VertiCrops

This project combats the food insecurity caused due to the wild fires affecting the crops in the summer. With new technology, efficient use of space, and innovation, vertical farming is the way to go.

Comment

Inspiration

With global warming on the rise and food insecurity becoming a scary reality for many Canadians, we wanted to create a solution that would address these environmental and social problems. After some brainstorming, we realized greenhouse technology could be harnessed to improve crop yield, keep invasive species at bay, and provide vulnerable communities with a dependable resource to ensure food security. The versatile impact of greenhouses is what inspired us to make it the star of our project!

What it does

  • VertiCrops allows farmers to produce food in contained environments that reduce methane emissions, improve crop yield, and prevent crops getting in contact with invasive species or harmful bacteria, ensuring those consuming the food stay healthy.
  • Additionally, the advanced technology of modern day greenhouses allows for infinite reuse of water, the transfer of methane into energy, and growing plants year round, even in harsh, Northern Canadian winters.

How we built it

  • The website (front end) was built using HTML, CSS, and Javascript
  • The 3D greenhouse model was designed using Tinkercad
  • The fruit and vegetable buttons were made using Canva

Challenges we ran into

  • Initially, we attempted to use Autocad to make a 3D model of our greenhouse, but because none of us were familiar with the software, we struggled a lot and did not end up sticking with it, choosing Tinkercad instead for the 3D model.
  • Lack of experience using Figma meant we struggled to use the software and ended up using Canva instead (if we were familiar with Figma it might have made things a lot easier and the design more polished).
  • Attempted to use libraries to build code that detects light, but could not get the libraries to connect/work. Acquired help from mentors to solve this issue but it couldn’t be solved.
  • We were not familiar with the same coding languages, and no one in our team was proficient enough in backend languages to code a backend for our project.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Despite the struggles of trying to get Autocad to work, one of our teammates’ determination paid off and she was able to create a 3D model on Tinkercad for a part of the greenhouse.
  • Additionally, we joined our strengths to overcome weaknesses and gaps in knowledge and helped each other along the way with various tasks, such as designing the project, coding the front end, or building the 3D model.

What we learned

We learned the importance of lowering expectations and embracing simplicity when we could not bring our more complicated ideas to life. We also learned how difficult it can be to try and learn a new software or coding language when there is a time-sensitive deadline. On the other hand, that also taught us just how much we can learn and accomplish in such a short amount of time if we set our mind to it!

What's next for VertiCrops

VertiCrops is simply a glimpse into how we believe greenhouses could be utilised to bring value to society and the environment. Another aspect that can further be explored would be the economic potential of greenhouses in order to attract investors and encourage communities to look at the upfront cost as an investment towards the future of their communities.

Built With

Share this project:

Updates