In this episode of The Business of Aquaculture, we dive into the ABCs of Artificial Intelligence—Artificial Intelligence, Business, and Connections—with the dynamic Jennifer Huffnagel, AI Enthusiast and Trainer. From our first encounter at Innovation Island in British Columbia to recently sharing the stage at WeDo Canada’s Women in Tech event, Jennifer has continuously inspired with her insights and passion for tech empowerment.

Join us as we explore:

• How businesses can harness AI to improve systems and boost operational efficiency
• The biggest challenges companies face when integrating AI—and practical ways to overcome them
• Simple steps for getting started with AI, especially if it all feels overwhelming

Whether you're a tech-savvy founder or just starting to explore how AI fits into your operations, this episode will offer practical wisdom and inspiring takeaways. Let’s get this show started!

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From NASA to Your Neighborhood: The Future of Food is Here

We had this episode special as the original interview had a glitch recording. However, we were able to get the AI transcript so we ended up having another AI, do the audio. I hope you enjoy this episode :) Our biggest takeaways are:

1) NASA origins inspire Earth farming;

2. Hybrid greenhouses maximize economic viability;

3. Plug-and-play democratizes food production;

4. Hydroponics helping aquaculture.

Discover the unexpected journey of Federico Marques, CEO of Moonflower Farms, as he revolutionizes urban agriculture through cutting-edge hydroponics technology. In this fascinating conversation, Marques reveals how his work at NASA's Space Center sparked innovations that are now transforming how cities grow food.

This episode takes you behind the scenes of a true agricultural evolution, where space technology meets sustainable farming. Learn how Moonflower Farms pivoted from being Texas's first indoor vertical farm to pioneering hybrid greenhouse solutions that dramatically cut energy costs while maximizing production. Marques shares his bold prediction that by 2030, every major city worldwide will be growing food hydroponically – and explains exactly why this shift is both inevitable and essential.

Most compelling is Moonflower's mission to democratize food production through "plug-and-play" hydroponic systems so intuitive that teenagers can master them in a week. Drawing parallels to the personal computer revolution of the 1980s, Marques envisions a future where anyone can grow nutrient-dense food locally, breaking dependence on lengthy supply chains that diminish food quality.

Whether you're interested in sustainable business models, innovative agriculture, or simply concerned about the nutritional value of your food, this conversation offers profound insights into how hyper-local hydroponics is poised to transform our relationship with food production. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of how technology originally designed for space travel might soon be growing food in your neighborhood.

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In this powerful conversation, Lourdes Gant—Managing Director of Manatee Holdings Ltd. and sustainability strategist—introduces her groundbreaking new book The Sustainability Code: AI for Sustainable Farming.

This interview goes beyond the pages of the book to explore why she wrote it and what it means for the future of agriculture and aquaculture. Lourdes brings listeners back to the basics of sustainable farming, breaking down the environmental and economic challenges facing the sector and laying out a vision for integrating AI and emerging technologies to create high-impact, low-footprint food systems.

She shares practical insights on the cost spectrum of AI solutions—from enterprise-grade tech to tools accessible for smallholders—and speaks directly to farmers, investors, and innovators alike. Lourdes also offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at navigating complex regulatory waters, working with NGOs and governments, and the strategic value of intellectual property in a future driven by digital and biological convergence.

Whether you’re a policy maker, impact investor, or a sustainability-curious entrepreneur, this conversation will leave you with bold ideas and actionable strategies for building resilient, tech-powered food systems in the decades ahead.

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