Michael Currin

Michael Currin is the inventor and lead product designer and developer of the Homefarm product. Homefarm is a smart appliance which grows edible crops from the comfort and convenience of the home. Michael leads the Homefarm business in his capacity as CEO. Since founding the business in 2016, Michael has grown the team to 7 members and led the business through successful crowdfunding, pre-seed and seed rounds of investment. Homefarm launched into the South African market at the end of 2018, after 3 years of Research, Development and Design for Manufacture. Homefarm is proudly manufactured in South Africa and ships globally. Michael has an MSc and MA in Innovation Design Engineering with a specialisation in Market Disruptive Innovation from two of the worlds most prestigious Universities, namely Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art. He is a multi-disciplinary designer, technologist, business developer and strategist with a passion for innovation in all of its guises. Before founding Homefarm, Michael worked on and led a diverse range of projects; unlocking value in the form of holistic design solutions, product innovations and business opportunities for his clients and employers alike. Michael has a long and proven track record for service and leadership; having co-founded a prestigious South African youth leadership programme (SAWIP) in 2007 and serving in a variety of leadership roles throughout School and University. In 2012 he was identified by the British Foreign Office as a potential future leader in his industry and as such he was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue his masters degree in London. Michael enjoys teaching, and is currently a visiting lecturer at the Open Window Institute of the Arts & Digital Sciences' Interaction Design Department. Michael is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and would be eager to discuss any interesting opportunities for collaboration or partnership.