Signify announces a collaboration between Philips Horticulture LED Solutions, 80 Acres Farms, and Siemens for the global scale-up of vertical farming.
“We envision a future where vertical farming contributes to a healthier lifestyle for consumers around the world. In our collaboration with 80 Acres Farms and Siemens, we are reimagining farming,” says Ellis Janssen, Global Director of City Farming at Philips Horticulture LED Solutions.
Knowledge sharing and collaboration are key to success
“The vertical farming industry needs to mature,” says Ellis Janssen. “To scale up, we need integrated farming systems with higher standardization, automation, and digitization that provide increased efficiency. This collaboration will enable the knowledge sharing and collaboration that are the keys to success.”
Early partners in growth
Philips Horticulture LED Solutions’ collaboration with 80 Acres Farms began in 2017. “Anyone can grow plants indoors, but, until recently, almost no one has figured out how to make vertical farming scalable and profitable,” says Tisha Livingston, co-founder of 80 Acres Farms and CEO of Infinite Acres, the company’s Netherlands-based technology subsidiary.
“Getting there has taken focused, long-term collaboration with some of the best technology companies in the world.” Philips Horticulture LED Solutions provided knowledge on the effect of lighting on plants, how to align lighting with climate and irrigation strategies, and yield predictions. Philips Horticulture LED Solutions also developed customized light recipes for Infinite Acres.
“We believe in working closely with partners in egoless collaboration,” says Tisha. “That’s why we invest in long-term, highly collaborative relationships.”
More technology power from Siemens
The joint development with Siemens, a technology company and supplier of automation and industrial software, will enable rapid global scale-up for 80 Acres Farms. With knowledge and experience gained from a great diversity of industries, Siemens’ Xcelerator open data platform will provide the required technology and ecosystem for digitization, automation, and standardization throughout the whole supply chain.
“Open ecosystems are super important to take the next steps toward autonomous farming,” says Rick Schneiders, Global Business Development for CEA at Siemens. “In digitization, collaboration is key to strengthening each other’s business models and creating smart, scalable systems. We can change the industry with open platforms where companies work together. Collaborating with leaders like 80 Acres Farms and Philips Horticulture LED Solutions, we can define the standards needed to scale smart farming solutions.”
Join our journey to reimagine farming
80 Acres Farms, Siemens, and Philips Horticulture LED Solutions envision a future in which clean, efficient, profitable vertical farming brings healthy food globally. The opportunities and potential benefits to society are formidable. Teaming up is the smart and fastest way to scale up.
Do you see a role for your enterprise or knowledge in this cooperative venture? We invite you to get in touch. Join us on this journey to reimagine farming and visit us at booth 01.620 at GreenTech Amsterdam.
For more information:
Daniele Damoiseaux, Global Marcom Manager Horticulture
Signify
[email protected]
www.philips.com/horti
