Category: News

Professor Tracy Lawson examines the plants being grown in the vertical farm – Credit: University of Essex

In a dynamic collaboration set to revolutionise agricultural research, Innovation Agritech Group (IAG) and the University of Essex have unveiled the installation of the first commercial standard vertical farm at a UK university. This landmark collaboration signifies a significant leap forward in sustainable farming practices, as the university commences its research efforts to tackle the pressing challenges of food production for tomorrow’s climate.

IAG first to install commercial standard vertical farm at UK university – Credit: Kabir, Klick

IAG’s flagship technology, the GrowFrame360™, is nestled within the University’s recently launched state-of-the-art £3.5 million Smart Technology Experimental Plant Suite (STEPS). IAG’s cutting-edge technology boasts minimal water usage and soil-free growing capabilities, offering a beacon of hope for the future of agriculture.

Kate Brunswick, Business Development Director at IAG, expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of this installation. “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in harnessing technology and education to address global challenges,” she remarked. “Our collaboration with the University of Essex underscores our commitment to transforming agricultural practices and fostering innovation in the field.”

Breaking New Ground: IAG and the University of Essex Lead the Way

At the core of the University of Essex’s STEPS facility, partly funded by the Wolfson Foundation, lies a commitment to advancing research on plant adaptation to climate change and ensuring future food security. With state-of-the-art features such as a commercial-grade indoor vertical farm and specialised areas for simulating various environmental conditions, STEPS offers researchers an ideal environment for exploration.

It enables researchers to control CO₂ levels and temperature, aiding plants in adapting to more challenging conditions. Advanced computer scanning technology will monitor plant growth and analyse shifts in photosynthesis. This research will harness AI and robotics to develop new methodologies, technologies, and strategies for predicting changes in agriculture and the natural environment.

Student Susannah Eiden, 21, takes a reading – Credit: University of Essex

Empowering Future Innovators

Students at the University of Essex are poised to take advantage of this pioneering initiative, engaging in hands-on research alongside world-class scientists. The collaboration presents a unique opportunity for undergraduates to delve into the complexities of sustainable crop cultivation, gaining invaluable experience that transcends traditional classroom learning.

Professor Tracy Lawson, Director of Essex Plant Innovation Centre at the University of Essex, emphasised the significance of the GrowFrame technology in expanding research horizons. “As the world grapples with the challenges of feeding a growing population amidst climate uncertainty, innovative solutions are imperative,” she remarked. “The installation of the GrowFrame system empowers us to explore new frontiers in sustainable agriculture and train the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

Ribbon cutting of the STEPS lab, at the University of Essex – Credit: Kabir, Klick

Shaping the Future of Farming

As the world grapples with the urgent challenges of climate change and food security, collaborations like the one between IAG and the University of Essex are more crucial than ever. It exemplifies a shared commitment to driving progress in agricultural research and sustainability. By harnessing the power of innovation, education, and research, these two entities are not only shaping the future of farming but also paving the way for a more sustainable and food-secure world.

For more information about IAG and the GrowFrame360™, please visit www.innovationagritech.com

9th May 2024

 

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In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the need for innovative solutions to address our environmental challenges is greater than ever. The Big Sustainability Awards, an event that has been running for 5 years, recognises those who are leading the way in sustainable initiatives. This year, on the 26th of October, 2023, Innovation Agritech Group (IAG) proudly took home the award for “Communicating Your Sustainability Project.”

 

IAG: Pioneers of Sustainable Agriculture

IAG, a British agricultural technology company, has carved a niche for itself in the realm of sustainability through its revolutionary approach to food production. The company specialises in creating advanced aeroponic vertical farming systems, and its journey of innovation began with the development of the world’s first vertical aeroponic grow panels.

IAG’s flagship technology, the GrowFrame360™, is not only a game-changer in agriculture but also an inspiration for others seeking to make a positive impact on our planet.

