Problem Statement
Urban populations are rapidly growing, yet urban households face increasing difficulty accessing affordable, nutritious food. Current food production methods rely heavily on unsustainable substrates like peat—significantly damaging ecosystems and emitting high greenhouse gases.
Our Solution
We propose AstroGel to tackle this problem. AstroGel is an innovative, reusable, and biodegradable hydrogel substrate derived from seaweed, specifically engineered for urban agriculture. Inspired by technologies used aboard the International Space Station (ISS), AstroGel simplifies indoor farming with these key advantages:
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Non-toxic and Edible: Safe for direct food cultivation.
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Affordable and Compact: Significantly cheaper than peat ($25 vs. $80 per kg), easy to store and transport.
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Low Maintenance: No additional watering or expertise required—ideal for busy urban lifestyles.
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Seaweed-based, carbon-sequestering, reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
AstroGel in Use
Figure 1: AstroGel after production, before germination. Picture by Marcus Mortensen
Figure 2: Microgreens grown in AstroGel for about 6 days. Picture by Marcus Mortensen
Target Markets
Commercial Indoor Farming (B2B):
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Subscription service providing installation, maintenance, and recycling.
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Reduces operational costs and environmental footprint.
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Eligibility for sustainability certifications.
Urban Households (Direct-to-Consumer):
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DIY kits perfect for family-friendly home farming.
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STEM educational materials included to inspire future generations.
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Clean, soil-free indoor growing substrate suitable for any living space.
Key Benefits & Impact
💸 Economic
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Lower substrate, transportation, and energy costs
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Competitive advantage through eco-labeling
🌍 Environmental
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Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (-200,000 tons CO2)
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Supports marine biodiversity and carbon sequestration
👩🏻🌾 Social
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Promotes food security in urban communities
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Encourages youth involvement in STEM & agriculture
Join the Movement!
Together, we can revolutionize indoor farming, reconnect households with sustainable food production, and cultivate a greener future.