[LUM#3] Learn how to garden without a garden

[LUM Magazine] - Published on October 11, 2016 in Entrepreneurship, Science-Society

Growing your own vegetables in an apartment? Yes, it's possible, even if you don't have green fingers. How can you find organic, locally grown vegetables when you live in the city? This is a real problem for Nicolas Nardone. "The agricultural system is not suited to the urban population," he laments.

After 10 years in IT, the former Polytech student wanted to develop "a new agricultural model in which everyone can be a producer." That's how Risebox was born."Literally, it's the box that grows," a system that allows city dwellers to grow vegetables... in their apartments.

Box that grows

From a distance, it looks like a stylish, decorative wooden shelf with a built-in aquarium. Up close, it's a real ecosystem. "This vertical indoor garden is actually an aquaponics system, " explains its designer. How does it work? Fish produce waste that is rich in ammonia. This waste is transformed by bacteria into nutrients that are then used by the plants. Finally, the plants filter the water, which returns to the fish. It's a closed-loop system with nothing but advantages: "It consumes very little water, vegetables grow three times faster in less space, and above all, they are guaranteed organic."

Vegetable Garden 2.0

Another advantage is that even those who don't have green fingers can grow their own vegetables."No need to water, weed, add fertilizer, or turn the soil," says Nicolas Nardonne. In fact, there's not much to do at all, because the computer scientist and his partner have equipped the Risebox with sensors to make it completely self-sufficient. "The system automatically controls parameters such as light and pH. It can even switch to 'automatic pilot' mode to feed the fish and monitor the vegetables while you're away." This smart vegetable garden comes with a mobile app that allows you to buy seeds and fish food directly, or share your experience with other urban gardeners.

Gift basket

How much produce can the Risebox produce? "It's the equivalent of a 6^m² vegetable garden that would produce all year round as if it were midsummer, covering a significant portion of your vegetable needs," replies Nicolas Nardonne.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Innovation, LUM#3, LUM Magazine, Portrait, Technology