In September 2016, I was matched with my first startup to mentor as part of the Startupbootcamp IoT|Connected Devices Accelerator,.

I was delighted to get the opportunity to spend 3 months working with the Greek home-hydroponics pioneers, CityCrop.

Led by CEO Christos Raftogiannis, CityCrop is a mini vertical farm for your home or small business. It’s a connected intelligent indoor garden that can produce pesticide-free fruit and vegetables 24/7, all year-round.

CityCrop: available now!

I’m impressed by the speed at which you can grow the plants (a whole lettuce in just a week!!) and the reduction in water usage compared to normal farming (a whopping 98%!).

The LED lights, water supply and nutrient provision are regulated by their custom-built algorithms and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone or web app.

The first generation design was designed to be the size of a washing machine. However, after significant user testing, they found that it was better to redesign it to be a counter-top device of approximately the same size as a microwave. They have incorporated a stackable, modular element to the design should the owner wish to have more growing space. On the right hand side you can see two CityCrops stacked in this way.

I’ve pre-ordered my CityCrop and can’t wait to get my hands on it. Pre-order your own CityCrop by clicking here.

I was delighted to introduce their pitch at the SBC Demo Day on 25th January 2017. It was a fantastic day with all the startups doing a great job and meeting many impressed investors. CityCrop is looking for investment so feel free to contact me and I will put you in touch with Christos to discuss your appetite.

Well done to all the startups and to Startbootcamp IoT|Connected Devices for doing such a great job with the startups over the last 3 months!