In the bustling city center of Toulouse, France, entrepreneurial duo Nicolas Auriac and Quentin Jeandel have made waves with their innovative urban farm venture, Neopouss. Based in the Haute-Garonne region, the first of its kind in the Pink City was established in 2021. The duo chose to cultivate nutrient-rich and flavorful microgreens for local restaurateurs in a compact basement space using vertical modules that maintain optimal temperatures and humidity levels.
Nicolas’ passion for experimenting with microgreens at home inspired Quentin to join him on this sustainable journey. The two friends’ shared vision for a meaningful venture led them to create an urban farming experience that reduces water and energy usage through hydroponics techniques. Their first operation launched on rue Gabriel Peri, kicking off sales in November 2021. However, as their clientele grew, they realized they needed more space and relocated to Arnaud-Bernard in the summer of 2022. Currently, Neopouss cultivates around forty microgreen varieties sold to approximately forty restaurants, with renowned chefs like Yannick Delpech among their clientele.
The company’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just their farming practices. They prioritize eco-friendly delivery methods such as walking or biking. In 2022, Neopouss was chosen to participate in the TechTheMoon incubator’s second cohort, focused on lunar economy innovations managed by Nubbo and CNES. Recognizing the potential of microgreens for space missions, Neopouss highlights its ability to preserve 97% of a plant’s nutrients after dehydration – making it a valuable resource for astronauts by providing essential nutrients while minimizing transported provisions’ weight. Leveraging their expertise in space-related projects, Nicolas and Quentin collaborate with Toulouse’s Purpan agronomy engineering school on microgreen-based food supplements.
Neopouss has recently expanded its operations with a franchise in Marseille to further reach and impact urban farming initiatives across France. This innovative company continues to push boundaries within the realm of sustainable agriculture while contributing positively to local communities and beyond.
