Calum Macdonald, a BEng (Hons) Energy Engineering student, picked up an award for his vertical farming idea at the 2022 UHI Business Awards. Calum (26), from Lewis, presented his idea for a small modular vertical farming unit that integrates sensors and is standalone but can integrate with other units.
The aim is to produce an affordable system for enthusiasts and commercial growers alike in rural and urban areas with an emphasis on flexibility. His business would be built around the supply of these units, sensors, and seeds, as well as consultation.
Calum said: "Rising food costs and supply chain issues meant that issues of self-sufficiency had been on my mind. I live on Lewis, where we exist at the end of the supply chain, and yet most of our food is shipped over from the mainland.
"I've seen lots of YouTube videos on vertical farming and how keen individuals had built setups for themselves and increasing numbers of companies were trying to develop an economical business model for this space."
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