Eliminating one of the most traditional elements in growing

"Our solutions are distinguished by our commitment to making hydroponics as simple as possible, reducing it to only the essential components," says Matthias Dicks, Co-Founder of the German startup company, Sinterra. "A key part of this is eliminating the use of substrate, which makes the entire system more efficient, sustainable, and easier to manage."

Why substrate-free?
According to Matthias, the decision to grow plants without substrate brings a range of practical and ecological benefits. "Bare-root plants are easier to handle and less prone to pests or diseases since there's no organic matter for them to thrive on. This makes for a cleaner and more hygienic growing environment," he explains.

In addition to improved hygiene, removing substrate also simplifies system maintenance. "Without loose particles clogging the system, cleaning becomes far less labor-intensive. Plus, from a sustainability point of view, we're reducing reliance on materials like peat or rock wool, which are resource-intensive and generate waste. It's not just greener—it's cheaper and more streamlined for growers."

© Sinterra

Versatile applications
Sinterra's substrate-free approach has shown the most promise with leafy greens, particularly lettuce. "That's where we've focused most of our testing," Matthias notes. "But we've also had success with herbs and even chili plants. Any plant that can be propagated from seed can benefit from our system."

The company's Hydrostarter—a reusable plug for seed propagation—enables growers to remove young plants easily without damaging their root systems. While some plants may require transplantation at a later stage, Sinterra recommends sustainable alternatives. "Transplanting into rock wool defeats the purpose. We suggest transferring into systems using neoprene collars or expanded clay, which are better aligned with our sustainability goals."

© Sinterra

Bringing innovation and automation together
While the Hydrostarter has gained traction among small-scale and private growers, scalability in automated systems required a new solution. That's where Sinterra's second innovation comes in: the MT-Cup.

"The MT-Cup is a low-cost, substrate-free plant pot designed for automation. It's nestable, easy to handle, and can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows," Matthias explains. "After harvesting, it can even stay on the plant, which simplifies the post-harvest process."

Currently in its final stages of development, the MT-Cup is entering a pilot testing phase. "We're actively seeking farms interested in trialing the MT-Cup. The feedback we've received so far has been incredibly valuable, and we're excited to see how it performs in real-world scenarios."

© Sinterra

Open-source and community engagement
In a nod to the maker community and vertical farming enthusiasts, Sinterra is also sharing 3D printing files for a small selection of accessories. "It's a new initiative for us, but we're thrilled about the possibilities. With 3D printers becoming more accessible, hobbyists can customize their hydroponic setups easily. It's our way of giving back to the community and encouraging innovation on all levels."

Designed to be used again
"The Hydrostarter is extremely durable and can be reused many times. You can even wash it in a dishwasher," Matthias says. "And for those needing a lower-cost option, the MT-Cup is designed to be fully recyclable."

Partnerships for scalability
Sinterra has partnered with industry stalwart Pöppelmann TEKU to accelerate production and logistics. "They bring decades of manufacturing expertise and a modern production infrastructure. We're a startup focused on innovation and product development, and their openness to forward-thinking cultivation methods makes the partnership a perfect match."