José's transformative path : from studying Animal Sciences, to Inspire Post-Harvest School, to pioneering DeCarbon8+ for less polluting Sustainable Agriculture
The Inspire Programmes aim to develop a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators equipped to shape a new kind of innovative, resilient, and sustainable food system.
We talk to José from Portugal, who participated in the Post-Harvest School in 2022.
José, what was the Post-Harvest School about?
José Simões: ‘It was an intensive immersion on the topics of sustainable and regenerative agriculture and its impact on the food production systems. During the two-week programme, we worked out solutions for agricultural challenges.’
How was your journey since you completed this Inspire Programme?
‘It has been a professional rollercoaster. Based on the ideas that we developed during the Inspire Programme, we established our own company, DeCarbon8+. We promote greener and less polluting agricultural practices though a carbon credit marketplace. We are also starting carbon measurement services. Things are going with ups and downs. Developing the concept has taken a lot of time and I still have to combine the start-up with another job, which I don't mind.’
How was your journey since you completed this Inspire Programme?
‘It has been a professional rollercoaster. Based on the ideas that we developed during the Inspire Programme, we established our own company, DeCarbon8+. We promote greener and less polluting agricultural practices though a carbon credit marketplace. We are also starting carbon measurement services. Things are going with ups and downs. Developing the concept has taken a lot of time and I still have to combine the start-up with another job, which I don't mind.’
What was your previous academic background?
‘I studied animal sciences. Now that I work with farmers, this background is still useful. However, I have never been very interested in academic degrees. I’m more of a hands-on person and always combine different activities and jobs. I plan to keep doing that even as my business grows, because I enjoy it and it gives me energy.’
“The programme taught me all the basics of establishing a framework for a start-up from scratch. You get the chance to develop new skills while finding solutions to certain problems. You tackle so many issues during those weeks, from people management and marketing to financing and pitching your concept.”
What was the impact of the course on your career?
‘It was the basis of what I’m doing today. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur but I expected I would run my own farm. The programme taught me all the basics of establishing a framework for a start-up from scratch. You get the chance to develop new skills while finding solutions to certain problems. You tackle so many issues during those weeks, from people management and marketing to financing and pitching your concept. At the same time, you meet a lot of new people from different backgrounds and you cooperate with them in a team. One of the topics was carbon farming. I had never thought of carbon credits before but this sparked the idea of our start-up.’
Can you share the key takeaways of your start-up experience?
‘It’s very important to develop a solid method for organisational and time management. Take one day at the time and be ambitious but realistic. Make sure you cultivate good team work and deliver a product that you’re proud of. Networking is essential. You have to go to events and be comfortable with being uncomfortable. You will learn from new situations that lead to new opportunities. I think entrepreneurship is basically a journey of self-development. If you want your business to grow, you have to grow yourself.’
Would you recommend the programme?
‘A 100%! I enrolled because I thought it was interesting but I never expected it would lead to what I’m doing now. You develop a ton of skills, and you learn how to manage your stress so much better. Anyone who wants to do something with agrifood should go for it.’