 

The GrowFrame360™: A Sustainable Breakthrough

The GrowFrame360™ is a remarkable aeroponic indoor growing system that can cultivate over 60 different crop varieties with minimal water and no need for soil or sunlight. This innovation exemplifies IAG’s commitment to sustainability and offers solutions to several pressing challenges facing the agriculture industry today.

Reducing Food Miles and Carbon Emissions

By enabling large crop yields in a small footprint, the GrowFrame360™ allows fresh produce to be grown in close proximity to end consumers in urban areas. This reduces food miles and the associated carbon emissions from transportation. The precise control over the growing environment also makes it possible to grow sensitive plants in areas with hostile climates or limited arable land, further decreasing the need for imports, and supporting local economies.

Soil and Ecosystem Preservation

The system eliminates the need for soil, pesticides, and herbicides, ensuring food production without soil degradation or ecosystem pollution. With traditional farming practices causing soil erosion and degradation at an alarming rate, the GrowFrame360™ offers a sustainable alternative that preserves fertile soil and protects ecosystems.

Water Savings

The GrowFrame360™ boasts a closed-loop aeroponic irrigation system, recycling water not absorbed by plant roots. This results in water savings of up to 98% compared to traditional outdoor farming, making a substantial contribution to global water conservation efforts.

Year-Round Harvesting

The system’s vertical configuration and advanced growing techniques enable year-round crop production, providing up to 17 harvest cycles annually compared to the 3-4 annual harvests in traditional UK farming. This high efficiency is especially beneficial in densely populated urban and suburban areas, where space is at a premium.

 

Above and Beyond Standard Sustainability Practice

IAG’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its innovative technology. The company is accredited by the Red Tractor and Global G.A.P. schemes, ensuring the highest standards of safety and sustainability for consumers. Additionally, IAG promotes gender equality by nurturing a diverse leadership team, with 50% women, in an industry where women are underrepresented.

The Big Sustainability Awards represent a significant milestone in the sustainability community, highlighting the dedication and ingenuity of companies and individuals working towards a greener future. Fellow category finalists, “Adveco” and “The Appliance Recycling Group“, deserve a special shoutout for their outstanding contributions to the cause. Both businesses are actively offering practical solutions to some of the biggest environmental issues, including energy and recycling and reusing waste appliances.

As winners of The Big Sustainability Awards, IAG’s commitment to sustainable agriculture offers an inspiring example for others in the industry and serves as a testament to the transformative power of innovation and dedication in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. With technology like the GrowFrame360™, a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future is within reach.

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Who we are and what we’re responsible for…

Dr. Manikkath Haridas: I am the Lead Plant Scientist at IAG, Dr. Deepa Manikkath Haridas. I hold an agricultural bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in crop physiology, and a doctorate in biological sciences.

As a plant scientist at IAG, I help create planting schedules for the farms and trial designs to examine various plant growth parameters to optimise crop output, quality, and flavour. Utilising a variety of analytical methods at the IAG lab onsite, the nutrient levels in the irrigation water are monitored, coupled with flavour profiling of various crops. Based on results from microbiological tests, the plant science team oversees keeping track of the suitability of crops for human consumption. In addition, I help prepare grants in conjunction with our academic partners and other businesses to explore the suitability of our system for commercial purposes.

Felix: I’m Felix Trimmer, a plant scientist here at IAG. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biological sciences. I’m really interested in computing, and so I love to find ways to combine both subjects – I’m currently undertaking a PhD with Royal Holloway in collaboration with IAG to investigate the use of machine vision in studying plant growth.

Each day we check over the farm and ensure everything is running smoothly. In the plant science team, we run and oversee various trials to improve our crop yield, flavour, and quality. Our new lab also enables us to use biochemical techniques to perform basic analyses of the crops, so we can further quantify our research.

 

Our job is important because…

Dr. Manikkath Haridas: To improve resource use efficiency and ensure the economic feasibility of vertical farming systems, it is critical to make data-driven decisions. Our knowledge and ability in designing trials, collecting, and interpreting of different physiological and biochemical parameters is crucial in understanding the full potential of the system and to economise the cost of running the system.

