Marc Walraven is an urban farming innovator and the founder of UrbanRooted Innovations, based in Fort Worth, Texas. After working in mechanical engineering, designing cooling systems for data centres, Marc decided to walk away from corporate life in 2017. He wanted to do something more meaningful—something that helped everyday people, not just large companies.
Using his engineering skills and a lot of trial and error, he began building vertical aeroponic systems in his backyard. These systems use no soil and very little water. Instead, they grow plants with nutrient-rich mist in stacked towers powered by solar energy. He called the design "SkyGrow."
Marc's mission was simple: make it easier for people in cities and underserved neighborhoods to grow their own food. His systems are now used in schools, community centers, and local businesses across Fort Worth. He teaches free workshops and helps veterans, students, and families build their own towers.
What sets Marc Walraven apart is his belief in keeping things simple. He avoids complicated tech and expensive tools. His goal is to create farming systems that are easy to build, fix, and use—without needing apps or Wi-Fi.
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