FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A homegrown solution to sustainable food production just took the top prize at this year’s Innovate Green Pitch Competition, held April 12, 2025, at the Moonshot Campus in Flagstaff. Local entrepreneur Jay Jones and his company TechGenie walked away with the full $30,000 award for their patent-pending vertical food-growing system.
TechGenie’s innovative aeroponic design impressed judges with its ability to grow food using 90% less water and at a 50% faster rate than traditional farming methods. Ideal for compact living spaces and areas with limited outdoor growing access, the system supports local food security while reducing resource consumption, key for a resilient Flagstaff future.
“The application process was super easy—I actually did it from my phone… [and] the feedback I got during the workshop really helped refine my pitch. The funding will support the purchase of machinery necessary for product manufacturing and business scaling.”
Now in its annual run, the Innovate Green competition encourages local entrepreneurs to pitch eco-focused business ideas that promote sustainability and practical climate solutions. The event is a collaboration between the City of Flagstaff’s Economic Development and Sustainability teams, part of a larger push to foster innovation and climate-conscious entrepreneurship throughout the region.
