LAS VEGAS - May 19, 2009 - Steve Perkowski's business plan to create a Las Vegas vertical farm, which generates crop growth through alternative energy methods (instead of soil, pesticides or artificial fertilizer), grabbed first place in the 2009 Donald W. Reynolds Governor's Cup undergraduate category. Perkowski received $20,000 for the win, and will compete May 27th in the Tri-State Donald W. Reynolds Cup in Las Vegas against teams from Arkansas, Nevada and Oklahoma.
Perkowski envisioned Las Vegas Vertical Farms as the premier organic producer supplier for Nevadans. A vertical farm grows crops in high-rise buildings through a method called hydroponics, which grows plants in water and nutrients. Cultivation occurs by using alternative energy technologies like photovoltaic solar arrays and an anaerobic methane digester. Since Las Vegas is not conducive to traditional farming operations, Perkowski laid out a vertical farm that would produce and sell varieties of lettuce and herbs, grown inside an 11-story greenhouse spanning 130,000-square-feet. He also developed strategies that would market the vertical farm high-rise building as an eco-friendly tourist spot where guests could learn about conservation and healthy eating.
"Steve's plan captures the growing interest in finding ways to reduce the carbon footprint," said Janet Runge, a faculty advisor in the College of Business. "The plan finds a way for Las Vegas to advance sustainability and grow local food."
The Governor's cup competition was held last month in Reno. The goal was to encourage entrepreneurs from Nevada universities and colleges to submit innovative business plans for businesses of tomorrow.
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