In the heart of Toulouse’s city center, Nicolas Auriac and Quentin Jeandel established Neopouss, a sustainable and meaningful urban farm in 2021. The duo chose the Arnaud Bernard district to cultivate nutrient-rich and flavorful microgreens for local restaurateurs.
Nicolas and Quentin have diverse backgrounds in entrepreneurship, but they were driven to create something unique. Nicolas, who had already experimented with growing microgreens at home, persuaded Quentin to join him in the venture. Together, they won a regional grant in April 2021 for their climate change initiative, which motivated them to pursue their urban farming vision.
To reduce water and energy usage, they implemented hydroponics techniques, setting up their first operation on rue Gabriel Peri. However, they soon realized the limitations of their initial location 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. They prioritize sustainable delivery methods such as walking or biking to emphasize their environmental commitment.
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. This trait makes microgreens a valuable resource for astronauts by providing essential nutrients while minimizing transported provisions’ weight. Collaborating with Toulouse’s Purpan agronomy engineering school on microgreen-based food supplements is another way they are leveraging their expertise in space-related projects.
Recently, Neopouss expanded its operations with a franchise in Marseille to further reach and impact urban farming initiatives. Their mission is not only to provide fresh produce but also contribute to creating a more sustainable future for both cities and beyond.