Key Takeaways
- Jaz Singh, CEO of Innovation Agritech Group (IAG), outlines the company’s path from early research to commercial rollout of its modular vertical farming system, the Growth Room 360
- Singh discusses how his farming heritage and background in technology shaped IAG’s mission to make vertical farming more accessible and sustainable
- IAG is Red Tractor and Global GAP certified, with a growing presence in academic and commercial sectors, including partnerships with UK universities
- Singh identifies energy efficiency, controlled environment optimization, and research partnerships as key to long-term growth
- The company is now open to broader collaborations and is scaling its operations across the UK and internationally
Jaz Singh Highlights IAG’s Evolution from Research to Commercial Readiness
In a conversation with the Vertical Farming Podcast, Jaz Singh, CEO of Innovation Agritech Group (IAG), shared his journey from a background in wealth management and generational farming roots to leading a vertical farming technology company. Singh explained that IAG’s inception was driven by early observations in India’s agriculture sector, where a lack of arable land, overuse of fertilizers, and limited government support spurred an interest in alternative growing technologies.
After several years of research and development—including trials with hydroponics and LED systems—IAG was incorporated in 2017. The company’s primary product is the Growth Room 360, a plug-and-play vertical farming system designed to convert brownfield or warehouse space into fully controlled agricultural environments. Singh emphasized that IAG’s approach focuses on scalability and affordability, with entry points starting at half a million pounds.
Growth Room 360 and Strategic Certifications
Jaz Singh described the Growth Room 360 as a modular system equipped with proprietary software that stores “recipes” for crops, including ideal lighting spectrums, CO₂ levels, and humidity. IAG has implemented strict operating protocols and achieved both Red Tractor and Global GAP certifications—accreditations that enable its clients to supply directly to supermarkets and meet food traceability and safety requirements.
Singh noted that the certification process was rigorous but beneficial, helping IAG and its customers align with evolving food safety standards and gain quicker market access. The company is working closely with the University of Essex and other academic institutions to test and demonstrate its technology while helping train the next generation of CEA professionals.
Addressing Industry Challenges and Scaling Opportunities
While discussing key industry issues, Jaz Singh acknowledged energy costs as a top concern for vertical farming operations. To address this, IAG is collaborating with renewable energy partners and investing in R&D to reduce energy consumption through more efficient use of lighting, HVAC, and grow-room design. Singh believes that improving operational efficiency is critical to enabling vertical farms to scale profitably.
He also emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships across academia, commercial agriculture, and government agencies. In the UK, Singh noted a gradual increase in public and private support, with a growing number of grants and investor interest in food security and localized agriculture solutions.
Jaz Singh Future Outlook and Open Collaboration
Looking ahead, Jaz Singh stated that IAG remains committed to building accessible, modular vertical farms that can help address food security issues globally. The company is now more visible after years of R&D, and Singh invites collaboration with growers, researchers, and technology providers. He sees long-term potential for cost-effective vertical farming to contribute to global food systems, particularly in regions facing agricultural constraints.
