Eden: Intelligent circular economy for the food production of tomorrow

EdeN: Intelligent Circular Economy for Tomorrow's Food Production How IoT Technologies Make Aquaponics Systems Smart, Efficient, and Sustainable – and Why This Is Also Exciting for SMEs in Lower Austria Climate change, resource scarcity, and increasing demands for food safety require new solutions – including for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lower Austria. This is precisely where the EdeN project (Efficient Decentralized Sustainable Food Production) comes in: It combines innovative food production with digital transformation – through the intelligent operation of aquaponics systems. Aquaponics combines fish farming and vegetable cultivation in a closed-loop system – resource-efficient, space-saving, and with almost no chemical additives. However, operating such systems requires expertise that many newcomers lack. EdeN provides a solution through the targeted use of IoT technologies, data science, and automated control. Digitalization for the Agriculture of Tomorrow The project is developing a modular, highly autonomous system that combines sensors, data processing, and intelligent responses. This allows a system to react independently to environmental changes – for example, fluctuations in temperature or water quality. At the same time, networked information platforms are being created where producers can share their knowledge and data. In this way, everyone – from startups to agricultural SMEs – benefits from the collective wealth of experience. But the project goes even further: Energy supply is also intended to be as self-sufficient as possible, for example, through the integration of renewable energies. Recyclable materials are used cascade-wise, meaning they are reused multiple times in different stages – fully in line with the principles of the circular economy. Why this is important for SMEs in Lower Austria The House of Digitalization has set itself the goal of supporting SMEs in Lower Austria in their digital transformation. EdeN demonstrates how digitalization not only brings efficiency but also enables new business models, sustainability, and regional value creation. Through transparency, traceability, and smart data use, robust, locally implementable production systems are created – a real future prospect for the food sector. EdeN represents a new understanding of production: local, digital, and sustainable. It demonstrates how technological innovation can strengthen smaller businesses in Lower Austria – contributing to a smart and resilient future. Project Management: Prof. Dr. Thomas Felberbauer - St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences Project and Cooperation Partners: • St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences Research GmbH • Research Studios Austria Research Association • Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH • AndersFarm GmbH • BEIA GmbH