Entrepreneur transforms research into a farm to fork platform

SocialFeedia’s vision is to use technology to return the supermarket margin to the farmer, eliminate food waste and food fraud, and supply fresh food

Mel Clohesy is founder of SociaFeedia, a farm to fork platform for consumers who want fresh, traceable, unprocessed produce directly from local farmers. Mel participated in both Phase 1 and 2 of New Frontiers at WIT. He explains how participation has helped him get where he is today. 

Business/industry sector AgTech

Where is your business based? Kilkenny

Explain your business/product SociaFeedia is a farm to fork platform.

Audience/market Consumers who want fresh, traceable, unprocessed produce directly from local farmers.

Experience of New Frontiers

When did you participate in the New Frontiers Programme 2017 

Did you take part in Phase 1 or Phase 2 or both? Both

Where did your business idea come from? My idea came from 8 years of research at the University of Liverpool and University of Manchester. I did not have a lightbulb moment, instead my idea was developed through University research.

How has the New Frontiers Programme helped you to get where you are today? The big word I would use would be focus as the programme from Phase 1 makes you strip you idea down until you have a clear focus on what it is. The programme opens doors for you to meet industry experts in your area. I found this to be especially valuable in developing my company.