ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
A student-led company from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences has achieved a remarkable milestone by developing a self-powered smart hydroponic system that combines modern farming with sustainability. The innovation, created by the student company Blue Root, is designed to transform ordinary homes into smart farms by integrating plant cultivation and fish farming into one efficient ecosystem.
The system represents a fresh approach to home agriculture, where technology replaces many traditional farming challenges. It allows users to grow vegetables and maintain fish in a connected environment while reducing the need for constant manual supervision. Through an advanced electronic platform, the system provides real-time monitoring of both plants and aquatic life. It displays important data such as temperature, ammonia levels, and a three-dimensional model of the ecosystem, while also sending instant alerts whenever changes occur.
Speaking about the project, Malak Ghalib Al Salmi, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Root, said the company reflects the ambition and creativity of Omani youth to reshape home farming into a fully integrated technological ecosystem. She explained that the company’s business strategy is built on both Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) models, enabling it to serve individuals, institutions, and customers seeking sustainable and aesthetically pleasing farming solutions.
Beyond convenience, the innovation contributes to wider goals such as food security and environmental sustainability. By simultaneously managing fish and plant life, the system maximizes resources and promotes efficient food production in limited spaces. It also offers users psychological comfort by automating many routine tasks and reducing the burden of human intervention.
Blue Root recently showcased its project during the Sustainable Student Companies Exhibition and the Student Companies Forum, where it received strong attention for its forward-thinking concept. The company also secured a place among the top 40 student companies in the Sultanate of Oman during the INJAZ Oman competition. The success of Blue Root highlights the growing role of young innovators in driving Oman’s future in technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
