Innovation Agritech Group (IAG), a supplier of aeroponic vertical farming technology, installed its GrowFrame360™ system at the University of Essex. Making this the first commercial standard vertical farm to be installed at a UK university. This landmark collaboration between IAG and the University of Essex's new £3 million Smart Technology Experimental Plant Suite (STEPS) marks a ground-breaking step in agricultural research, setting a precedent for sustainable crop cultivation studies in an educational setting in the UK.
The GrowFrame360 system will play a vital role in the University's efforts towards innovative plant research, helping to address the pressing challenges of climate change and food security. Students will be at the forefront of the work, developing and conducting experiments with the University's internationally renowned researchers, which provides them with a unique undergraduate experience and training opportunity.
"Today's announcement represents a significant step forward in combining advanced technology, education and research to address global challenges," said Kate Brunswick, Business Development Director at IAG. "We are proud to be working with the University of Essex to transform agricultural practices, bridging the gap where traditional farming falls short in meeting the demands of growing populations and changing climates. Our GrowFrame360 technology will help both scientists and students to make a profound impact on the resilience and productivity of the agriculture and horticulture sector."
The University of Essex's STEPS ground-breaking plant lab is dedicated to advancing research in plant adaptation to climate change and ensuring future food security. The lab boasts 'state-of-the-art' capabilities, including a commercial-grade indoor farm that simulates various global environments and specialized suites to replicate conditions on a warming planet. It allows researchers to manipulate CO2 levels and temperature, helping plants to adapt to harsher conditions. Advanced computer scanning technology will track plant growth and analyze changes in photosynthesis. The research will leverage AI and robotics to forge new methodologies, technologies, and strategies for forecasting changes in agriculture and the natural environment.
Professor Tracy Lawson, Director of Essex Plant Innovation Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex shares "IAG's GrowFrame allows us to extend our work to include indoor or horticultural crops rather than just traditional field crops. The GrowFrame is ideal for our experiments because of its capabilities and flexibility. It's also particularly important for our students, as we train the next generation of scientists."
STEPS was partly funded by the Wolfson Foundation, an independent organization focused on supporting civil society by investing in projects in science, health, heritage, humanities, and the arts.
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Innovation Agri Tech
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