Vertigo Gardens educates participants on sustainable gardening practices using recyclable materials. This fosters a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and empowers individuals to adopt greener lifestyles, making a positive impact on both local communities and the planet.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

1. Schools and Educational Institutions: Teachers, students, and educational administrators looking to integrate hands-on learning about sustainability and gardening into their curriculum. 2.Urban Dwellers: Residents of cities and urban areas who lack traditional gardening space but are interested in cultivating greenery and growing their own fresh produce. 3. Community Organizations: Non-profit organizations, community centers, and local initiatives focused on environmental conservation, food security, and community engagement.

01.05 When was your company established?

2024-06-01

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

No

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

1

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Oluwaseun Toyo is a visionary leader at Vertigo Gardens, driving our mission to transform urban spaces through sustainable vertical gardening. With a robust background in environmental management and urban agriculture, Oluwaseun brings a wealth of expertise in innovative gardening techniques and sustainable practices. His skills in project management, community engagement, and educational outreach are instrumental in developing and delivering impactful workshops. Passionate about environmental stewardship and circular economy principles, Oluwaseun leverages his experience to inspire and educate the next generation of urban farmers, fostering a greener and more sustainable future.

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

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vertigogardens/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Through the use of sustainable vertical gardening techniques, Vertigo Gardens equips urban populations to cultivate their own food, so making a substantial contribution to the UN's "No Poverty" aim. Through the utilization of recyclable materials such as PET bottles, we can lower food costs and improve food security for people living in highly populated areas. Our interactive courses foster community involvement and economic development in addition to imparting useful gardening skills. These educational programs assist to reduce poverty and enhance quality of life by promoting employability and creating doors to sustainable agriculture and environmental sectors.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

By educating urban populations how to use vertical gardening techniques to raise their own fresh, healthy vegetables, we play a critical part in reducing hunger and achieving food security. We support environmentally friendly, city-dweller-accessible sustainable agriculture methods by using recyclable materials. Our educational activities aim to enhance participants' nutrition by giving them the opportunity to grow a range of nutritious, locally grown foods. This immediately addresses the problems of hunger and nutrition in urban settings by guaranteeing a dependable food supply and encouraging a greater awareness of and dedication to sustainable food production practices.assisting in the reduction of poverty and raising living standards.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

By encouraging the growth of fresh, nutrient-dense produce in urban areas, we improve access to wholesome food and promote health and well-being. It has been demonstrated that gardening activities lower stress, boost physical activity, and enhance mental wellness.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

We strongly supports quality education by offering hands-on workshops and educational programs that teach sustainable gardening practices and environmental stewardship. Our initiatives are inclusive, providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about vertical gardening, recycling, and sustainable agriculture.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Vertigo Gardens contributes to gender equality by ensuring that our educational programs and workshops are inclusive and accessible to women and girls. We actively encourage female participation in all aspects of our initiatives, from hands-on gardening to leadership roles within community projects. By providing women and girls with the skills and knowledge to engage in sustainable agriculture, we empower them economically and socially.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Our programs emphasize the importance of water conservation and management, teaching techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting to minimize water waste. Additionally, by utilizing recyclable materials for gardening structures, we reduce pollution and promote environmental stewardship.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

Vertigo Gardens focuses mainly on environmental education and sustainable urban agriculture; we have very little impact on the availability of affordable clean energy. However, we indirectly assist energy efficiency and conservation through the use of recyclable materials and the promotion of sustainable practices.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

. Our educational programs and workshops provide valuable knowledge that can lead to employment opportunities in the growing field of sustainable agriculture and environmental management. By encouraging entrepreneurial ventures such as local produce markets and community-supported agriculture projects, we foster economic growth

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

3

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our use of innovative gardening techniques and emphasis on sustainability align with fostering innovation, our impact on large-scale infrastructure development is limited.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Vertigo Gardens contributes to reducing inequalities by promoting access to sustainable urban agriculture practices that can benefit diverse communities, regardless of socioeconomic status

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Our techniques allows residents in densely populated urban areas to create green spaces and grow their own fresh produce, These efforts contribute to making cities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable, enhancing quality of life for urban residents and promoting a healthier urban environment overall.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our emphasis on a circular economy approach, where materials are reused and repurposed, supports environmental sustainability and resource efficiency within urban environments, we raise awareness about the importance of reducing consumption and promoting sustainable practices, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards responsible consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

we support resilience against climate change by enhancing food security and reducing dependency on fossil fuel-intensive agricultural practices and long-distance transportation. the use of recyclable materials like PET bottles reduces the carbon footprint associated with food production and waste management

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

our initiatives promote sustainable practices and resource conservation within the terrestrial ecosystems, our direct impact on marine ecosystems and resources is limited.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Vertigo Gardens contributes significantly to the SDG "Life on Land" by promoting sustainable urban agriculture and environmental stewardship practices

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

our initiatives promote community engagement, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship, our direct impact on creating peaceful societies, providing access to justice, or strengthening institutions is limited.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

In order to achieve the level of impact in our environment we intend to partner with various stakeholders

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

3

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

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

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

we introduce a cost-effective and space-efficient method for growing fresh produce in urban settings. This unique approach not only addresses food security challenges in densely populated areas but also promotes environmental stewardship by reducing waste and carbon footprint associated with food production and transportation

06.09 Competitive Analysis

No direct competitor has been identified nationally, but in the space of agriculture, Farmcrowdy and in Recycling, Wecyclers. we are different because we are offering both practical solutions and educational opportunities that empower communities

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

Vertigo Gardens is promoting the role of female entrepreneurs through the following methods. Women-focused Entrepreneurship Workshops Mentorship Programs Networking Events Educational Campaigns Financial Support