Felix: The expertise of the plant science team is invaluable to the company, as our insights into plant physiology and response are key to improving the system and pushing the limits of what we can achieve. Our technology is at the forefront of growing techniques, and it demands speciality at the forefront of research to further development and take advantage of the potential at the heart of the design.

 

Our career journey…

Dr. Manikkath Haridas: I come from a farming background and was always fascinated by crop science. I’ve worked as a researcher in the agriculture sector for more than ten years, both in academic and commercial settings. My PhD was in the study of soil-plant-microbial interactions, and most of my works focus on the links between soil, plants, and water.

Felix: I really enjoyed both electronics and biology at A-level. I loved tinkering with hardware and software in my own time, but I found a special calling in the academic study of biology. I undertook a BSc in molecular biology at Royal Holloway, where I achieved a first-class degree with honours. My special project towards the end of my study showed me the potential of combining both computing and biology, something I was always keen to do, and as such I took on a Masters project analysing high-throughput phenotyping data of mutant tomato plants. I enjoyed my time during the course, but wanted to move beyond simply analysing data someone else had acquired, and I realised that IAG’s system offered the framework to develop a software and hardware solution for plant growth monitoring.

 

We wanted to be plant scientists because…

Dr. Manikkath Haridas: I think it’s crucial to study plants to feed the world’s population. There are numerous elements of plants that are still unknown. When I worked as a research scientist in several settings, I was fascinated by how plants communicate with one another and the bacteria around them to defend themselves against biotic and abiotic challenges. The secret to meeting the demands of a growing population in a sustainable fashion is to understand this communication.

Felix: Unlike you or I, if a plant is being bothered by something, it can’t just get up and find somewhere else to live. They’ve got amazing molecular techniques to deal with all these stresses, and they provide so many things for us, from the clothes we wear to the gases we breathe. I’ve just got a lot of respect for them; they deserve to be studied!

 

We love our job because…

Dr. Manikkath Haridas: The way that crops adjust to their shifting environments is remarkable. I was attracted to the research potential this job offered to me as a plant scientist. I am happy to be a part of this vertical farming system because I think it has the potential to revolutionise agriculture.

Felix: I love being able to come in on a morning and see how all the plants are growing and how they deal with growing in an unconventional system. I particularly enjoyed seeing our tomato plants growing from seed to fruit.

How does our role as a plant scientist working in vertical farming vary from a plant scientist working in traditional agriculture…

Dr. Manikkath Haridas: In contrast to traditional farming, where you are dependent on the weather, controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) gives you more control over your growing environment. Under CEA, there are more crop cycles, which gives scientists more data points for statistical analysis in less time.

Felix: We all love plants, it’s just that we don’t get as wet when it rains.

In a traditional agriculture setup, you need to be especially aware of the outside environment, as it is uncontrolled and must be accounted for. Indoors, we control the environment, so we must be more stringent with our PPE policy but have fewer unknown factors we must worry about.

 

Advice to others… (What advice would you give to others who want a role like yours?)

Dr. Manikkath Haridas: Growing plants is not the only aspect of vertical farming. This is an intriguing intersection of plant science, engineering, and computing. It has limitless potential, and I believe the journey has just begun.

Felix: My route into this field was because of a niche that I particularly enjoy. I would suggest that you really explore your interests in your field to their limits and find your own niche too. The key thing is to investigate what you love.

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Agricultural farming methods are continually adapting and changing. Modern farming has created numerous ecological side effects including an overconsumption of water and a reliance on chemical fertilisers, GMOs and pesticides. As these side effects grow, so does the need for agricultural change. Innovation Agritech Group (IAG) is an aeroponic vertical growing technology company that produces green produce through sustainable practices, using less space and fewer resources than traditional farming.

IAG approached London based, Inspired Marketing agency, for a brand refresh with the aim of visually communicating the brand as an innovator of the agricultural growing space. The aim was to create a corporate identity that translates and pays tribute to both the agricultural and technological focus of the brand. Existing competitor branding is led by singular narrowed vision in approaches, with expansive white space and cliché branding that lacks in both narrative and identity. The communication of the vertical farming sector can become oversaturated and difficult to digest. Therefore, the emphasis was put on creating clear recognisable branding that assists in the communication to consumers and partners.

