About.
We are a student-led sub-branch of Engineers Without Borders at ASU, dedicated to helping Nicaraguan communities grow nutrient-rich food using vertical gardens.
Our mission is to design sustainable, space-efficient systems that improve food access. We’re currently testing several prototypes in a local community garden as part of our first development phase.
Our Team.
We are a group of passionate students from Arizona State University, working through the EPICS (Engineering Projects in Community Service) program as part of Engineers Without Borders. Our team brings together a variety of engineering disciplines to develop innovative solutions for food security in Nicaraguan communities.
Our project is divided into three sub-teams: prototyping, marketing, and travel. Together, we collaborate on research, prototyping, and community engagement to ensure our solutions are sustainable, practical, and impactful.
Community Partners.
Worldwide Child Relief Foundation
We are proud to collaborate with the Worldwide Child Relief Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families in Nicaragua. Their community connections provide support as we work together to implement sustainable vertical gardening solutions that enhance food security and nutrition for vulnerable communities.
Community Harvest Community Gardens
Our partnership with Community Harvest Community Gardens offers a vital testing ground for our vertical garden prototypes. This local garden space allows our team to develop and refine our designs in a real-world environment, ensuring that our solutions are practical, effective, and ready to be adapted for use in Nicaraguan communities.
Project Journey.
Our goal is to create a sustainable, low-cost way for families to grow their own nutritious food in limited spaces.
See how our work has taken root.
Research and Design
We began by studying the challenges families face in Nicaragua when it comes to growing food. Limited space, access to water, and cost of materials shaped how we designed our prototypes. Through research, we explored different layouts and materials, focusing on options that are affordable, sustainable, and easy to maintain.
Construct
With our designs in hand, we moved into building and prototyping. Our team tested different versions of vertical gardens, experimenting with construction methods, irrigation systems, and plant placement. Each build helped us better understand what would last in real conditions while staying low-cost and easy to assemble.
Implement
After building, we shifted to testing and refining our prototypes. We observed how well plants grew, how easy the gardens were to maintain, and which designs were most efficient. Each iteration brought us closer to a model that we can confidently introduce in Nicaragua, ensuring it is effective and impactful for families.
How You Can Help
Our work wouldn't be possible without the support of our community. Here's how you can be a part of our mission to improve food security in Nicaragua.
Donate
Donations directly support travel to Nicaragua in December 2025 to implement our designs and develop better solutions to help the communities.
Learn more through our PitchFunder account!
https://www.givecampus.com/s/3ozig1
Join the Team
Are you an ASU student interested in engineering, sustainability, or community development? Join us! We welcome students from all majors who are passionate about making a difference.
Visit [EPICS@ASU] to learn more.
Partner With Us
We welcome partnerships with organizations and individuals who share our goal of creating sustainable solutions. If you're interested in collaborating, we'd love to connect!