With the world’s population likely to increase by nearly another billion people over the next two decades and incomes rising, total food consumption will likely rise by 50-70% by 2050. However, the percentage of people who work in agriculture around the world has decreased by 18% in the last three decades. Therefore, technological intervention is required.
Greenhouse farming refers to the practice of growing crops in controlled environments, such as using transparent material to admit natural light for plant growth. This practice provides better product quality and higher input efficiencies of water, nutrients, and crop protection agents compared to outdoor cultivation. Zordi integrates AI and robotics into its operations, reducing labor requirements by up to 80% and autonomously making critical crop care decisions. The company also provides the juiciest strawberries in NYC!
In the most recent episode of Women Who Build, we speak with the founder of Zordi, Gilwoo Lee. Gilwoo is a computer scientist with expertise in machine learning and robotics. In the past, she has worked at Facebook, Dreamworks, and Michigan Venture Capital.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
- Precision agriculture is part of a broader concept known as smart farming.
- Vertical integration allows control of the entire production process, from greenhouse operations to market distribution, providing flexibility for future scaling and partnerships. This is vital for sound unit economics per farm.
- Leafy greens are more common in greenhouses due to their shorter growth cycle and established industrial processes.
- Positive reinforcement (and not always struggle!) helps with success too!
Follow Gilwoo Lee at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilwoo-lee-581a13199/
If you liked this episode and want to listen to more, please subscribe to the Women Who Build channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZUOxEJN-w22okIcEYB_2w
For feedback or new content suggestions, email us at wearewomenwhobuild@gmail.com.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.