Orlane Panet

Cofounder & CEO

MicroHabitat

Canada

Orlane Panet is the founder and CEO of MicroHabitat, a pioneering urban agriculture company dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into thriving ecological gardens. With a strong passion for sustainability and community empowerment, Orlane launched MicroHabitat in 2016 with the vision of addressing food insecurity, promoting environmental stewardship, and fostering a deeper connection between people and their food. Under her leadership, MicroHabitat has grown into the world’s largest urban farming network, with a presence across North America.

Orlane’s entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to combine technology and nature-based solutions to create sustainable urban farming systems that would benefit businesses, schools, and communities. MicroHabitat emphasizes increasing biodiversity and providing turnkey solutions that are easy to implement for property managers seeking a hands-off approach. Through innovative farming practices such as regenerative agriculture and minimal tillage, MicroHabitat’s gardens help enhance biodiversity, reduce the environmental footprint of urban spaces, and create sustainable, productive green areas.

Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2019) and recognition as one of the Top 25 Women of Influence (2024). Orlane’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond her company; she has been a key advocate for environmental certifications like LEED and WELL, helping clients align with sustainability goals. Through education, innovation, and ethical practices, Orlane continues to make a lasting impact on both the urban farming industry and the broader global effort toward a more sustainable future. LinkedIn