This startup operates aquaponics urban farms that integrate fish farming with hydroponics to produce fresh, healthy food while minimizing water usage and energy consumption. By providing locally sourced and traceable food, the company addresses the growing demand for sustainable food options in urban and suburban markets.
Funding
$10.1M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Conventional agriculture in urban areas faces challenges such as limited space, high energy consumption, water scarcity, and the need for sustainable waste management. Supplying cities with locally-sourced, fresh produce requires innovative approaches that minimize environmental impact.
Solution
BIGH (Building Integrated Greenhouses) addresses these challenges by creating a network of sustainable aquaponic urban farms integrated within existing building infrastructure. These farms utilize a closed-loop system where fish, fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow together with zero waste. BIGH leverages sustainable technologies by using waste heat from buildings, recycling rainwater, and harnessing solar energy. The aquaponics system naturally fertilizes plants with fish waste, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and minimizing water consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional farming methods.
Target Audience
BIGH targets environmentally-conscious consumers, local restaurants, and retailers seeking sustainable, locally-sourced produce, as well as building owners interested in integrating sustainable food production into their properties.
Features
- Aquaponic system integrating fish farming with hydroponics for a closed-loop, zero-waste production
- Integration with existing building infrastructure to utilize waste heat and reduce environmental impact
- Rainwater harvesting and recycling system to minimize water consumption
- Use of solar panels to generate renewable energy
- Production of a variety of products including trout, herbs, microgreens, tomatoes and peppers
- Partnerships with local retailers and restaurants to supply fresh, locally-sourced produce
- Farm tours and event hosting to educate the public about aquaponics and sustainable agriculture
- Focus on cradle-to-cradle design principles, prioritizing reusable and recyclable materials