Aquaponics reinvents itself at Arkinova

Supported by the Basque Country Urban Authority, Bertrand Canigiani and Axel Rochand are developing a project to integrate this innovative, ecological system of cultivating fish and plants into buildings. 

After working as head of sustainable development at Nobatek/Inef4 for six years, Bertrand Canigiani set up a business in the incubator of the Arkinova business generator at the beginning of this year. Incubation is a fundamental stage in the process of creating a technology-based business. Bertrand Canigiani therefore has a year to validate his business model and develop a business plan for his project.

To help him make a success of this stage, he will benefit in particular from specific training and continuous personalised support. His project aims to develop the concept of integrating aquaponics in buildings. He has Axel Rochand, a third-year biology student, working with him for six months.

The name "aquaponics" comes from the merging of the words "aquaculture" (farming of fish and aquatic organisms) and "hydroponics" (growing plants in mineral-enriched water), and it is a system that combines fish farming with soilless plant growing methods. This sustainable and virtuous system can be used to produce plants via an ecosystem consisting of a fish tank (aquarium) and plant tubs in which fruit and vegetables grow.

"This is a new activity which does not even have an APE (professional activity) code," says Bertrand Canigiani. By taking part in the Baitykool project entered in the "Solar Decathlon Middle-East Dubai-2018" international competition, Bertrand Canigiani is hoping to gain recognition for his work. The Arkinova business generator is a partner in this project, which consists of presenting, in Dubai in October 2018, a prototype habitat suitable for very hot climates.

The only French project selected, Baitykool will include aquaponics technology with an 800-litre aquarium window inserted in a 4 x 3-metre wall panel including vertical plant containers. Another project being developed by Bertrand Canigiani and Axel Rochand: a smaller, standalone aquaponics system that can be used for educational and demonstration purposes.

Contact: b.canigianigmail.com


Find out more about the Baitykool project: www.technopolepaysbasque.fr/fr/4-sites-technopolitains/arkinova/actualite/le-projet-baitykool-imprime-en-3d-a-arkinova.html