"The partnership with Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility (CESRF) offers Intravision access and the opportunity to refine a unique suite of tools in plant and photobiology research. This synergy allows us to master the art of optimizing plant growth environments and directing plants' metabolic processes to maximize yield," says Josh Siteman, Managing director of Intravision Group, a research-based company and continuously investing in R&D.
Intravision is currently harnessing research that was initially pioneered by NASA on closed-environment plant growth which resulted in the creation of Intravision's GravityFlow™ system. "Which is basically a mash-up of high- and low-tech approaches to vertical farming. I say high-tech because we have integrated automation, but we've limited that innovation point to the ends of the system. Our innovation is interfacing the growth environment to automation, achieving homogeneity within the growth environment, using gravity as our farming workforce."
The fusion of photobiology research with NASA space exploration insights has created a unique position for Intravision, as Josh sees it, leveraging the complete control of the plant environment to achieve rewarding results.
"Intravision's technological advancements have been significantly informed by the research conducted at the CESRF at the University of Guelph. This collaboration has been pivotal in the development of technologies that not only conserve resources but also enhance yield. The GravityFlo system is mainly known for its 'advanced LED lighting, precise environmental controls, and nutrient delivery mechanisms," Josh affirms.
Intravision has been conducting photobiology research since the early 2000s, initially focusing on aquaculture and marine biotechnology. The reason behind pivoting towards medicinal plants and GMO Plant Made Pharmaceuticals (PMPs) made a 'significant change' in their approach to controlling living organisms with light.
Ever since the partnership was created with the Canadian Space Exploration Research Institute and the CESRF at the University of Guelph back in 2010. This collaboration was instrumental in bridging Intravision's expertise with comprehensive plant environment management, directly benefiting from the facility's connection to NASA's research endeavors.
Eyeing global expansion
Having run various farms in Canada, New Zealand, and the USA, the company is preparing to welcome investment for the first time, aiming to scale its operations and seize new opportunities across the globe.
"With early-stage projects underway in the U.S., Switzerland, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Australia, Intravision is laying the foundation for a new era in agriculture. The success of our ventures in the USA and sublicensees in Canada and New Zealand have proven the system's effectiveness. The success of these ventures is prompting expansions and attracting new clients, broadening our market reach to Europe and the MENA region," Josh adds.
Looking forward, Intravision will stay committed to tackling the growing agricultural challenges, focusing on collaboration, growth, and the collective pursuit of a healthier, more sustainable future.
For more information:
Intravision Group
Josh Siteman, Managing Director of Intravision
josh@intravisiongroup.com
www.intravisiongroup.com