Key Takeaways:
- Marcus Comaschi leads R&D at Gyroplant, developing reusable superstructures to replace traditional substrates.
- The “Gyrocup” technology enables cleaner, cost-efficient plant growth across various CEA systems.
- Gyroplant supports small and remote farms by reducing reliance on single-use inputs.
- 3D printing plays a central role in Gyroplant’s iterative, grower-focused design approach.
- Comaschi highlights the need for more collaboration and standardization across the vertical farming industry.
Marcus Comaschi Emphasizes Design Simplicity and Grower-Centric Innovation
Marcus Comaschi, R&D Engineer and Co-Founder of UK-based startup Gyroplant, is on a mission to rethink the way plants are grown in controlled environments. In a conversation with Harry Duran on the Vertical Farming Podcast, Comaschi shared how his early interest in engineering and design evolved into a specialized focus on substrate-free cultivation methods.
“Most growers we speak with are frustrated by substrate,” said Marcus Comaschi. “It adds cost, risk, and complexity, and in many remote or decentralized farms, it’s not even a viable option.”
Gyroplant’s solution is the Gyrocup, a reusable silicone-based holder designed to support a plant’s root mass without soil or fibrous media. Developed through over 200 design iterations, the technology is aimed at growers who want to reduce waste, simplify maintenance, and increase flexibility in hydroponic systems.
How Marcus Comaschi Developed the Gyrocup from a Shed Prototype
The Gyrocup originated during Comaschi’s design studies at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art, where an early concept focused on rotational fodder systems for livestock. During COVID-19 lockdowns, he revisited the project, building prototypes in a backyard shed using low-cost 3D printers.
“We failed constantly in the early stages,” said Marcus Comaschi. “But 3D printing allowed us to iterate cheaply, which was key to our progress.”
Today, Gyroplant’s plug-and-play holders are used in everything from vertical farms and research labs to polytunnels and aquaponic systems. The company also works closely with plant scientists and agritech firms to develop crop-specific superstructures tailored to unique irrigation methods, crop varieties, and growing conditions.
Supporting Small Growers and Reducing Input Risk
Comaschi stressed that Gyroplant is committed to supporting decentralized and small-to-medium-scale growers, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas where importing substrates is impractical.
“Our clients range from academic research labs to growers in remote parts of Australia,” he explained. “CEA is supposed to be resilient, but if your substrate depends on global shipping routes, that resilience disappears.”
Gyroplant’s substrate-free approach reduces dependency on single-use materials like coir, rockwool, and plastic sponges—especially important in markets where logistics costs are high or supply chains are unreliable.
Looking Forward For Marcus Comaschi: Standardization and Collaboration
Reflecting on industry challenges, Marcus Comaschi also addressed the lack of standardization in vertical farming systems.
“Everyone has their own proprietary setups, which is exciting—but it slows down innovation and collaboration,” he said. Drawing inspiration from more cooperative sectors like floriculture, Comaschi believes the vertical farming industry will benefit from shared knowledge and open design conversations.
With a lean team and support from Innovate UK, Gyroplant continues to develop tailored solutions for growers and CEA partners worldwide. Their work not only addresses practical cultivation needs but also opens up new models of small-scale, locally adapted indoor farming.
For growers, researchers, and entrepreneurs looking to exchange insights, explore technologies like Gyroplant’s, and stay connected with the broader CEA ecosystem — joining a peer-driven network can be an effective way to fast track your CEA growth, explore opportunities to connect with other growers and innovators.
