Hi there, my name is Claudia Ylagan! I’m currently a student at San Diego State University working with the ZIP Launchpad to impact others through my startup, Aquaponics SD.

 My love for aquatic species and nature inspires my fascination for aquaponics. Aquaponics has been around since ancient times, however, nowadays aquaponic systems have gained popularity from concerns regarding sustainable agriculture and resource conservation. After discovering aquaponics, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why aren’t more people using this type of system?”. As I dug deeper in research and started asking around, I found out that most aquaponic setups tend to be large, with systems ranging from 100 to 300 gallons. This is not an ideal setup for a beginner and can be just overwhelming. I also realized that many people simply aren’t familiar with what aquaponics is and how it works. 

So, I designed these 3 gallon kits to make aquaponics accessible and straightforward to understand for anyone. Beginners interested in aquaponics don’t need to be experts in fish or plant care, nor do they have to invest in large riskier setups. My goal is to create a hassle-free aquaponic experience that’s easy to share with others, and spark awareness about sustainable growing practices.

My ultimate goal is to make an impact on children's education. I believe a curriculum integrated with aquaponics can provide students a more engaging and memorable way to learn in the classroom, and at home. It's time for kids to step away from the screens and learn with aquaponics!