The reliance on expansive whites and vibrant greens became a consistent convention in vertical farming during its infancy and resulted in a blur in brand identity across various companies within the sector. Accordingly, Inspired Marketing agency’s brand development for IAG targeted the conventions of the existing industry whilst refreshing the approach to reflect IAG as an innovator in its sector.

The lively colour palette presents IAG at the forefront of vertical farming as a pioneer of the agritech space. Deep green tones pay homage to the agricultural produce whilst vibrant greens represent technological innovation and a modern twist on shades conventionally used within the tech sector. The collation and merging of the deep greens and vibrant greens act as visual narrative for the journey of the agricultural space and the process of modernisation of the sector in transferring previous agricultural practices into modern innovative farming methods.

Shape and colour are utilised as a visual tool throughout for brand consistency and continuity. The use of form and shape is subtle yet highly conscious. The shapes act as subtle visual narrative to reinforce the brand purpose whilst sustaining brand identity. The shapes include the IAG leaf in a stacked manner to reflect the modularity of the GrowFrame™ and IAG technology. The use of design choices such as this are intentional and contribute to a conscious holistic brand approach.

IAG represents both innovation in new technology as well as the advancing of previous agricultural practices. The brand approach reflects the modernisation of farming and IAG’s place as a future-facing agricultural brand.

The Future of Farming.

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British agricultural technology company, Innovation Agritech Group (IAG), is announcing the launch of its GrowFrame™ 360 vertical farming solution. The much anticipated, innovative technology is the result of committed and rigorous R&D since 2017 and is set to take vertical farming to the next level, revolutionising the way we produce crops both in the UK and globally.

Since IAG’s conception, the dedicated team has been working to create the most optimised vertical farming system in the world possible. IAG’s patented system, the GrowFrame™, has been refined to result in a highly precise growing process using the very best technology developed with carefully selected British partners. Drawing on each trial completed, every project documented and the support of its professional partners, the new GrowFrame™ has been proven to produce a healthier root system, superior crop growth and yield.

Alongside commercial opportunities, the technology can be used on a global scale to help with real-world problems facing the population on daily basis. IAG is working with charities to become the first vertical farm to take a tangible step towards ending world hunger and malnutrition. Current estimates from the UN show that 8.9% of the world’s population, which equates to nearly 690 million people, are hungry. By developing a drought resistant solution, IAG’s GrowFrame™ can be put to work in both countries with minimal water supply, as well as in urban populations with limited space, to help tackle the challenge head on.

The IAG GrowFrame™ 360 top five:

• No climate dependency – the IAG GrowFrame™ doesn’t require sunlight and eliminates weather and seasonal dependency, allowing crops to be grown any time of the year, from anywhere in the world
• IAG’s exclusive technology accelerates crop growth to potentially 15 harvest cycles per year, compared to the three-to-four of traditional farming
• The GrowFrame™ 360 solution is fully automated and managed from a Human Machine Interface (HMI), with real-time data monitoring. The system is also scalable, allowing businesses to upscale when ready
• The closed loop irrigation system uses 98% less water than traditional farming. What’s more, once completing the loop, water is cleaned using UV treatment, sumps, and filters, before going through the process again, eradicating waste
• The GrowFrame™ uses coco peat over soil, meaning no chemicals, pesticides, or soil maintenance 

Jaz Singh, CEO, Innovation Agritech Group says: “Since the beginning of this journey, I knew the IAG technology was outstanding. Having seen first-hand how arable land in India was depleted by traditional open-field farming, I truly believe that Vertical Farming will become an integral part of the way we grow food around the world and feed our increasing population – especially with terrifying predictions from the UN that the number of people affected by hunger would surpass 840 million by 2030.

