Innovation Project: Commercialization of URBAN FOOD Innovative Solutions
We are proud to announce the launch of a new project co-funded by the European Union under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO), titled “Innovation of Business Processes and Organization for the Commercialization of BIOTA’s Innovative Products.”
This project is implemented with the support of the European Union through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, and monitored by HAMAG-BICRO and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.
🌱 Bringing Smart Aquaponics to Everyone
At BIOTA, we believe the future of food production is local, sustainable, and smart.
That’s why we launched a two-year innovation project supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NPOO) to bring our next-generation aquaponic systems to the market.
Our goal is simple:
Create modern, automated aquaponic units that allow anyone—schools, restaurants, families, and businesses—to grow fresh food in a clean, circular and environmentally friendly way.
🌿 What We’re Building
Through this project, we’re developing a new line of intelligent aquaponic systems of different sizes. These systems combine:
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Fish farming (aquaculture)
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Plant cultivation without soil (hydroponics)
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Smart IoT technology
The result? A closed-loop ecosystem where fish nourish the plants, plants clean the water, and sensors take care of everything else.
Think of it as a living, breathing green machine—a perfect blend of biology, engineering, and technology.
Details
- Project timeline: February 2024 – January 2026
- Total project value: 461,539.83 EUR
- Funding amount: 250,000.00 EUR (non-refundable EU support)
- Programme: NPOO.C1.1.2.R2-I5.01 – Commercialization of Innovations
How We’re Innovating?
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Introducing new production and installation processes
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Developing specialized hardware and IoT systems
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Designing a modern digital platform for monitoring water quality, lighting, feeding, and system health
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Building a streamlined logistics and distribution system
Smarter Food. Smaller Footprint!
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Grow vegetables, herbs, and fish with minimal resources
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Save water through efficient recirculation
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Produce food indoor all year round
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Track system health through a user-friendly app
Our Approach
Phase 1
New Growing Systems
We are designing and producing a completely new generation of indoor aquaponic systems for homes, families, restaurants, and communities.
This includes three fully developed product lines:
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Container Aquaponic System – a modular, high-capacity urban farming unit
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Family Aquaponic System – a medium-sized home food-growing solution
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Aquarium Aquaponic System – a compact, educational, and aesthetic indoor farm
Each system is engineered for efficient food production in any indoor environment.
Phase 2
Smart Farmer 3.0: IoT Monitoring & Control
We are building and testing an advanced IoT sensory and control platform that makes aquaponics simple and reliable:
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Real-time monitoring of water quality, nutrients, fish health, light, and temperature
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Automated control of pumps, feeding, lighting, and system balance
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Cloud-based dashboards for data, alerts, and system optimization
With Smart Farmer 3.0, anyone can become a modern farmer with just 25 minutes per day.
Phase 3
AI Smart Farmer Assistant
Using real sensor data, expert knowledge, and global aquaponics research, we are training the AI Smart Farmer:
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Your personal AI expert for plant and fish care
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Predictive insights and early warnings
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Step-by-step guidance for beginners
The AI Smart Farmer turns complex ecological systems into easy, everyday food production.
Phase 4
Commercial Validation & Marketing Strategy
In the final phase, we test the systems with real users, collect feedback, refine the products, and run pilot installations.
We develop a complete commercialization and marketing plan, including:
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Market testing and customer insights
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Branding and visual identity
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Web platform and product storytelling
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Sales channels and go-to-market strategy
This ensures our systems are ready for launch across Europe and beyond.
The Numbers
New Business Processes
New products (agronomy, IT, IoT, design)
Newly Employed Staff Members
What This Project Means for BIOTA
By the end of the project, we will have:
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A fully developed and tested smart aquaponic system
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New digital tools and monitoring sensors
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A stronger, more agile organization
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A modern web presence and marketing strategy
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Expanded team capacity and new jobs
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A product ready for regional and international markets
This project marks a major step forward in our mission to bring accessible, sustainable, and intelligent food systems to communities everywhere.
🌍 Towards a Greener Future
Aquaponics is more than technology—it’s a philosophy.
It’s about closing cycles, using resources responsibly, and reconnecting people with nature.
With this project, BIOTA is helping shape a future where cities grow more of their own food, where technology supports sustainability, and where innovation serves the planet.
