Product is projected to generate three pounds of microgreens each week in your living room
Microgreens
Image Credit: Kari Sullivan
Despite the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) successfully launched the 2020 AgEnterprise Challenge, its yearly "Shark Tank"-style competition designed to promote student innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sustainability. While the college wasn't able to convene the five finalists in a live pitch setting, a panel of judges at F³Tech, a prominent tech accelerator and part of the Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, reviewed video submissions to determine a competition winner. On the strength of their unique and patented seed pods designed to grow 3 pounds of microgreens (edible baby veggies) a week, circular design built small enough to fit on a kitchen counter, and full automation and ease of use through mobile technology, Sow Co (formerly called Munch) was selected as this year's winner.
F³Tech will award Sow Co access to up to $30,000 in seed funding specifically related to their commercialization efforts. Intended uses of the seed funds include customer discovery, technology validation, market validation, and general startup expenses.
Sow Co grows enough to feed one person their daily greens and is billed as a truly sustainable product. It saves 99% of the carbon fuel emissions, 90% of water usage, and provides microgreens 80% cheaper than buying it in-store. For a deeper dive into their innovative in-home gardening product, the team invites you to watch their five minute video below.
The college is also proud to announce the results of the Audience Choice Award winner, Color Flower Waffles. The team will receive $1,000 due to their popularity among some 250 individuals who voted through AGNR's website. Color Flower Waffles are gluten-free and packed with fruits and vegetables. They were inspired by one of their classmates who, confined by having most major allergies, struggles to find delicious and convenient products. Their solution is an affordable frozen waffle free of many major allergens, tasty, and retains the fun and convenience of a traditional frozen waffle.
The AgEnterprise Challenge taps into the already existing entrepreneurial ecosystem on the UMD campus, including the Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, Do Good Institute, Mtech, and UM Ventures. The college is grateful for its newly developed relationship with F³Tech.