We have been developing our patented flagship GrowFrame™ and have complete faith that we have developed a vertical farming solution which will be a complete game-changer. A genuine testament to the hard work, vision, skill and understanding from our own exceptional team. With our recent successful investment, our unswerving commitment to R&D, we are proud to showcase to the world what we have been working on behind closed doors. We have ambitious sales targets and can’t wait to see the reception the GrowFrame™ will have in the UK and wider global community.”

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• IAG invests in the team as it realises the strategic plan for 2022.
  

Agricultural technology company, Innovation Agritech Group (‘IAG’), is continuing to invest in its exciting growing team with two new appointments this summer. Matt Taylor and David Farley are both joining IAG to hasten projects as it transitions to revenue, as Commercial Assistant and Consultant Advisor respectively.Matt Taylor joins IAG as Commercial Assistant with over 20 years of experience under his belt, having managed national accounts for global brands such as PlayStation, Mercedes, and Toshiba. Matt, who is passionate about how tech can be used as a force for good, has been searching for the last 10 years to find a scale-up tech company which is focused on mitigating climate change and improving our environment for future generations, without having to reduce choice or availability. Working at IAG gives Matt the opportunity to combine the skills that he has honed over the last 20 years alongside working for a business that champions his personal ethos.

As Commercial Assistant, Matt will support the operating board of directors, focus on identifying commercial opportunities and developing excellent relationships with suppliers and partners. This will position him as crucial member of the team as they take the leap to the next level.

Alongside Matt, David Farley is also joining the IAG team this summer. David is a highly experienced and commercially astute agri-business professional. Having worked at senior levels across all areas of the fresh produce supply-chain, he has experienced every stage from field to fork, working within businesses such as Del Monte & Greenvale AP.

 

Across his extensive career, David has worked with a number of Agri-tech clients, where his experience, knowledge and network have combined to add considerable value through fresh insight and perspective. Delighted to be joining IAG, David is looking forward to exploring the commercial scale-up opportunities to expedite the IAG model and enable the supply of cost-effective, sustainable exciting, quality produce.

 

Jaz Singh, CEO, Innovation Agritech Group comments, “It is a key time for the business right now – we’re in the run up to a big moment in terms of the launch of a new product as well as the business transitioning to revenue. Ensuring we have the right team to take us to the next level is crucial – everyone here at IAG has been working so hard to date, we want to make sure we build on that and continue to strengthen.

 

“Having Matt & David join the company is going to be a fantastic boost to our existing team. They both will bring so much valuable experience, I have every confidence we will continue to develop the business, inviting new talent to the team will enable us to be in the best possible position to launch on a global scale.”

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Agricultural technology company, Innovation Agritech Group (‘IAG’), has today announced it is creating an Advisory Board, appointing Professor Tracy Lawson and Dr Chris Foulds as the two founding members. IAG is currently in the R&D phase of business, having developed its patented “vertical framework of aeroponic growing modules” called the IAG GrowFrame™ – a fully-scalable, flexible technology based on a modular system which uses Indoor Vertical Aeroponics instead of a more traditional vertical farming hydroponic system.

As the IAG team gears up to fulfil its orders and launch-to-market in Q3 of 2022, Professor Tracy Lawson and Dr Chris Foulds will both be joining the newly formed IAG Advisory board.

Professor Tracy Lawson is a professor in the Plant Productivity group and Director of Plant Phenotyping at Essex University and recognised on the Clarivate World Highest Cited list in both 2020 and 2021. Professor Lawson takes her place on the Advisory Board with over 25 years’
experience in photosynthesis research, during which she has published over 135 peer review papers/book chapters, all since obtaining her first degree in Applied Biology in 1993 from the Liverpool John Moores University and PhD from the University of Dundee in 1997.
Professor Lawson’s research focuses on the stomatal control of atmospheric gas entry into the leaf, associated water loss and the mechanisms that regulate this process. As part of this research, she is also optimising lighting recipes for TCEA/vertical farming environments to increase productivity and reduce resource input such as water and energy.

