This interview details Gaia Project Australia, an indoor farming company based in Australia. The interview is with Nadun Henneyaka, Founder & CEO of Gaia Project Australia.
What is the origin story of Gaia Project Australia?
Founded in 2017, Gaia Project Australia initially tackled R&D focused on renewable energy, and cleaner oceans. Then in 2019 we shifted our aim towards creating solutions that focused on food security and the Agtech sector. Now Gaia Project Australia exists to identify unique solutions to fight climate change and help humanity exist in a balance with our planet.
The company has been working on a unique crop cultivation solution to increase efficiency while reducing operating costs in the Controlled Environment Agricultural (CEA) sector.
Gaia’s Rejig-Grow system bends reality, by allowing the farm to grow with the crop, doubling yields and revolutionizing the industry. In 2021, Gaia Project Australia submitted its solution to NASA and was approved to develop a prototype in 2022. This has resulted in being a top 3 international contestant in 2023, and a winner of Phase 2 of the Deep Space Food Challenge.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing Gaia Project Australia in the future?
Australia has relied on its perfect weather conditions and plentiful land to expand farming operations, so funding is difficult as food security isn’t on the radar…..yet. This has been an obstacle for our startup, as we attempt to prove our product, ready for the global market.
What is unique about Gaia Project Australia compared to competitors? How do you measure the impact of your company so far? (Revenue, Employees, Customer Quantity, Production Volume) etc?
No, we really don’t have any real direct competitors, as other companies have fixed planting systems, with some reaching our yields, but utilising expensive transplanting methods to do so. Our system reduces CAPEX/OPEX costs (labour & robotics), while also utilizing existing CEA benefits (95% less water, 75% less nutrients).
What have you learned that you wish you knew when you joined or started the company?
Coming from 15 years in the corporate space, I thought that was hard work, now I realize startup is harder. But I love what I do it makes the process that much more rewarding. Seeing the company grow from its infancy, shows me that if you have a dynamic product, then the market will respond, and you will have success.
How can people connect with you or learn more about Gaia Project Australia?
Website: https://gaiaprojectaustralia.com.au
LinkedIn - Gaia Project Australia
2022 NASA deep space challenge award winner
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