Key Takeaways:
- Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine, joins Babylon Micro-Farms as a brand ambassador.
- Their shared mission is to promote the adoption of vertical farming in K-12 classrooms.
- Babylon’s STEM Garden offers hands-on learning experiences that teach science, sustainability, and healthy eating.
- Ritz aims to inspire students nationwide by integrating hydroponic farming into education.
- This partnership fosters both educational innovation and future workforce development.
A New Collaboration for Vertical Farming in Education
Stephen Ritz, an educator known for his work in urban farming and founder of the Green Bronx Machine, has joined forces with Babylon Micro-Farms as their new brand ambassador. This collaboration focuses on bringing Babylon’s STEM Garden—a hydroponic farming system—into classrooms across the United States. The goal is to enhance science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through hands-on learning that incorporates elements of sustainability and healthy food production.
Ritz, who has long been an advocate for experiential learning, sees this partnership as an opportunity to engage students with practical applications of science. “The minute I saw the STEM Garden, I knew I wanted one in my classroom. It generates excitement, interest, and wonder from students and teachers alike,” Ritz said. He aims to leverage the STEM Garden to create more interactive learning environments in schools, similar to the success he has achieved through his Green Bronx Machine initiative.
Expanding Learning Opportunities with the STEM Garden
Babylon Micro-Farms, which develops hydroponic farming systems, selected Ritz as their ambassador due to his experience in education and his commitment to using urban farming as a tool for learning. The company’s STEM Garden is designed for K-12 classrooms, allowing students to engage in lessons that range from plant biology to environmental science. Babylon Micro-Farms hopes that by incorporating these systems into schools, students will gain not only academic knowledge but also practical skills related to sustainability and food production.
“Stephen’s dedication to sustainable education and his experience in engaging students with hands-on learning make him an ideal partner for us,” said Marc Oosterhuis, CEO of Babylon Micro-Farms. The company sees the partnership as an opportunity to promote its technology while also contributing to educational innovation.
Ritz’s Role in Promoting Vertical Farming in Schools
As brand ambassador, Ritz will work to promote the STEM Garden in schools nationwide, helping educators incorporate vertical farming into their curriculums. His efforts will include the development of educational programs, community outreach, and public speaking engagements aimed at encouraging more schools to adopt sustainable practices. Ritz believes that the STEM Garden can serve as a practical tool for teaching important life skills while fostering an interest in science and technology.
Ritz’s work in education, particularly his focus on experiential learning, aligns with Babylon Micro-Farms’ goals of making hydroponic farming accessible in classrooms. According to Ritz, the STEM Garden “makes you want to learn more, ask questions, taste the produce, and get involved—the learning possibilities here are endless.”
Babylon Micro-Farms Latest News
Partners With Nazareth University and Sodexo (2024/02/06)
Nazareth University Dining, operated by Sodexo, has embarked on an innovative partnership with Babylon Micro-Farms, a leader in the indoor farming industry, to bring fresh, sustainable food options directly to students. This initiative aligns with the growing trend of universities seeking environmentally friendly solutions to meet dining needs while providing students with educational opportunities.
Receives Works with WELL Certification (2023/06/22)
Babylon Micro-Farms, a leading company in indoor hydroponic farming systems, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining approval from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) to license the Works with WELL trademark for its flagship product, Galleri. Galleri is the first food-safe indoor vertical farming system to receive this distinction, reinforcing Babylon’s dedication to promoting healthy eating and access to nature.
MSC World Europa’s Innovative Chef’s Garden Kitchen (2023/01/26)
MSC Cruises has teamed up with Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt to create a new dining concept on their cruise ships. The specialty restaurant will feature a hydroponic micro-farm, providing fresh produce for the dishes. The restaurant will offer an immersive experience, giving guests a chance to watch the master chef compose his creations in an open kitchen while enjoying scenic ocean views. The hydroponic garden is powered by Babylon Micro-Farms, a remote management technology company based in Virginia. The unique concept is a significant step towards sustainable and locally-sourced dining at sea.
Virginia Venture Partners Invests in Babylon Micro-Farms (2023/05/26)
Virginia Venture Partners, an equity investment arm of the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC), recently invested in Babylon Micro-Farms, an innovative startup based in Charlottesville, VA. This dynamic company offers a futuristic, IoT-enabled vertical farming platform, empowering anyone to cultivate fresh, sustainable produce with just the touch of a button.
Babylon Micro-Farms Raises $8M For Scaling & Expansion (2023/04/04)
Babylon micro-farms, a startup specializing in smart indoor gardens, has recently closed an $8 million Series A funding round, reports Techcrunch. The investment was led by Venture South, with participation from Virginia Venture Partners, Hull Street Capital, and New Theory Ventures. The funding will enable the company to accelerate its production and marketing efforts to expand its install base. In addition, Babylon micro farms received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, which will support the company’s innovation and growth in the indoor gardening industry. This is an exciting development for the company, and it is hoped that the funding will help to advance further its mission of making fresh produce more accessible to people around the world.
Co-Founders Featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022/12/08)
Babylon Micro-Farms co-founders, Alexander Olesen and Graham Smith, were named on Forbes 30 under 30 list for their contribution to creating a more sustainable future. Their modular, vertical micro-farms use 90% less water and produce plants like lettuce 2-3 times quicker than outdoor gardening. Their customers include IKEA, LinkedIn, Neiman Marcus, and more, and they operate in over 30 states.
Unveils New Unparalleled Product (2022/06/01)
Babylon Micro-Farms has launched a new Micro-Farm called the Galleri, which features an easy-to-clean tray, water temperature control system, full-glass enclosure, improved sensor array, and the BabylonIQ automated growing system. The Galleri Micro-Farm allows clients to grow ultra-fresh produce year-round sustainably. Babylon Micro-Farms has already installed over 80 farms with hundreds more planned across the US, with partners including Aramark, LinkedIn, Compass, and Sodexo.
Image provided by Nazareth University
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