The Mission

HydroTjip’s mission is to democratise data‑driven hydroponics by delivering an ultra‑affordable (€50) Wi‑Fi–enabled sensor board that measures pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature, plus exposes auxiliary I/O for extra probes and actuators. We aim to become the default “brain” inside the thousands of low‑cost countertop and hobby hydroponic kits sold online, enabling growers to optimise nutrient dosing, cut water waste, and achieve healthier yields—all through an open API that integrates with mobile apps and cloud dashboards.

The Challenge

Home and small‑scale hydroponic systems sold on platforms like Amazon are inexpensive but “dumb”: they lack continuous pH/EC/temp feedback, forcing hobbyists to rely on dip‑sticks, guesswork, and trial‑and‑error nutrient adjustment. Existing smart controllers start at €150–€300, pricing out the lower segment and locking users into closed ecosystems. The result is wasted nutrients, inconsistent growth, and frustration for first‑time growers.

The solution

HydroTjip SenseBoard is a €50, credit‑card‑sized PCB that snaps into—or retrofits onto—any small hydroponic rig. It combines: Built‑in precision sensors for pH, EC, and temperature. Wi‑Fi connectivity for live data and over‑the‑air firmware updates. Open auxiliary pins ( GPIO, 3.3V) so makers can add CO₂ sensors, relays or peristaltic pumps. REST & MQTT APIs plus a minimal mobile dashboard for alerts and trends. The board ships pre‑calibrated, powers from a standard 5 V USB supply, and drops straight into the BOM of entry‑level hydro kits—adding “smart” capability at roughly 10 % of the kit’s retail price.