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Case Study

Intelligent Growth Solutions + James Hutton Institute

Creating a bright future for high yield, low impact crops

Learn how this KTP revolutionised vertical farming systems. 

KTP between Intelligent Growth Solutions and James Hutton Institute

Awards and Achievements

KTP Final Grade: A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The project was awarded the highest grade of "Outstanding" by the KTP grading panel

Intelligent Growth Solutions

Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) was founded in 2013 to make vertical farming commercially viable at scale by combining automation, smart LED lighting and power management in a modular unit for the first time.

Intelligent Growth Solutions logo

James Hutton Institute

The James Hutton Institute is a world-leading independent scientific research organisation based in Scotland but working in collaboration across the globe.

Its pioneering science innovates and finds solutions for the challenges posed by the climate and nature crises on the sustainability and resilience of our crops, land, natural resources and communities through the development of transformative tools, interventions, products and land management practices.

James Hutton Institute logo

What was the need?

The Challenge

A KTP to develop, test and validate revolutionary high intensity crop growing systems producing consistent, high quality products year round with limited environmental footprint.

The KTP was needed to develop crop growing protocols and operational practice while transferring knowledge into IGS and their customer base.

What did we do?

The Solution

IGS developed novel automated vertical farming systems where crops are grown in enclosed systems with light provided by tuneable LEDs This is an entirely new concept in high intensity crop production requiring the development of novel skill sets to
maximise potential crop yield, organoleptic and nutritional quality

“The initial work of the KTP has snowballed into a multi million pound investment programme that will transform the science undertaken across the entire institute. It will have impacts on our scientific direction and interaction with industry for many years to come.”

Alasdair Cox

Director of Operations

What changed?

The Impacts and Benefits

IGS is now co located on the JHI campus, facilitating ongoing collaboration. Liaison within and between the partners has been
strengthened, and they have increased their industry, research and public profiles. The KTP was graded A (Outstanding) by Innovate UK, shortlisted for the 2019 Agrifood Tech Innovation Awards, and the partners were awarded funding for a second KTP in microbiology.

The People

Meet the Team

Robert Hancock

Robert Hancock

Senior Biochemist

Robert Hancock is a senior biochemist and plant physiologist with 25 years post-qualification experience. His primary interests are concerned with the biochemical determinants and impact of biotic and abiotic stress on crop quality and how crop management and management systems can influence yield and quality.

Matthew Reid

Matthew Reid

KTP Associate

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