We recently had the opportunity to speak with Jo Sakota, a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Bio Aqua Garden. Rooted in farming and fishing traditions, she has channeled her passion for natural systems into inventing the patented AquaSoilPonics wheel during Malta’s COVID food shortages. Currently leading Bio Aqua Garden as Director, while Alex Sakota serves as CEO, Jo drives a mission to deliver chemical-free, nutrient-dense food to schools, communities, farmers, and nations worldwide. Jo also serves as Associate Director – Innovations at the World Agriculture Forum (Netherlands), where she contributes her on-ground expertise to shaping scalable agricultural frameworks and global policy dialogue.
Early Background and Professional Journey
Curious about her path from family traditions to agritech pioneer, we asked: “Can you walk us through your professional journey and how it led to where you are today?”
Jo Sakota shared, “My journey has always revolved around one core value: nature knows best. Growing up immersed in farming and fishing traditions, I learned early how our wellbeing hinges on natural, nutrient-dense food. But it was the COVID crisis in Malta, with zero local natural food production, that exposed how fragile our systems are.
With my husband and business partner Alex, we tackled a huge question: How do we give every community access to chemical-free, natural food? That led to inventing our patented AquaSoilPonics wheel: a single, user-friendly machine combining aquaculture, living soil, water recycling, and energy efficiency.
Today, Bio Aqua Garden transcends agritech; it’s a mission restoring natural food to schools, communities, farmers, families, and nations.” She said, highlighting how personal roots fuel a global vision.
Overcoming Key Challenges
Eager to understand her resilience, we probed: “Reflecting on your career, what have been the most significant challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?”
Jo Sakota reflected, “Challenges have forged our path. We self-funded for nearly five years, honing precision, creativity, and grit without compromise.
Shifting mindsets was tough: proving natural systems outperform chemicals needed patience and proof. We won hearts via school visits, TechExpo demos, and farmer talks.
Bureaucracy lagged innovation, but aligning with EU CAP, SDGs, Malta Vision 2050, green financing, and carbon credits broke through. Each hurdle strengthened our mission.” She added, turning obstacles into stepping stones.
Balancing Vision and Operations
Wondering about her strategy for sustainability, we asked: “How do you balance long-term vision with short-term operational needs?”
Jo Sakota explained, “We use two timelines with one rule. First, short-term ops: one, flawless wheel systems; two, school and farmer visits; three, BIO crop production; four, partner communications; five, events and prototypes. Second, long-term vision: one, Malta to be self-sufficient in natural food; two, school ed hubs; three, global franchising and tokenisation; four, circular systems shift; five, carbon/ESG frameworks. Balance comes from every action feeding the vision, or we skip it.” Jo emphasized keeping purpose at the core.
Services and Future Innovations
Delving into offerings, we inquired: “Tell us more about your services and whether you’re planning to add something new in the future.”
Jo Sakota detailed, “Our core services break down like this. First, patented AquaSoilPonics wheels for farmers, schools, communities, hotels, and governments. Second, mini systems for education and CSR. Third, BIO crop production for markets. Fourth, community outreach and education. Fifth, carbon-negative ESG farming. Sixth, consulting on green financing, CAP, ESG, and sustainability. Seventh, R&D for soil, aquaculture, and low-energy.
Future innovations: First, AI sensors and dashboards for plant health. Second, modular farm hubs for villages. Third, carbon-credit automation for farmers. Fourth, international franchising. Fifth, a digital ed platform for kids. Sixth, ‘Green-Blue Labs’ innovation hubs.” She teased, eyes on scalable, tech-smart growth.
Market Analysis and Influences
To gauge her foresight, we asked: “What methods do you use to analyze market trends, and how have they influenced your decisions?”
Jo Sakota outlined, “We use four methods. First, data observation: food security, water scarcity, energy costs, pesticides, and imports. Second, field insights: talks with farmers, schools, parents, chefs, hotels, ministries, and communities. Third, global benchmarking: UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Europe, and Canada. Fourth, policy monitoring: EU Green Deal, CAP, ESG, carbon markets.
This influenced us by spotting trends like local production, chemical-free, low-energy, education-driven, regenerative, so we built patented AquaSoilPonics for that future.” Jo noted, data-meets-intuition drives decisions.
Digital Transformation Impact
Exploring tech’s role, we questioned: “How has digital transformation affected your business model?”
Jo Sakota enthused, “Digital has accelerated us in five ways. First, IoT monitors plant and water cycles. Second, AI predicts nutrients and fish health. Third, data visualization for school sustainability learning. Fourth, digital marketing and storytelling to inspire. Fifth, blockchain for tokenisation, investment, and carbon credits. It makes our natural system smarter, accessible, and scalable.” She said, blending old wisdom with new tools.
Emerging Technologies Outlook
Looking ahead, we asked: “What emerging technologies will have the most impact in the next five years?”
“Seven key ones stand out. First, AI and robotics for smart farming. Second, biologicals and soil microbes. Third, water circularity and desalination. Fourth, sensors for nutrient intelligence. Fifth, blockchain for carbon tracking and traceability. Sixth, low-energy controlled ag. Seventh, nature-based biotech. Most importantly, any that brings us closer to natural food.” Jo predicted confidently.
Employee Engagement Strategies
On team culture, we probed: “What strategies do you implement to maintain high employee engagement and satisfaction?”
Jo Sakota shared, “Six strategies keep our team fired up. First, purpose over profit: feeding future generations. Second, autonomy and trust with ownership. Third, hands-on involvement from R&D to school visits. Fourth, continuous training in AI, agritech, soil, aquaculture, and sustainability. Fifth, celebrating wins like awards and partnerships. Sixth, a culture of impact, gratitude, and nature respect. They stay because they’re changing the world.” Jo affirmed, people as the heartbeat.
Legacy and Future Vision
Wrapping with aspiration, we asked: “How do you want your business to be remembered, and what steps are you taking to secure that legacy?”
Jo Sakota envisioned, “I want Bio Aqua Garden remembered for bringing natural food back to humanity, especially children. First, a Malta where every school grows its own food naturally. Second, systems that regenerate soil instead of destroying it. Third, a model was exported worldwide to solve hunger, health decline, and soil loss. Fourth, a circular economy powered by nature, not chemicals. Fifth, a generation that truly understands food, not just consumes it.
To secure this legacy, we’re taking these steps: First, documenting our entire journey in detail. Second, building education hubs in schools and communities. Third, partnering with ministries and global organizations. Fourth, creating award-winning prototypes that showcase our tech. Fifth, training youth and communities hands-on. Sixth, designing franchisable, scalable global models. Seventh, embedding our systems into long-term policy frameworks. Our work has to outlive us; that’s the true measure.” She concluded, legacy through enduring impact.
With profound insights into nature, innovation, and purpose, this interview illuminates Bio Aqua Garden’s transformative path.
Connect with Jo Sakota on LinkedIn.
Explore Bio Aqua Garden: https://www.facebook.com/bioaquagarden and their Instagram
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