# Automated Urban Micro Farms Babylon Micro-Farms Produces a Winning-Design for Small-Scale Farming By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-07-19 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-farms References: [richmond](https://www.richmond.com/business/local/maker-of-micro-farm-system-wins-dominion-energy-innovation-center/article_2bbc1689-e93a-534f-b9bc-26d7a6d203c8.html) & [babylonmicrofarms](https://www.babylonmicrofarms.com/#microfarm) As the urban landscape shifts and develops with regard to infrastructure, architecture and technology, micro farms are an important component that can ensure agriculture does not lag behind. In an attempt to motivate cutting-edge design in the industry of small-scale farming, the Dominion Energy Innovation Center hosts a competition in collaboration with Randolph-Macon College. The winner is a Charlottesville-based startup that pitched a sustainable design for micro farms that can be installed within a singular home. The company Babylon Micro-Farms Inc. develops an [automated hydroponic system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerospring-pinch-hydroponic-system) which will allow individuals to grow their [herbs, fruits and vegetables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auk-mini) in the comfort of their own home. The app-controlled product will enable the sustainable growth of high-quality organic food while utilizing 90% less water. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Automated Micro Farms:** Opportunity to develop innovative technologies that automate and optimize small-scale farming processes. - **Sustainable Agriculture:** Growing demand for sustainable agriculture practices, such as hydroponics, to reduce water usage and environmental impact. - **Home-based Farming:** Rising popularity of home-based farming systems, driven by the desire for fresh, organic food and self-sufficiency. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Agriculture:** Potential for disruptive innovation in the agriculture industry to enhance productivity and sustainability of small-scale farming. - **Technology:** Opportunity for technological advancements in automated hydroponic systems and app-controlled farming tools. - **Home Improvement:** Growing market for home-based farming solutions, including integrated hydroponic systems and smart gardening tools. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Automated Commercial Kitchen Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instafarm.md) - [Haute Hydroponic Gardening Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasis-smart-farm.md) - [AI-Powered Plant Care Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gardyn-studio-2.md) - [Portable Minimal Smart Planters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balconyfarm-planter.md) - [Minimalist Indoor Gardening Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balconyfarm-pot.md) - [In-House Gardening Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/at-home-gardening.md) - [Advanced Indoor Farming Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-indoor-farming.md) - [Indoor Hydroponic Smart Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rise-gardens-indoor-device.md) - [Container-Based Indoor Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bottle-farm-mini.md)