Today: 28 October 2025
8 November 2021
2 mins read

Masdar City’s ‘smart garden’ takes centre stage at Expo

The HydroArtPod has been developed by Masdar City-based byAlinePate, a tech start-up being incubated at the region’s first sustainability-focused startup accelerator, The Catalyst…reports Asian Lite News

An innovative solution that enables people to grow healthy produce at home, took centre stage at an event held to mark World Food Day at Expo Dubai 2020. The app-controlled HydroArtPod smart garden, developed by a Masdar City-based start-up, was the only technology product to be featured during the event, hosted under Expo’s Programme for People and Planet.

Masdar City’s ‘smart garden’ takes centre stage at Expo

The HydroArtPod has been developed by Masdar City-based byAlinePate, a tech start-up being incubated at the region’s first sustainability-focused startup accelerator, The Catalyst. The automated device requires minimal user effort, while reducing the reliance on chemicals, packaging, and transportation in the supply chain, ensuring a steady supply of fresh produce with minimal food waste. Visitors to the event were able to learn just how easy it can be to grow healthy fruits and vegetables at home.

Start-up founder and CEO Richard Pate also took part in an onstage panel discussion on growing better food and how this can positively impact the environment.

Masdar City’s ‘smart garden’ takes centre stage at Expo

Cinar Kurra, CEO, The Catalyst, said, “We are delighted to support HydroArtPod by AlinePate and look forward to watching their business grow and develop. As the region’s first sustainability-focused start-up accelerator, the role of The Catalyst is to encourage and stimulate entrepreneurship in Masdar City. The Catalyst is a joint venture with BP and via the funding, training and mentorship of innovative startups, we actively accelerate the development of viable technology businesses and catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship while providing fundamental support to early lifecycle startups.”

“At The Catalyst we also provide selected applicants with capital that can be converted into equity as their business bears fruit over the long term,” Kurra continued.

HydroArtPod inventor, Aline Pate said, “My inspiration for designing the HydroArtPod was to help every home be able to make a little difference toward their health and minimise our impact on the environment. As a mother myself I also think it’s so important to raise awareness among younger generations about healthy food production and the environment. We are delighted to partner with Expo 2020 in helping show how we can all eat better while taking care of our world.”

HydroArtPod users can also grow edible and decorative flowers easily at home. The HydroArtPod can be mounted on the wall in a home for easy access, while also looking like a piece of art.

ALSO READ: Dubai Art Expo will bring together more than 500 artists

Masdar City is home to more than 1,000 businesses, encompassing a variety of organisations – from multinationals and SMEs to homegrown startups – committed to advancing the sustainability agenda and spearheading the innovations to realise greener, more sustainable urban living. By basing their businesses in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, startups such as HydroArtPod, will also benefit from the exceptional network already in place and connect with other innovative R&D initiatives.

Previous Story

UAE endorses Leaders’ Pledge for Nature at COP26

Next Story

Africa’s Covid-19 cases near 8.53mn

Latest from -Top News

Gazans Struggle to Revive Life

Today, Gaza’s markets seem to awaken from beneath the ruins. Partially destroyed shops opened their doors amid streets littered with debris, while merchants attempt to arrange what remains of their goods on

GAZA AID: MSF raps Israel

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says Israel Continues to Use Aid as a Weapon of War Against Gaza Strip…reports Asian Lite News Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said that despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel

Qatar Emir Meets Trump

HH the Amir welcomed HE the US President and his accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure at meeting the President during his stopover in Qatar…reports Asian Lite News HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim

Abu Dhabi leads future of food innovation

Global Food Week 2025 cements Abu Dhabi’s leadership in food innovation, uniting 75 countries to showcase sustainable agriculture, cutting-edge technologies, and women-led enterprises driving future food security….reports Asian Lite News Global Food

UAE reshapes AI council

The newly reconstituted Council will be chaired by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as Vice-Chairman….reports Asian Lite
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Sharjah Market Focus programme inspires LBF

The event saw the participation of more than 20,000 publishers,

London Lord mayor keen to boost UAE-UK ties

The Lord Mayor of the City of London said that