“I cannot sit in Sweden and dictate how farmers in India, South Africa, or Nigeria should grow their crops”

Christer Tilk, CEO of Swedish vertical farming systems supplier Growpipes, says that active collaboration with regional experts is crucial to making vertical farming practical and scalable in different parts of the world.

Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach, Growpipes works closely with local partners to adapt its technology to unique farming conditions, climates, and business realities.

"I cannot sit in Sweden and dictate how farmers in India, South Africa, or Nigeria should grow their crops," says Tilk. "That's why partnerships are essential. If we work with experienced professionals who understand the specific needs of their regions, we can ensure that vertical farming becomes a sustainable and realistic solution."

© Growpipes

An international expansion driven by partners
Growpipes is currently expanding across multiple continents and creating partnerships in these countries that reflect the company's commitment to adapting its solutions to regional realities.

"In India, we are working with Dharmendra Rai, a specialist in controlled-environment agriculture, to develop local production and distribution networks," Tilk says. "In Nigeria, we have an initiative underway to train 300 small-scale farmers every two months, with a particular focus on young entrepreneurs and women."

"In Canada, we have partnered with Canobi AgTech to support the development of scalable vertical farms in First Nations communities, where there is limited access to fresh produce. And, in South Africa, we are exploring regional production hubs to lower costs and increase accessibility for local growers."

© Growpipes
A hidden benefit of vertical farming
Beyond increasing food production, vertical farming can have unexpected benefits, which is something Tilk has seen firsthand in Sweden. "Growpipes has helped convert urban basements into small vertical farms, so elderly residents can now grow fresh food together."

"These projects have led to greater social interactions, reduced isolation, and improved food security," Tilk says. "This fosters social connections, which is an often-overlooked benefit of urban agriculture."

Tilk believes that similar community-driven models could be successfully implemented in other parts of the world, particularly in urban areas where land is scarce and fresh food is in high demand. "If we develop small, easy-to-maintain indoor farms, communities can gain greater control over their food sources while strengthening collaboration and economic growth."

© Growpipes
Innovations in microclimate control
Partnerships are the foundation of Growpipes' international expansion, but the company is also investing in new technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.

"One of our latest projects is focused on microclimate control. We are using air pipes between vertical towers in an attempt to regulate temperature and humidity more effectively," Tilk says. "Instead of heating or cooling an entire greenhouse, we can create targeted microclimates around each plant, and reduce energy consumption."

"We are also experimenting with an alternative cooling method that relies on solar-powered ice production rather than traditional battery storage. The ice is used to regulate the temperature in growing environments, creating a more affordable, sustainable cooling solution for hotter climates."

© Growpipes

A new path for sustainable agriculture
Tilk believes that the vertical farming industry must shift its focus away from a technology-first approach and focus on real-world implementation. "Nigeria alone has over 220 million people, with a median age of just 17.2 years," Tilk points out. "If we want to make agriculture appealing to the next generation, we need to embrace smarter farming solutions."

"The success of these solutions will depend on how well they integrate with local realities. It requires open conversation and inclusion. We must ensure that growers of all scales can benefit," he says.

"If we build solutions that truly work for farmers, regardless of location or resources, then vertical farming can be a global agricultural transformation," Tilk says. "That is what we're working towards."