Curiosity Ignited as MantisOpenSTEM Leads in Hydroponics at ATDC Startup Showcase

ATLANTA - June 3, 2016 - PRLog -- The ATDC (Advanced Technology Development Center) in Atlanta, Georgia recently hosted a technology startup conference open to growing ATDC affiliated companies. On a floor open to investors, corporate partners, entrepreneurs, research developers, and the general public, MantisOpenSTEM held its own in a space highlighting the innovations of top tier companies. An attentive crowd gathered around HipScience's educational brand: Mantis. The display allowed visitors to interact with the extensive product line first hand. In addition to sensors and probes designed for any K-12 classroom setting, MantisOpenSTEM unveiled its new hydroponics project. Investors imagined how these every day parts from local home improvement stores could expose students to hydroponics in the classroom and teach lessons that extend outside of agriculture. Agencies are using this technology in order to solve problems related to economics, hunger, and climate change. For instance, NASA is using studies in hydroponics to build a food supply in space.

MantisOpenSTEM's hydroponics prototype measures light, temperature, moisture and PH by incorporating their Mantis Climate Sensor and Sensor Wand. Both sensors are Bluetooth compatible for readouts and controls. During the demonstration, guests were shown that at the push of a button they're able to determine the environmental factors including soil moisture content and more. The system is designed to be an affordable hydroponics startup platform that allows for full and detailed control of data collection.

Additionally, the Mantis robotics on display made for an entertaining afternoon. Using Bluetooth technology, visitors to the exhibit were able to control and maneuver the Mantis Rover. As a bonus, the Rover was printed using a 3D printer. The Rover will be featured in the upcoming Mantis Summer Series STEM Immersion Workshops. If you are interested in learning more about our workshops contact us on Twitter @MantisSTEM.

MantisOpenSTEM representative Robert Johnson was buzzing with excitement. "The amount of people who were able to come by and see our display was fantastic!  We were busy the entire time the floor was open". Mr. Johnson was not the only person happy to see STEM technology for students at the conference. Visitors to the booth shared his enthusiasm, saying that they were "elated to see educational technologies" represented that day.  One visitor stated, "This is exciting for students to be able to get hands-on activities in the classroom, and the bonus for us is that it has direct links to the standards for education." MantisOpenSTEM accredits the attention they generated to their commitment to community and their ability to make the technology practical, convenient, and focused on STEM.

About the ATDC Startup Showcase: ATDC's Startup Showcase is a premier Atlanta technology event where more than 800 investors, corporate partners, entrepreneurs, and researchers converge to discover the most promising and emerging technologies, network with each other, and forge new relationships and partnerships. ATDC, through its programs and outreach efforts, works with technology startups across Georgia to help them develop into sound, sustainable businesses that are scaling up, creating high value, and high-quality jobs in Georgia and beyond. This year's event was held May 12.

About MantisOpenSTEM:  With locations in Atlanta and Orlando, Mantis is a brand division of HipScience, LLC.  HipScience is an embedded sensor company, embedding sensors so they talk and play with other relevant technology. The Mantis brand of sensors and probes is designed with STEM education in mind promoting an open platform and standards-based curriculum. With over 15 years of experience in the aerospace industry, the company has been designing and engineering sensors that embed in wearable items, education tools and commercial/industrial devices. Visit us at http://www.mantisopenstem.com or http://www.hip-sci.com to learn more!