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Summary:

A modular hydroponic tray system designed for urban environments has been developed at Maker Village in Kinfra Hi-Tech Park and Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). Designed by Santosh Kumar M.B. of CUSAT and Pradeep Kumar P. of X Boson AI Pvt Ltd, the system has been patented by the Indian government and aims to improve plant growth in limited spaces. Each tray can support nine plants, features a self-contained nutrient reservoir for water conservation, and allows for scalable multi-unit setups, making it suitable for homes, urban farms, and smart city agriculture.

News Article:

Urban Farming Gets a Boost: Patented Hydroponic System Developed in Kochi

KOCHI – A novel modular hydroponic tray system designed for efficient cultivation in limited urban spaces has been unveiled at Maker Village in Kinfra Hi-Tech Park, Kalamassery, and Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). The Government of India has granted a patent for this innovation, titled ‘Hydroponic Device for Improving Plant Growth.’

Developed by Santosh Kumar M.B., Head of the Department of Information Technology at CUSAT, and Pradeep Kumar P., CEO of X Boson AI Pvt Ltd, the system promises to revolutionize urban farming. Each self-contained tray can support up to nine plants and features a nutrient reservoir allowing for continuous nutrient circulation, eliminating the need for external tanks.

“Our goal was to create a system that is both efficient and easy to use, even in the smallest of urban settings,” explained Santosh Kumar M.B. “The reduced water usage is a key benefit, making it a sustainable solution for urban food production.”

The modular design allows for scalability, catering to individual home users as well as larger urban farms and smart city initiatives. This offers a practical solution to challenges like limited space, water conservation, and ease of adoption.

“This system has the potential to transform how we grow food in cities,” added Pradeep Kumar P. “It’s a step towards more resilient and sustainable urban environments.”

The patented hydroponic system is expected to be commercially available soon, offering a new avenue for individuals and communities to engage in localized and environmentally conscious food production.

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