European SynBio Hackhaton Winners: Nitroduck
Overview:
The European SynBio Hackathon, hosted by the Biocatalyst Foundation, brought together innovators from various fields to develop solutions for global challenges in synthetic biology.
The event, titled “ReadWriteGrow,” featured collaborative sessions, expert-led presentations, and mentorship opportunities. Participants were welcomed into the Slack channel, where they introduced themselves, joined interest channels (e.g., Health + Wellbeing, Agrifood + Nutrition), and found teammates in matchmaking sessions.
The hackathon’s organizers provided all essential resources, including links to Zoom sessions, mentorship booking channels, and an FAQ section, ensuring participants could smoothly navigate the event.
This week, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on NitroDuck, a dynamic startup from the Czech Republic founded by Matúš Grieš, Miroslav Rosputinský, Matej Zámečník, and Anna Podmanická.
NitroDuck secured 3rd place at the European SynBio Hackathon, hosted by the Biocatalyst Foundation and funded by SYNBEE, earning a well-deserved €500 prize! 🏆
What is NitroDuck?
NitroDuck is tackling one of agriculture’s biggest challenges: unsustainable nitrogen loss. Their innovative solution is a vertical hydroponic system that employs engineered duckweeds to transform manure into protein-rich feedstock. This approach not only reduces nitrogen and carbon emissions but also provides farmers with a cost-effective way to boost sustainability.
What Sets Them Apart?
NitroDuck’s ingenuity lies in its integration of biotechnology and agriculture. By harnessing the natural properties of duckweeds and engineering them for enhanced efficiency, the team has created a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the agricultural economy.
Hackathon Highlights
The European SynBio Hackathon brought together some of the brightest minds in synthetic biology. For the NitroDuck team, the hackathon was a transformative experience:
- Favorite Part: Collaborating with like-minded innovators and receiving expert mentorship.
- Mission-Driven: Their passion for creating sustainable agricultural solutions was at the heart of their success.
- Future Plans: NitroDuck aims to further develop and scale their solution, driving global impact in sustainable farming practices.
Listen to their story:
We sat down with the NitroDuck team to discuss their journey, experiences at the hackathon, and aspirations for the future. Don’t miss their inspiring interview!
🔗 Watch the full interview on our YouTube Channel here.
Why It Matters
With agriculture accounting for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, innovations like NitroDuck are crucial for creating a more sustainable future. Their work not only supports farmers but also contributes to the broader fight against climate change.
SYNBEE Project coordination contact point:
Alexandra Chukas, European Grant Coordinator Da Vinci Labs (alexandra.chukas@davincilabs.eu)
SYNBEE PR contact point:
Andréia Santos, EU Project Manager at F6S
(andreia@f6s.com)
Sara Canedo, Communications Manager at F6S
(sarafc@f6s.com)
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union under the Grant Agreement No 101100509. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authorities can be held responsible for them.
