Key Takeaways:
- Global Recognition: Vertical Future (VF) clinched the top spot among Controlled-environment-agriculture (CEA) technology companies in this year’s FoodTech500.
- Impressive Overall Standing: VF secures the 12th position among all companies globally in the Agri-technology sector.
- Strategic Success: The ranking highlights eight years of strategic decisions, including internalizing operations and a focus on scientific innovation.
- Impactful Growth: VF’s model supports sustainability and scalability in the food industry, influenced by a significant $24.6 billion in investment among listed winners.
- Pioneering FoodTech Influence: The FoodTech500, initiated by Forward Fooding, celebrates the fusion of food technology and sustainability. It has been open to 180 countries and nearly 9,000 applicants since 2019.
Introduction to Vertical Future’s Achievement
Vertical Future (VF), a London-based leader in Controlled-environment-agriculture (CEA) technology, has been distinguished as the leading CEA technology company worldwide, according to this year’s FoodTech500 rankings. Beyond topping its category, VF achieved an impressive 12th place among all global entities in the Agri-technology space. This accolade serves as a testament to VF’s innovative strategies and relentless pursuit of advancement in agricultural technology.
Vertical Future Latest News
Discover the company in our directory here.
Awarded £1.5M Grant for Space Agriculture Project (2024/04/09)
Vertical Future has been granted £1.5 million to develop “Autonomous Agriculture for Space Exploration” project. The initiative aims to create controlled-environment-agriculture systems for space, enabling the production of food, biomaterials, and medicines in space. VF’s systems are designed to be adaptable and provide robust, reliable, and resilient CEA capabilities, marking a critical advancement in autonomous agriculture for space. The project is supported by an international consortium, including the UK Space Agency, NASA, and the Australian Space Agency, among others. VF hopes to deploy these advancements immediately to address climatic shocks and food production challenges globally.
Partners With World Green Economy Organization (2023/11/17)
Vertical Future has partnered with the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) to address urban agricultural and food security challenges. This collaboration aligns both organizations in their pursuit of climate-critical goals and sustainability. The partnership will be publicly launched at the upcoming COP28 event in Dubai, where Vertical Future will have the opportunity to address delegates on thematic days focusing on nature, land use, oceans, food, agriculture, and water, highlighting the importance of vertical farming in addressing these areas.
Vertical Future Vision for Sustainable AgTech & Diversified Growth (2023/10/30)
Vertical Future shared its vision and strategy for sustainable growth in the agriculture technology sector. In an interview, Business Development Manager at Vertical Future identified the trend of deglobalization and on-shoring as an opportunity. The company has a diversified portfolio includes research and development, alternative proteins, plant science, and space farming in partnership with NASA. MacDonald advocates for a comprehensive view of environmental impact and a balanced approach to finance and growth.
Revolutionizing Strawberry Farming (2023/08/23)
In response to the escalating concerns over food security, climate change, and economic stability, the UK-based Vertical Future is pioneering a novel approach in agriculture through vertical farming, particularly transforming strawberry cultivation. As part of a DEFRA-funded project supported by Innovate UK, the company aims to optimize strawberry plant propagation in vertical farms to maximize yields and reduce the UK’s dependence on imported produce. This approach involves growing strawberry plants in controlled environments, fine-tuning conditions for optimal plant development, potentially increasing yields by up to 40%. This could significantly decrease the UK’s reliance on imported strawberries, which currently stands at 85%. The project promises not only economic benefits but also advancements in sustainable farming practices, offering a year-round, controlled propagation environment, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with imported produce. Collaborating with a consortium of partners, including research institutions and agri-tech companies, Vertical Future’s initiative represents a significant step towards a more self-sufficient and environmentally conscious agricultural sector in the UK.
Collaborates on Space Farming Initiative with Global Experts (2023/08/16)
Vertical Future is partnering with a consortium of global plant biology and space technologies experts, including Axiom Space, Saber Astronautics, and the University of Southern Queensland. The project aims to design an autonomous agricultural system powered by AI, which can bolster space missions, particularly the Moon-to-Mars Artemis expeditions. The research will also revolutionize Earth’s CEA systems or vertical farms. The team will assess data transfer protocols between Vertical Future’s London R&D site and The Waite Research Institute in Adelaide. The CEA system will be integrated on the ISS and Axiom Space’s commercial space station.
Alternative Plant Protein: Vertical Future Spearheads Research Project (2023/06/02)
The VIP Leaf project aims to grow amaranth in vertical farming facilities, which could provide a new source of plant protein for the UK and reduce dependence on imported proteins. The project is a collaboration between Vertical Future, the University of York, CHAP, Syan Farms, and Eat Curiously. The initiative will leverage vertical farming technology and crop biology to create a high-yielding and high-protein crop that could be used to craft recipes for a market-ready meat alternative for UK consumers. The project’s outcome could aid the UK in achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Vertical Future and MODI FRESH Partner To Expand In India (2023/06/01)
Vertical Future has partnered with MODI FRESH to provide technology and production support to local growers near crucial population centers in India. This collaboration will facilitate scientific research and knowledge exchange centered on growing indigenous ‘staple’ crops using Vertical Future’s systems. Despite challenges like insufficient electricity infrastructure, low pricing, and an immature capital market for infrastructure deployment in controlled-environment-agriculture (CEA), this partnership is set to bring about transformative change. Vertical Future’s sustainable and scalable approach to vertical farming can enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and improve product quality while reducing water and energy inputs. This partnership with MODI FRESH marks Vertical Future’s expansion into a market that faces similar food and water security challenges.
Announces Singapore Expansion (2022/12/13)
In order to collaborate on the Singapore Advanced Vertical Farming (SAVE) project, Vertical Future has partnered with Vertical Farm Systems (VFS), a brand-new business. SAVE Farming seeks to significantly enhance the energy efficiency of vertical farms, particularly in arid regions like Singapore. Innovate UK and Enterprise Singapore both provided funding for the project in an effort to strengthen bilateral research and development (R&D) cooperation. The initiative will be essential to accelerating the adoption of vertical farming techniques in Asia and advancing sustainable food production around the world. It aspires to replace the presently imported product with locally and freshly cultivated crops for consumers, grown in a way that is both energy and water-efficient.
Successfully Completes Agrichemical Usage Reduction Research Project Supported By Innovate UK (2022/11/22)
Vertical Future, NIAB, and Zayndu Ltd. have successfully completed the CHOPS project, which aimed to create a new method of delivering sustainable fresh food with no agrichemical inputs. By employing a seed pre-treatment technique developed by Vertical Future, the initiative was able to eliminate the main disease-causing agents in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) facilities while also increasing yields and creating tastier and more nutrient-dense food. The CHOPS study has shown yield gains of more than 6x using heritage varieties in comparison to types currently being utilized in the field. This innovation might put a stop to the overuse of pesticides in crop production and usher in a more sustainable farming future.
Partners With ARC & P4S Broadening Its International R&D Program (2022/11/21)
The Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre for Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S) has partnered with Vertical Future for an R&D program aimed at supporting space exploration and creating technology for human habitation on Mars. The P4S research center, led by the University of Adelaide with 38 partners, will receive AUD 35 million from the Australian government and additional funding from its partners to achieve its goal. Vertical Future’s expertise in the growth and development of water spinach will be utilized to manage its nutritional properties and reduce plant size to make it suitable for vertical farming. The research done will contribute to global food security and nutrition, as well as improve plant efficiency on Earth.
Image provided by Vertical Future
2 Comments