Dr Chris Foulds, who has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Bristol, brings nearly 40 years’ experience in the food and drinks industry, with the last 25 years in fresh produce. During his career, Dr Foulds has held the position of Technical Director of G’s Marketing, Vitacress Salads and Flamingo Fresh Produce, and has worked on several retailers’ codes of practice for food safety in the field and
factory. Dr Foulds was Technical Chairman of the Chilled Food Association and founder member and chairman of their Produce Working Group and is known for his work in simplifying food safety issues, and technical compliance for growers especially for non-UK sources.

Jaz Singh, CEO of Innovation Agritech Group, comments on the appointments: “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to both Professor Tracy Lawson and Dr Chris Foulds as members of our Advisor Board at IAG. As we transition from R&D focus to strategic commercial growth later this year, the ongoing support of both members, who bring a huge bank of knowledge, exceptional expertise, and an embedded technical understanding of our industry will be invaluable. They will be vital and valued in their support of the existing team of industry specialists. Their input will help us further develop as a business and enable us to be confident to advise our clients along the way.

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Innovation Agritech Group (referred to as IAG herein) recently hosted Vertical Farm Daily at its 10,000- square foot purpose-built aeroponic facility in Berkshire, west of London. IAG aims to make vertical farming accessible by designing scalable, flexible technology based on a modular system. To do so, IAG has patented its “vertical framework of aeroponic growing modules” called the IAG GrowFrame™.

Focus on removing barriers to entry
There are many benefits to vertical farming compared to traditional farming methods. Unlike many vertical farming technologies which rely on hydroponic systems, IAG specialises in Indoor Vertical Aeroponics, which means they use up to 95% less water than conventional farming, and 70% less water than in hydroponics.

All this is part of IAG’s mission to make vertical farming and the future of farming more accessible, by helping growers design, build and manage vertical farms that balance operational and capital expenditures. By using aeroponic irrigation and closed loop water recycling to provide water and highly precise nutrients, businesses will be able to capitalise on up to 17 harvest cycles per year – all with
healthier root systems and superior crop growth.

“Our technology is modular, and therefore suitable for a variety of different business models across a whole host of industries. Each IAG GrowFrame™ has ten panels with 325 holes, equipped with its own irrigation system, dialable LED lighting, automation, and sensors. This means we have the ability to create tailored solutions based on individual business needs.” explains Jaz Singh, founder, and CEO of
Innovation Agri-Tech Group.

For a product like rocket, that equates to around 500kg produced per panel, per year. IAG’s understanding of which crops will thrive and create the greatest return on investment, alongside its commitment to working with clients to conduct feasibility studies, creates a genuine point of difference from other vertical farming technology.

“It can be scaled up to include hundreds of our patented IAG GrowFrame™ or work just as effectively for smaller businesses that don’t need such high quantities of crops produced,” explains Jaz. “We hope the technology we’re creating will allow the grower to quickly see the return on their investment.”

“The key for us is to help our clients scale up and expand in a controlled manner and identify the areas where spending a little more upfront can be beneficial in the future. Taking LEDs as an example, you can spend a lot in capital expenditures upfront and experience reduced operating costs. Or you can purchase a lower-cost light which may be less efficient, thus cost you more in operating costs,” explains Jaz.

Red Tractor certification to guarantee food safety
IAG is also breaking barriers with the Red Tractor certification, a food safety certification in the UK. IAG was one of the first vertical farms to receive this certification and passes the benefit on to its partners by performing yearly audits to ensure compliance, then helping its partners become certified. With the Red Tractor certification, vertical farms have increased access to UK supermarkets and can receive a higher
price for their products.

Bringing vertical farming to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals

In addition to its various food projects underway, IAG is also collaborating with cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. This further demonstrates the flexibility of IAG’s patented IAG GrowFrame™ technology and the wide reach of vertical farming.

This interview and article was first written by Rebekka Boekhout for Vertical Farm Daily, and published
on 11th May 2022.
For the full original article, please visit: https://www.verticalfarmdaily.com/article/9426129/we-are-
building-a-technology-that-allows-the-grower-to-quickly-see-the-return-on-their-investment/

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