The Optimism Challenge: AirGarden tips and tricks

Who knew that the key to living a greener, healthier lifestyle, was through NASA-developed growing technology, aeroponics? Brisbane siblings Prue and Tom Bauer did, setting out to establish AirGarden – an Aussie startup helping people across the country grow their own fresh food in 21 days. Take a look at their story and pick up some tips for yourself along the way.

CREATING FOOD EQUALITY FOR EVERYONE

Prue and Tom, the brother-sister duo behind AirGarden, set out on a mission to make it possible for everyone to grow their own food. With over a third of the world’s food wasted and given the shift towards smaller living spaces, Prue and Tom seized the opportunity and developed Australia’s first locally manufactured aeroponic retail gardening system, enabling Aussies to grow their own fresh produce, no matter how large or small their dwelling.

ESTABLISHING A LOCAL NETWORK OF SUPPLIERS

From the beginning, Prue and Tom were intent on ensuring that AirGarden was Aussie-owned and made. This meant working alongside manufacturers in their home town of Brisbane to ensure they could be hands-on when it came to developing the first, and now second, iterations of their AirGarden product. Through research, chemistry meetings and prototype tests, Prue and Tom were able to narrow down their core network of suppliers, which they still use today.

BUFFERING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19

As with all businesses, AirGarden faced its fair share of challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. From forced supplier shut-downs to widespread travel bans, AirGarden pivoted to a virtual operation, relying on virtual conferencing, FaceTime calls and digitised design software to aid them in developing the next iteration of their AirGarden product. Powered by the Optus network, Prue and Tom ensured that there was no time lost while the world was shut down, working collaboratively with their customers and suppliers to keep business running, and to get their designs in order, ready to hit the ground running once everything reopened.

INTEGRATING OPTUS PRODUCTS INTO THE EVERYDAY

AirGarden operates a dynamic technological ecosystem, powered by Optus. With 5G the foundation of their business, Prue and Tom rely on super-fast internet to facilitate the day-to-day operation, ranging from online checkout to FaceTime calls with clients to support in set-up.

EXPANDING THE BUSINESS

With a clear mission at their core – to make it possible for everyone to grow their food – AirGarden is now preparing to take business on the road, working with educational bodies around the nation to introduce education programs into schools, equipping children with the knowledge of the benefits of aeroponics for a more sustainable future.

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*5G is available in selected areas (excl. NT & Tas). Speeds may vary by area.