Nurturing Growth Through Inclusion and Sustainability
BLOOOM is a social enterprise reimagining education and employment for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Through indoor farming, we cultivate more than just microgreens: we cultivate confidence, connection and capability.
Learn more about how we’re changing lives from the ground up!
Our Story
Founded with a commitment to neurodiversity and inclusion, BLOOOM empowers young adults with intellectual disabilities by combining sustainable agriculture with skill-building.
Our microgreens program teaches responsibility, teamwork and self-reliance in a nurturing environment, helping each participant flourish.
Our Mission
Empowering young adults with intellectual disabilities through hands-on experiences in sustainable agriculture.
Our Vision
We envision a world where communities everywhere adopt the "BLOOOM in a Box" model, turning local spaces into inclusive, educational micro farms that grow both food and futures.
Built with Purpose
At BLOOOM, purpose isn’t just an idea, it’s something we grow every day. Hear how our vision came to life and the people behind it who make it real.
Purpose Meets Practice
BLOOOM blends social impact with economic sustainability. Revenue from microgreens supports employment and training for neurodiverse youth, creating a cycle of growth that benefits everyone.
High-Quality Microgreens
Grown in soil with minimal water, our microgreens are fresh, nutrient-rich and gentle on the environment.
Funding Initiatives
Every sale supports real employment opportunities, giving participants meaningful work experience and community connection.
Meet the Team
Behind every seed that grows at BLOOOM is a team driven by something greater than farming: creating real opportunities for inclusion, learning and purpose. Educators, specialists and changemakers working together to make sure everyone has the chance to bloom.
Felipe Sommer
Founder and CEO
Felipe is an entrepreneur and investor with more than two decades of experience in education, technology and social impact.
He co-founded Nearpod, a leading EdTech platform acquired by Renaissance Learning in 2021, and is now the founder of BLOOOM, a social enterprise empowering young adults with intellectual disabilities through sustainable agriculture.
Felipe holds an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and a BA in Economics from the University of Buenos Aires.
Dr. Michael Alessandri
Autism Expert and BLOOOM Board Member
Dr. Michael is the founder and principal partner of Alessandri & Associates, LLC, a company dedicated to bringing world class autism expertise to families and professionals around the globe.
He has been an active university professor and researcher since 1992, working with individuals with autism and their families since 1981 in various capacities.
Alessandri is also a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Rochester, and obtained his MS and Ph.D. in Psychology from Rutger University.
Microgreens
Microgreens are young, nutrient-rich plants harvested at peak flavor and vitality. With fast growth cycles and low space requirements, they’re ideal for our indoor farming model, offering both a sustainable product and a rich learning tool for our participants.
About Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is central to our mission. At BLOOOM, we believe that every brain works differently, and that difference is a strength. Our programs are designed to support and celebrate the unique abilities of young adults on the autism spectrum and beyond.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is a condition that affects how individuals communicate, interact and process information.
Blooom embraces the unique strenghts of young adults with intellectual disabilities, focusing on their potential rather than limitations.
Our Approach to Neurodiversity
We align tasks to strengths, use clear visual tools and promote consistent routines.
Our training ensures every participant can contribute meaningfully, building skills at their own pace.
How We Support Young Adults on the Spectrum
From planting to packaging, our model provides repetitive, manageable tasks in a sensory-considerate environment. We also integrate soft skills like teamwork and communication to prepare participants for life beyond the farm.