Biopolus Aero Green - Feasibility Study

Project Information

BAG-FS

Grant agreement ID: 651643

DOI

10.3030/651643

Project closed

EC signature date 30 September 2014

Start date 1 September 2014

End date 30 November 2014

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

BIOPOLUS TECHNOLOGIAK ZRT
Hungary

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BAG-FS (Biopolus Aero Green - Feasibility Study)

Reporting period: 2014-09-01 to 2014-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The Biopolus Aero Green Feasibility Study project was completed by Biopolus Technologies Inc., a Hungarian company specializing in integrated urban infrastructure solutions and sustainable technologies. The work was funded by the European Commission in the first phase of the SME Instrument of the H2020 program under the SFS-08-2014-1 call (Resource-efficient eco-innovative food production and processing).

The objective of the work was the preparation of a business model for an agriculture innovation that will bring to market a high-yield, highly automated aeroponic plant cultivation system suitable for resource efficient, high quality vegetable and fruit production in a limited physical footprint designed for urban food production.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

A technology R&D plan has been made covering growing module, control system and cultivation method development. A preliminary technical design of a hypothetical production facility including draft description of operations has been made.

Initial market analysis has been carried out in five countries: Germany, Denmark, USA, Russia, China. The results show opportunities in every country but some are stronger like Germany and USA.

In-depth market analysis has been carried out in Hungary containing online data research, in depth-interview and an online survey. The results gave us a picture about the size of the possible market, customer needs and some of the interviews brought us some possible strategic partners.

Benchmarking included competitor research and analysis both investigating their technologies and business models.

The business plan has been updated considering the results of the market analysis and the benchmarking process. A draft road map has been made for the next five years along with a detailed financial plan based on the results from previous prototype experiments, equipment costing, industry benchmarks and the business plan.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The aim of the project is to find and fill in a niche in the current business environment to introduce our cultivation system and concept into the economy and culture thus enhancing food security for the growing urban population while working towards a sustainable agriculture.

The conclusion of the action is that the Aero.Green project is feasible but some changes had to be made to the concept. The project needs further financial and expertise support, therefore Biopolus will submit a proposal for the II. phase of the SME Instrument.

Aero.Green aeroponic plant production module

Concept view of the Aero.Green vegetable production facility