About Us

Who we are ?

 

A group of eight institutions (two universities from Bucharest and Sofia, two research institutes from Bucharest, and four NGOs working with youth and agriculture from Harja, Sofia, Pignola, and Hopeland ) joined forces with a vertical farming start-up, Ultragreens, to support youngsters with fewer opportunities (FO) and NEET youth in developing technology and digital skills while growing vegetables in their communities.

 

 

 

Why this project ?

 

Verti4You aimed to address the challenges faced by NEET youth and those with fewer opportunities in Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, and Italy by equipping them with practical skills in vertical farming and social entrepreneurship.

Despite being the most educated generation in history, many young people struggle to find quality jobs, a situation even more critical in rural areas. This project promotes social inclusion and green skills by engaging youth and youth workers in hands-on training to build sustainable food production systems, aligned with the European Green Deal.

By leveraging digital education tools, Verti4You empowers young people to create eco-friendly social enterprises, making them active agents of change in their communities while addressing key global issues such as climate change, food security, and digital transformation.

 

 

What we want ?

 

Inspired by the “Engage, Connect, and Empower Young People” motto of the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027, Verti4You aims to promote youth social entrepreneurship by using vertical farming as a tool for producing eco-friendly and healthy food in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas. Our goal is to equip young people with fewer opportunities (including NEET youth) with key skills and competences in modern horticulture, improving their employability and fostering sustainable local development.

Through cross-sectoral cooperation between universities, research institutions, and NGOs, we provide continuous training and educational opportunities. Our program includes five hands-on learning experiences, where youth will actively build and manage vertical farming modules, supported by experts and mentors. By bridging academia, research, and social entrepreneurship, we foster innovation and technology transfer to empower young people and youth workers with practical knowledge in automation, software, and sustainable farming.

The project will also provide two interactive digital resources on vertical farming and social entrepreneurship, enabling young people to replicate successful models and contribute to a circular economy.
Ultimately, Verti4You seeks to create lasting change by increasing digital literacy, technological awareness, and entrepreneurial abilities among youth, equipping them with the skills needed to build viable social enterprises and actively shape a greener, more inclusive future.

 

Where we’ll impact ?

 

The Verti4You project aims at creating a lasting impact on youth, educators, communities, and institutions at local and regional, national, and European levels.
Youth & NEET Groups will gain hands-on experience in vertical farming, digital tools, and entrepreneurship, improving their employability and self-confidence.
Youth workers & educators will develop new teaching methods in sustainable agriculture, fostering innovation in youth programs.
Academic institutions & research organizations will strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation, advancing modern horticulture education.
Local & regional communities will benefit from sustainable food production, leading to economic growth and employment opportunities.
Stakeholders & policy-makers will gain insights into green skills, digital education, and circular economy solutions, influencing youth employment strategies.
European & international levels will see an increase in cooperation, youth mobility, and best practices in urban farming.
Verti4You empowers young people with practical skills, preparing them for future careers while fostering a greener, more inclusive society.

 

When?

 

The Verti4You project aims to generate impact during and beyond its implementation period, ensuring sustainable long-term effects:
*Project Duration: The main activities take place between 2022 and 2024, including training sessions, hands-on experiences, and digital resource development.
Short-Term Impact (2024-2026): Youth, youth workers, and institutions will gain benefits through training, mentoring, and practical activities in vertical farming and social entrepreneurship. New collaboration will rise up.
Mid-Term Impact (2026-2030): Project results, including educational materials and digital resources, will be widely accessible, allowing for the replication of vertical farming initiatives in other regions and educational programs. Possible other collaboration with other vertical farming companies, by both trainees, trainers and youth workers and new projects results rised from partners collaborations.
Long-Term Impact (2030 and beyond): The project could contribute to sustainable food production, youth employment, and social entrepreneurship, fostering economic and environmental benefits across Europe.
Verti4You’s impact will continue beyond the project’s timeline, creating a ripple effect for a greener, more inclusive future.