Polydome

Food production for the cities of the future

Polydome produces high yields of truly sustainable food for cities and communities.

Reinventing our food system
The idea

Reinventing our food system

Polydome strategically interweaves a range of crops and animals in a natural ecosystem, suited to any climate and context.

Agriculture is central to human existence: to our nourishment, livelihoods and cultures. It has driven human civilizations for millennia. It also consumes enormous quantities of resources, displaces vast areas of natural ecosystems, and generates enough pollution to alter global nutrient and atmospheric cycles. On top of that, clean, healthy and nutritious food is distributed very unevenly.

One of the major challenges we face is to reinvent agriculture as a sustainable industry, for society and for the planet.

What a Polydome delivers

60 to 90 kgyield per square meter
50+crops, plus two mushroom varieties, chicken, eggs, fish and honey
500+species in the database behind the crop combinations
30 yearsminimum design life, built on perennial crops
80%of Rotterdam's food needs from 3% of its surface (estimate)
Why it matters

Benefits

Economic

Even a small Polydome system can provide a richly varied food supply for a large population. Crop selection follows local market demand and captures high-value niche markets. The mix buffers extreme weather shocks.

  • High-density production
  • Local production
  • Diversification
  • Direct sales
  • Responsive to the market

Environmental

Polydome creates a resilient, productive soil environment that benefits surrounding ecosystems and provides long-lasting fertility. Diversified local production reduces dependence on shipped food, cutting food miles and cost and increasing freshness.

  • Restored soil quality
  • Zero waste
  • Closed-loop system
  • Productive ecosystem
  • No artificial inputs
  • No food miles

Socio-cultural

Polydome creates opportunities for diverse, dedicated labor and encourages direct interaction between farmers and local communities. It reconnects urban dwellers with the biological building blocks of life, and it suits education and research.

  • Job creation and diversification
  • Education
  • Reconnected farmers and consumers
  • Open source research
  • Local community
  • Better food access and security
Collaboration

Grow with us

We are working on realizing a Polydome pilot plant, and we are always looking for new collaborations with entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, investors and communities.

Innovation playground

A living lab for the latest agricultural innovations, and a plug-in surface for real-life testing.

Open source

Solutions meant to spread. Data harvested to advance science globally: soil science, water management, waste management, biodiversity and organic farming.

Integrated

Mutual benefits from soil to community, engaging all stakeholders.

See how a Polydome works

Polyculture, aquaponics and hydroponics under one roof.

How it works