In June 2024, the Field Lab and Experience Center was launched in The Hague, Netherlands, as a collaborative space for innovation in vertical farming. Developed by Infinite Acres, 80 Acres Farms, and key technology partners, the initiative aimed to break down industry silos, integrate cutting-edge agricultural technology, and drive real-world solutions.
Now, nine months in, the Field Lab is already delivering exciting breakthroughs, from systems integration to energy efficiency improvements and a new model for transparency across the industry.
We spoke with Tisha Livingston, CEO of Infinite Acres, to discuss what's been achieved, the challenges encountered, and what's next for this initiative.
© 80 Acres Tisha Livingston
Breaking down silos with seamless system integration
One of the Field Lab's biggest goals was to help agricultural systems work together at scale, and according to Livingston, that's exactly what's happening.
A standout example is the collaboration between Signify and Siemens, two of Infinite Acres' longtime technology partners. "Signify is working on integrating their grow light system into a common platform with Siemens, ensuring that lighting, climate, and irrigation systems can communicate seamlessly," says Livingston.
Until now, these critical farm components had existed in separate silos, operating on different languages and protocols. Thanks to this collaboration, farms can now optimize all three systems together, improving efficiency and scalability. Meanwhile, other partners are tackling automation advancements. "TTA and SICK are collaborating on vision and sensor technology," she says.
And it's not just Infinite Acres and 80 Acres Farms that stand to benefit from these breakthroughs, Livingston sees the impact rippling across the entire vertical farming industry. "By working together in this kind of environment, we're accelerating innovation and bringing real, practical solutions to market faster," she says. "That isn't just good for us. It's driving standardization and efficiency for the entire vertical farming industry."
An unprecedented level of industry collaboration
When the Field Lab launched, its success depended on whether technology companies, researchers, and growers could align their priorities and work together effectively. So far, that collaboration has exceeded expectations.
"One of the most surprising and rewarding things to come out of this collaboration is just how aligned we all are on our goals," Livingston says. With partners of all sizes, including some of the biggest names in technology, working toward the same mission, the level of openness within the Field Lab has been remarkable.
One major success story is the work being done to improve energy efficiency. "By sharing data and working together, we've identified new ways to create energy savings that we're implementing in our farms," Livingston says. "That's the power of this type of collaboration—it's not just about making individual advancements but pushing the entire industry forward."
And the momentum is only building. "The Field Lab was only announced in June, and with the holidays and other commitments, we've only spent six to eight months actively working together," she says. "The roadmap of R&D projects we've laid out is long and exciting. There's so much more to come."
© 80 Acres Livingston speaks at the opening of the Field Lab and Experience Center
Building a knowledge exchange
Beyond technology, the Field Lab was built to connect researchers, students, and industry experts, and it's already transforming the way vertical farming companies collaborate. "The most remarkable story so far isn't about a single technological breakthrough, it's about how we're proving that collaboration at this scale is possible," says Livingston.
She describes a new level of transparency, where companies that would normally operate separately, or even in competition, are now sharing their innovation plans openly. "That level of transparency is almost unheard of," she says. And it's creating a snowball effect.
"What's been even more exciting is seeing more and more people wanting to be part of this," she says. "Other companies, researchers, and growers are recognizing the value of what we're building, and they want in. We expect to announce new collaborators in the near future."
The biggest challenge is not technology, but people
With so much focus on technological advancements, it would be easy to assume the biggest challenges in vertical farming are technical. But Livingston points out that the real challenge is human.
"One of the biggest challenges isn't technical, it's human," she says. "Bringing together multiple companies, each with their own internal projects and priorities, and getting everyone to work together with full transparency is complex, even as aligned as we are."
Livingston explains that this level of openness and coordination doesn't happen naturally but that it takes deliberate effort. "We have to be intentional about maintaining momentum. It's easy to fall back into old habits and disengage when the collaboration isn't something that we have to do, but something we're choosing to do."
She believes the effort is worth it. "That's why it takes diligence on the part of every partner to stay engaged. But when we do, the results speak for themselves. We're proving that voluntary collaboration at this level is not only possible but incredibly valuable." 
© 80 AcresThe Field Lab and Experience Center
What's next for the Field Lab?
Livingston says the next phase is about expansion. "We're continuing to follow through on our roadmap, and we're opening the door for more partners to join us."
In a major development, the team is considering hosting an open house at Greentech, a year after the Field Lab first launched. "Transparency is at the heart of what we're doing, and we want the industry to see what we're working on," she says.
"Most importantly," Livingston says, "The Field Lab isn't just for 80 Acres Farms and our partners, it's open to anyone who wants to advance the industry, including other growers," she says. "We believe that by sharing our learnings and inviting others in, we can elevate the entire sector and drive real, lasting change in how food is grown." 
For more information:
Infinite Acres
Tisha Livingston, CEO
tisha.livingston@eafarms.com
www.infinite-acres.com