My impression is that it wasn't exactly pitched as a substitute for food aid, but more as a recreational project to provide moral support for the refugees, and

My impression is that it wasn't exactly pitched as a substitute for food aid, but more as a recreational project to provide moral support for the refugees, and perhaps some micronutrients on the side. Overall it's not too bad for a concept but the execution clearly prioritised asethetics over utility. It does tick all the boxes for an attractive startup though: - Disruptive tech - Charismatic (?) founder - Peer-reviewed research - Open source - Internet of things - Benefits the environment - Contributes to world peace - $insert_random_progressive_agenda_here As impractical as it is, nobody should be surprised by the fact that it got so much traction over the years. Even more far fetched projects such as roads paved with solar panels[0] and various kinds of atmospheric water harvesters[1] are still being actively funded and developed as we speak, despite overwhelming evidence that they are never going to be economically viable. [0]:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Roadways https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Roadways [1]:https://m.phys.org/news/2017-04-device-air-powered-sun.html https://m.phys.org/news/2017-04-device-air-powered-sun.html