Alexander Gerfer, CTO of the Würth Elektronik eiSos Group and Ryan Archer, Co-Founder and COO of Horizon Growers, presented the latest developments in vertical farming at the DLD Conference in Munich on 17 January 2025. The discussion, moderated by FOCUS editor-in-chief Franziska Reich, posed the provocative question: 'Can the CO2-neutral greenhouse feed the world?'
Magnificent plant growth can be seen right in front of the DLD stage – Alexander Gerfer, has once again brought something special for the 20th anniversary of the digital conference: a 'Breeding Station' for the pre-cultivation of cuttings and seedlings, which, under controlled light and nutrient supply, is intended to make an important contribution to local and sustainable indoor farming. The station's extensive measurement technology even allows it to learn from the system, including using AI approaches. This new project from the component manufacturer was developed in collaboration with Bürkert Fluid Systems.
Würth Elektronik's commitment to controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is nothing new: as part of the development of horticulture LEDs, the company has been researching specific light recipes that control plant growth in a targeted manner for years. Precisely defined light frequencies and illumination rhythms promote faster and more effective root formation in cuttings, reduce failure rates and increase productivity in indoor farming systems. Every plant has its ideal light recipe for optimal growth.
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