What They Do:
The Urban Hives is a public intervention that introduces gardens to parking lots using a low-cost, modular structure. The structure enables urban farming, mitigates pollution and provides an open green space for the local community.
Startup Experience:
“I started working on the project because of the scarcity of green spaces in Beirut and in response to climate change. It benefits local communities in the city at large. I applied to the GIMED program to learn the tools i need to turn this idea into a sustainable business solution. Through the mentoring I received, I have acquired a better understanding of the possible business models, which is the most complex side of this project, as it stands between a community initiative and green commerce.
I am very proud of my team and being surrounded by experts. I am also excited for the response of the local community every time we implemented a new project, they organically adopted it, taking care of the plants, kids used it to play, local neighbors to take their work break, and the international resonance in the press or articles mentioning it as a potential solution for the future city.
We were planning to implement our prototype but the crisis has stopped the funds and the project has stalled on that front. We continued developing further visual material about the project and studied possible markets. I’m hoping that by the end of the program, we’ll be able to get funding, implement a prototype, finalize the product, and approach potential clients.”
About GIMED
Berytech is the official partner of The Green Impact MED Project – Positive Investments for Positive Impacts (GIMED), an EU-funded project under the ENI-CBC Med Programme aiming at supporting green entrepreneurs to better access finance and market in the Mediterranean. The project provides training, coaching sessions, capacity building workshops, and sub-grants to consolidate green business creation and green business development. Learn more about the GIMED Project.
- Duration: 46 months
- Start date: 01 September 2019 – End date: 31 August 2023
- Total budget: 2.633.106,29 €
- EU contribution: 2.369.106,29€ (90% co-financing to project)
- Main source of funding: European Union (ENI CBC Med Programme)
