Bringing a biotech air purifier from idea to production handoff
About the client
BIOM Technologies builds plant-based systems designed to generate fresh indoor air. The company grew out of a startup founded by Will Pepi, a PhD student, and was launched at the Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE) in Brooklyn, NY.
The challenge
BIOM Technologies approached Lemberg Solutions with a vision of a biotech air purifier. Having a limited budget, the client needed a device to explore the effectiveness of moss for air purification and determine its filtration capacity. The company then planned to scale the product to improve buildings’ energy efficiency. The main requirement was combining electrical and hydraulic components in a single unit while keeping them isolated to maintain a stable, autonomous micro-ecosystem.
Delivered value
Solution
Taking full ownership of the project, we ensured a coordinated approach and seamless integration at every stage, from electrical and mechanical design, as well as firmware development, to rapid prototyping, testing, and validation.
The client shared the product idea and a brief overview of its expected functionality, which our experts turned into technical requirements.
Hardware development
We started by selecting functional and sustainable pumps, spray nozzles, and valves. Every week, our team shared updates with the client for review and discussion. Following the agreed solutions, engineers created an electrical scheme, printed and collected all the necessary components into a functional product prototype, and soldered chips.
Firmware development
The next step was developing ESP32-based firmware that enables future feature expansion and BLE/Wi-Fi connectivity in later iterations. This lays the groundwork for remote monitoring of the moss condition, collecting sensor data to track filtration performance over time, and integrating the device with smart building systems.
Rapid prototyping & testing
Our team built two product prototypes: one for internal testing and the other for field testing. The first one helped us test system performance, while the second let the client evaluate the unit in real-world conditions and identify improvements before production and further scaling.
The development resulted in a product with several moss layers, spray nozzles at each level, lighting, color sensors, and a water tank at the bottom.
Since the project’s start, this biotech air purifier has evolved through iterations to optimize the overall performance. Now it’s called Column, a living moss tower for energy efficiency. At scale, this solution can significantly minimize a building's energy footprint by reducing the need to heat and cool outdoor air. Recirculated indoor air remains clean thanks to living biofiltration.
The team at Lemberg Solutions demonstrated superb command in all aspects of industrial engineering, from concept, design, and manufacturing to embedded electronic controls, software, and user interface. They quickly understood my concept and proceeded to provide deliverables on time with excellent communication. I strongly recommend Lemberg to anyone or any company that needs prototyping and/or software development services.
How it works
