Student company develops smart hydroponic system

AL MUSANNAH: A student company from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Al Musannah has developed a smart, self-operating hydroponic system that transforms homes into sustainable smart farms by integrating plant cultivation and fish farming within a single platform.
Malak bint Ghalib al Salmi, CEO of the student company Blue Root, said the system monitors both plants and fish through a digital platform that provides real-time data, including temperature levels, ammonia readings, and a 3D visual model. It also generates instant alerts in case of any changes in system conditions.
She described the company as a promising example of Omani youth innovation, reflecting their ambition to reimagine home agriculture through integrated technological solutions. The business model is based on both B2C and B2B approaches, targeting individuals, institutions, and researchers seeking sustainable and aesthetically designed agricultural systems.

The system simultaneously manages aquatic and plant environments, contributing to food security through modern technology while also offering users enhanced convenience and engagement with smart monitoring features.
The company presented its innovation at the Sustainable Companies Exhibition for Student Companies and the Student Companies Forum, where it secured a place among the top 40 student companies in Oman under the Injaz Oman competition.
Through this project, Blue Root aims to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that support environmental protection and the circular economy.
The achievement highlights the growing role of university students in Oman in developing practical, technology-driven solutions to environmental challenges and transforming ideas into impactful real-world products. — ONA