🌱 Vertical Farming For R&D

This edition is brought to you by Indoor Ag-Con & the CEA Summit

Good morning, readers!

Welcome to a deep dive into the world of greenhub, a company that’s making waves in the vertical farming industry.

Founded by two passionate individuals, Kay and Alex, Greenhub has evolved from a university project into a leader in providing research-focused farming solutions.

What We Are Covering Today?

1. Founding Vision and Early Challenges

2. Vertical Farming Solutions for Researchers

3. The Role of Technology in Greenhub’s Innovations

4. Addressing Challenges and Staying Ahead

5. Collaboration and Community Engagement

6. Future Directions and Goals

7. What We Are Reading & Listening To

Whether you're a researcher, industry professional, or simply curious about the future of farming, this editorial will offer valuable insights into how Greenhub is shaping the future of vertical farming.

Estimated Reading Time 4-6 minutes

Special thanks to Alexander Jaworski for his valuable input & time!

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THE BEGINNINGS
Founding Vision and Early Challenges

greenhub’s inception was driven by the founders' shared interest in advanced cultivation methods such as hydroponics and aquaponics. Kay and Alex, who met during their studies, envisioned building something sustainable within this industry.

In June 2018, this vision materialized when Kay took over the "greenhub" working group at Leipzig University, initially focusing on small-scale aquaponics systems for private households.

However, after conducting a market analysis, it became evident that the business potential in this area was limited. With Alex’s support, the team shifted focus, recognizing that the vertical farming industry was still in its early stages.

"We quickly realized that stakeholders needed tools to collect standardized data for an automated and resource-efficient cultivation process," he explained. This realization led to the development of the GreenResearcher, a data mining tool that became the foundation of Greenhub Solutions GmbH.

TAILORED FOR RESEARCH
Vertical Farming Solutions for Researchers

greenhub has positioned itself as a provider of specialized vertical farming solutions designed with researchers in mind. Their flagship product, the GreenResearcher, is crafted to offer precise control over key variables such as lighting, climate, and nutrient delivery.

"Our GreenResearcher is specifically designed by researchers for researchers," Alex notes, emphasizing the importance of customization in scientific research.

One of the standout features of greenhub’s system is its integrated platform, which unifies all aspects of the cultivation environment under a single software interface.

This integration eliminates the need for multiple tools, allowing researchers to manage lighting, climate, and nutrient delivery from one place. This not only streamlines the research process but also enhances data accuracy and efficiency.

Supporting Research and Development

greenhub’s commitment to the research community extends to the tools they provide, which are designed to facilitate reproducible trials. Researchers can save and compare different cultivation recipes, making it easier to validate findings and refine methods.

"Our software allows researchers to quickly execute reproducible trials, making it much easier to validate results with accuracy," Alex explains.

The company has been involved in several noteworthy research projects. For instance, the GreenResearcher has been used by the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) and the Zentrum für Aquakulturforschung (ZAF) to investigate the salt tolerance of various plant species in brackish water.

These trials are exploring new possibilities for water usage in vertical farming, potentially leading to more versatile agricultural practices.

AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH
The Role of Technology in Greenhub’s Innovations

The company focuses on plant-centric development, where technology evolves driven by plant-centric knowledge. This philosophy is at the core of how they enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of vertical farming solutions, ensuring that their solutions are optimized for specific plant needs.

"By focusing on the specific requirements of the plants, we’re able to develop technology that optimizes growth conditions and maximizes yield," he states. This approach is seen as crucial for adapting vertical farming systems to various applications, from hybrid setups to localized farms.

greenhub is also involved in innovative projects like the SenSEA initiative, which aims to create smart vertical farms capable of self-management.

This project, in collaboration with the Technical University of Chemnitz and the CEA lab equipped with GreenResearchers and mewedo GmbH & Co. KG, focuses on developing a virtual twin—a model that predicts plant growth under different conditions. The goal is to optimize energy usage and improve the sustainability of vertical farms.

VERTICAL FARMING PROBLEMATICS
Addressing Challenges and Staying Ahead

Operating in the R&D space presents specific challenges for greenhub, particularly in terms of marketing and visibility. The need to protect client research while showcasing successful projects requires a delicate balance.

"Supplying in the R&D space makes it more challenging to share concrete findings and results as we need to protect our clients' research," he acknowledged. To address this, the company relies on creative marketing strategies, including participation in industry fairs and workshops.

greenhub stays ahead of trends by maintaining close relationships with their clients, many of whom are researchers or part of corporate R&D teams.

This continuous interaction provides the company with insights into emerging challenges and trends, which inform their product development and strategic direction.

PARTNERSHIPS
Collaboration and Community Engagement

Collaboration is a key aspect of greenhub’s strategy. The company works closely with the research community to develop and improve its solutions, learning from customers and adapting to future industry needs.

greenhub is also open to various types of partnerships, ranging from academic collaborations to industry R&D projects. "We believe that collaboration and openness are essential for advancing the vertical farming industry," Alex states.

LOOKING AHEAD
Future Directions and Goals

Looking ahead, greenhub aims to strengthen its presence within the research community while also bridging the gap between research and industry.

Their short-term goals include increasing visibility and building trust through partnerships with innovative customers and academic institutions. "We are focusing on making a strong presence in the research community and connecting research with industry through standardized data streams," he explains.

One of their most promising initiatives involves making scientific research more accessible to commercial farmers.

By translating research findings into practical applications, greenhub is helping to bring cutting-edge vertical farming technologies to the broader agricultural sector.

SOME ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
What We Are Reading & Listening To