Michigan Aquaponics
Sustainable farming that unites fish, plants, and technology—Michigan Aquaponics brings innovation to the future of food.
Who Are We?
Michigan aquaponics is an interdisciplinary student team from the University of Michigan that explores the future of sustainable food through aquaponics.
Diverse backgrounds — engineering, business, ecology, and computer science.
Hands-On Research
Experiments and sensor-based monitoring for real insights.
Smart Automation
Systems that make aquaponics easier and more efficient.
What is Aquaponics?
Aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in a closed-loop system. Fish waste nourishes the plants, and plants naturally filter the water, which cycles back to the tank.
This method uses far less water, avoids chemical fertilizers, and enables year-round food production. Today, aquaponics is applied in urban farming, education, research, and commercial food systems as a sustainable way to grow protein and vegetables together.
Why Aquaponics?
Food Safety
High Yield
Grows more than 50 vegetables per square meter.
Cost Savings
Saves up to 95% of water and 90% less land
Less Pests
No soil-based pests.
Easy Management
No need for soil or fertilizers.
Multi-function
Grows plants and raises fish together.
University of Michigan
College of LSA
University of Michigan
College of Engineering
Student Life
Ginsberg Center
Whielpool