Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Population rise, climate change, water scarcity and food security are among the most important challenges the world currently faces. Aquaponics, a closed loop and zero-waste system consisting of hydroponics and aquaculture elements, provides sustainable food production method to address these problems. In aquaponics systems, nutrient rich water is circulated from a fish tank(s) to vegetable grow beds. Vegetables act as a filter by using nutrients from the fish production and purifying the water before it is recirculated to the fish tank. This results in both water saving aquaculture technology and soil saving agricultural technology. In this context, backyard aquaponics has become more common in recent years to supply vegetables and fish for household consumption, however, the economic feasibility of commercial scale operations is still unclear. Some anecdotal evidence indicate successes and failures of commercial-scale aquaponics operations, and there is lack of quantitative data to support the development of economically feasible aquaponics systems.Nova Aquaponics is a privately owned Canadian cleantech company focused on developing and commercializing sustainable solutions for the food industry. The company has developed a prototype of commercial-scale aquaponics system, the AP-200. With NSCC's support, the company will improve its ability to provide equipment that is capable to meet the water quality, environmental and economic challenges. This will assist in conducting market research activity to validate product viability, organizing the regulatory compliance steps, and mapping out a financing strategy. This represents a new product line for this company which is anticipated to grow and sell its product across North America and worldwide.