Interest in hydroponics continues to grow. The possibility of growing crops in small spaces, with much lower water consumption and without the need for pesticides makes it an attractive option for producers, entrepreneurs, and governments. Below, we review the key aspects of this technique and the most noteworthy projects.
A Madrid-based startup is betting on precision hydroponics
In the Community of Madrid, the company Tierra has launched a smart farm model in a closed environment. Its system combines hydroponics with a proprietary software platform, called TierraOS , which controls variables such as artificial lighting, humidity, nutrients, and oxygen. This allows for automated irrigation and harvesting, adjusting production to actual demand and eliminating product waste. The company operates in a building at the Vicálvaro Industrial Park, provided by the Madrid City Council, and has received financial support from private investors and ENISA (the Spanish National Research Council). The founders are working on two patents related to biosecurity and efficient water recirculation , and plan to expand the center's production capacity before expanding into European markets such as Portugal and France.
Proven benefits: less water, faster cooking, and cleaner food
One of the main advantages of hydroponics is its water efficiency. Various studies and practical experiences confirm that water consumption is drastically reduced compared to conventional agriculture. In the Dominican Republic, for example, the National Institute of Technical and Professional Training (Infotep) offers courses highlighting that savings can exceed 90%. Furthermore, by not using soil, the plants are not exposed to insects or soil-borne diseases, eliminating the need for pesticides and resulting in cleaner food . Regarding cultivation time, hydroponics accelerates the cycle: while a traditional lettuce can take 90 days to grow, in hydroponic systems it is harvested in about 45 days, according to data from the Center for Hydroponic Research (CITECH) in Eldorado, Argentina.
Training and institutional support: the key to scaling up hydroponics
For hydroponics to become a viable option on a large scale, training is essential. In the Dominican Republic, Infotep has certified nearly 400 participants in hydroponics training programs between 2014 and 2025, with courses ranging from system design to marketing. In Argentina, CITECH in Eldorado offers technical assistance to producers and conducts trials with lettuce, tomato, and bell pepper varieties, aiming to reduce dependence on products from other provinces. Governments are also promoting these initiatives : in Chile, Corfo's program in Tarapacá uses desalinated seawater for hydroponic crops with nanobubbles, while in Mendoza, the Minister of Education visited the Uco HidroponÃa project, highlighting its value for provincial development.
Educational and community projects: hydroponics as a tool for change
Hydroponics is also reaching classrooms and rural communities. In the Argentine province of Córdoba, a rural school with just one student has launched a hydroponic garden thanks to five million pesos in government funding. The project, called Hydro Vista, allows the student to learn science and technology applied to real-world problems in her community. In General Alvear, a family has built a greenhouse themselves to grow hydroponic lettuce , a system that avoids contact with soil and agrochemicals , guaranteeing high-quality production. These examples show that hydroponics is not only viable for large companies, but also for small producers and educational institutions.
Hydroponics is emerging as a key solution to the agricultural challenges of the 21st century. From the Madrid-based startup automating cultivation to school projects in remote areas , this technique demonstrates that it is possible to produce food more efficiently, sustainably, and closer to the consumer. With the support of institutions and the growing demand for local food, the future of hydroponics in Spain and around the world looks promising.
