Ortus is a one of a kind hydroponics kit. 3D printed with bio-based materials, it is designed as a modular system, with an easy set up that makes urban farming simpler for all.

The age of smart farming

With Ortus design, we innovate by creating a one-of-a-kind hydroponics kit, bringing cutting-edge technology and nature closer together to redefine how we grow food. Whether you are a seasoned grower, a business owner, or a curious beginner, Ortus makes local farming simpler and more sustainable.

Early in our journey, Raiz recognized a crucial challenge: while hydroponic systems made from industrial plastics offer durability, their non-biodegradable nature contributes to environmental pollution. This uneasiness sparked a fundamental question: is it possible to create a more sustainable hydroponic system? Ortus was developed to tackle it: a 3D-printed hydroponic solution, produced in a decentralized manner, made from sustainable, bio-based materials.

Why Ortus matters: an innovation for hydroponic kits

Ortus isn’t just a product; it’s an innovation. As we face growing challenges like population growth, long supply chains, plastic pollution, climate change, and food insecurity, most farming methods struggle to keep up.

Ortus was conceived with modularity at its core, featuring a playful, Lego-like design that scales effortlessly-empowering individuals, families, organizations, and communities to take control of their food production while embracing a greener, healthier lifestyle.

Designed and brought to life by Inês Barros, Raiz’s Chief of Product and Design, Ortus' success lies in its simplicity, biodesign approach and modularity. Created to make farming easy and intuitive, it fosters the growth of herbs and vegetables, transforming spaces into greener environments while embedding the farm-to-table concept.

The advantages of hydroponics

Traditional intensive monoculture, while effective in its heyday, is increasingly unsustainable. Some of the challenges that are becoming more and more pressing include:

• Limited arable land: With urban development, droughts and soil degradation, less land is available for conventional farming.
• Water scarcity: Agriculture consumes 70% of the world’s freshwater, making efficient alternatives vital.
• Environmental degradation: Soil erosion and chemical runoffs are harming ecosystems.

In this context, hydroponics provides a solution. By growing plants without soil and using water more efficiently, this system delivers higher yields in smaller spaces. Moreover, it’s adaptable to different settings, allowing people to grow food in apartments, rooftops, or offices.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights that hydroponic systems can lead to better use of water and nutrients, increased crop quality and yields, and the absence of soil-borne pests and weeds, reducing the need for toxic pesticides.

Moreover, as the UN points out, hydroponics allows for precise nutrient control and higher density planting, making it a viable solution in arid regions where traditional agriculture faces challenges due to water scarcity and limited arable land.

Why choose Ortus as a hydroponic kit?

Ortus is the culmination of research and innovation designed to make farming easier and more accessible. With its plant-centric design, Ortus redefines urban agriculture by combining simple hydroponics technology with bio-design.

What sets Ortus apart:

• 3-D Printed: Print it anywhere around the world.
• Plug-and-Play design: Ready to start growing in a few steps, no expertise required.
• Modular, scalable system: Perfect for small or big spaces.
• Plant-centric design: Ortus was designed with plant growth and development in mind, with shapes and materials that create positive synergies helping plants to grow stronger.
• Smart technology: With embedded software, Ortus lets you know how to care for your plants.

By simplifying the complexities of hydroponics, Ortus empowers you to grow fresh, nutritious produce.
Sign up to the waiting list to get yours.

What is Ortus made of?

For now, we are starting with PLA (Polylactic Acid), which is a great stepping stone. PLA is made from natural resources like cornstarch or sugarcane and breaks down naturally over time, making it a solid choice for reducing environmental impact. It’s also versatile, lightweight, and reliable, which helps us bring Ortus to life while staying true to our values.

Our ultimate goal is to produce Ortus using biocomposite materials that positively impact plant growth. After experimenting with coffee filament, eggshell filament, and Filaflex Purifier, we continue to research the perfect material-one that is not only biodegradable but also fosters a nourishing environment for the plants, their roots, and their substrate - a material that actually helps feeding the plants.

Key features of the Ortus as a hydroponic kit

1. Integrated nutrient delivery
Ortus ensures your plants receive a good blend of nutrients, eliminating the guesswork and promoting optimal growth.

2. Compact and modular design
Ortus fits any space. Its modular design allows users to expand the setup as needed.

3. User-friendly
With notifications, and step-by-step guidance - ensuring first-time growers achieve success.

How Ortus works: simpler farming in 3 steps

Farming with Ortus is easy:

1. Setup: Unbox your kit, set it up like a lego, add water and add seeds-you’re ready to grow!
2. Monitor: Receive alerts on when to add water to the system.
3. Harvest: Enjoy fresh produce from six weeks onwards, grown right at home

Sustainability at the heart of Ortus

Ortus uses resources efficiently. Here’s how:

1. Water conservation
Ortus uses up to 90% less water than traditional farming methods.

2. Reduced carbon footprint
This system follows a decentralized production thanks to the possibility of being 3-D printable.

By enabling local food production, Ortus eliminates the need for long-haul transportation, cutting CO2 emissions.

3. Pesticide-free growth
Hydroponic kits eliminate the need for harmful pesticides, delivering clean, organic produce.

4. Focus on design
Ortus has its own personality, with its avant-garde design it contributes to beautiful indoor spaces, cleaner air and better urban environments.

Why Ortus stands out in the hydroponic kit market

The hydroponics market is growing rapidly, but Ortus is a true standout. To this day, Ortus is the first 3D-printable, biodegradable system in the market.

While others focus solely on functionality, Ortus blends cutting-edge technology with an approachable, more sustainable design.

• For beginners: Ortus makes hydroponics easy to understand and execute, breaking down barriers for first-time growers.
• For innovators: With smart integrations and modular scalability, Ortus appeals to tech enthusiasts and forward-thinking individuals.
• For everyone: Ortus enables anyone, regardless of skill level, to enjoy the benefits of hydroponics.

How to get your Ortus?

The future of farming is here, and it’s waiting for you. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, eager to grow your own food, or simply curious about hydroponics, Ortus is your hydroponic kit for a greener, healthier lifestyle.

Don’t miss your chance, sign up for our waitlist today and take the first step towards urban farming evolution.

Visit our website and join our waitlist now.