How Aquager Expands At-Home Indoor Food Production in Chicago

Updating Last August's Article About Founder Jiří Zeman's Growing Units

As food prices continue to rise and access to fresh produce becomes less predictable, more households are looking for reliable ways to take control of what they eat. Aquager Technologies, a Chicago-based company with roots at the Illinois Institute of Technology, returns with a Spring 2026 update following its original feature in August 2025.

Aquager Technologies has continued to build on its vision of bringing reliable, year-round food production into everyday living spaces — not as a concept, but as a practical solution already in use across homes.

Founded by Jiří Zeman and shaped through programs such as Future Founders, Aquager combines engineering, product design and entrepreneurship to address a growing challenge: how to make fresh, organic food accessible in urban environments where space, time and consistency are limited.

Built and developed in Chicago, the company reflects a broader shift toward localized, home-based food systems that integrate naturally into daily life.

Today, Aquager operates as an established provider of indoor hydroponic systems, shipping orders daily and serving customers across the United States. Its products are available both directly through its website and on Amazon, reflecting a transition from initial market entry to ongoing growth and distribution.

Aquager Founder Jiří Zeman with his original large growing unit

Product Evolution Since 2025

Over the past several months, Aquager has expanded from a focused product offering into a more complete growing ecosystem designed to support users at every stage — from beginners to households aiming for continuous indoor production. The development has centered on flexibility: allowing customers to choose how they start, how involved they want to be, and how far they scale.

One of the most recent additions is the no-seeds kit, available on Amazon. This setup includes two reusable nurseries, grow mediums, replanting tools and plant labels, but leaves seed selection entirely to the user. It is designed for those who want the structure and reliability of a proven system while maintaining full control over what they grow. By separating the hardware from the seed choice, the kit creates a flexible entry point that works with a wide range of plants and preferences.

For users looking for the simplest possible start, the pre-seeded Grab & Grow Kits continue to serve as the most accessible option.

These kits, available in variants such as basil or marigolds combined with microgreens, are designed around a “just add water” approach. Seeds are already embedded in the grow mediums, eliminating the need for measuring, spacing, or handling.

This significantly reduces failure rates and allows users to see results quickly, often within just a few days for microgreens. The goal is to create early success and build confidence, especially for those who have struggled with traditional plants.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Hydroponic Home Farm with storage unit represents the company’s flagship system. Designed as a modular wooden furniture piece, the system integrates into kitchens and living spaces while supporting scalable production of up to 96 plants. It is built for continuous harvesting, allowing users to grow herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers year-round. The addition of the storage unit enhances practicality, making it easier to organize supplies and maintain a clean, functional setup within the home.

Beyond full systems, Aquager has also expanded into refills and stand-alone grow mediums, which have become an important part of the ecosystem. These pre-seeded grow mediums use high-quality, professionally tested seeds with germination rates exceeding 95 percent.

Notably, they are not limited to Aquager systems — customers can use them in their own trays, nurseries, or existing setups. This flexibility allows people to benefit from the convenience and reliability of pre-seeded growing without committing to a full system, while also creating a recurring supply option for existing users.

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