Technology & Projects
Our portfolio of groundbreaking projects harness the power of artificial intelligence and data to power the future of AgriTech.
Project 1
Non-plastic Hydroponic/Aeroponic Tower Garden Systems
A non-plastic touching hydroponic/aeroponic hybrid system that permits plant growth on multiple levels in a single footprint.
Opportunity
- Current vertical systems are contaminated with micro and nano plastics that accumulate in plant tissues and subsequently are ingested by humans.
- Micro and nano plastics are thought to be carcinogenic in many cases, as well as disruptive to RNA and DNA, raising questions about their safety.
Status
- SmartFarm and Brock are developing a commercial grade prototype that will be tested continuously at SmartFarm’s Organic Agriculture Research Station in Dunnville ON.
- Goal is to complete a commercial prototype by end of Q1 March
2024.
Project 2
Renewably-heated Ultra High Efficiency Greenhouse
Ultra High Efficiency Greenhouse with R Values between 60 and 100
Opportunity
- Greenhouse production costs are highly dependent on energy costs and insulation values.
- SmartFarms will design and build a prototype greenhouse with R values above 60, heated passively by geothermal means, and electrically powered via solar and wind.
- We believe this approach will bring down the cost of organic produce grown in such systems to lower than or equal to conventionally-producing greenhouses.
Status
- SmartFarm and Brock are developing a commercial grade prototype that will be tested continuously at SmartFarm’s Organic Agriculture Research Station in Dunnville ON.
- Goal is to complete a commercial prototype by end of Q1 March 2024.
Project 3
AI-assisted growing for Controlled Environment Agriculture
AI based software system for enterprise CEA operations, retail food operations and farmers.
Opportunity
- Management for smarter, data-driven decision making by providing insights and intelligence to help plan crops, delivery and marketing schedules for maximum efficiency and profit.
- Mitigate risks, maximize your financial margins using data you can trust.
Status
- Goal is to complete a working prototype by Q2 June 2024.
Project 4
Hydroponic Organic Fertilizer Pods
Worm casting fertilizer pods for hydroponic systems
Opportunity
- Time-release organic growing substrate pods comprised of compressed worm castings, compost tea, and minerals for insertion into tower hydroponic systems.
Status
- Goal is to complete a commercial prototype by Q3 August 2024.
On the Horizon
Upcoming Projects
- Northern bamboo species trial plot to ascertain growth and harvest rates for application in structural products like tower gardens and non-plastic hydroponic/aeroponic growing systems.
- Wetland filter systems for ponds and reservoirs that are passively heated, cooled and filtered continuously and without any chemical ameliorates.
- Custom growing substrate formulations derived from worm castings, compost, mulch and minerals aimed at growing target crops at maximum efficiency using organic regenerative techniques.
- Specialty gourmet mushroom species production in CEA designed building for maximum and continuous yield and efficiency.
- Plant-based non-plastic film alternative to default polyethylene films for greenhouse and polytunnel structures.
- Plant-based fibre alternative to plastic weed suppression landscape fabric.
- Plant-based fibre alternatives to plastic row covers and bird netting.
