The latest realized projects of Urban Crop Solutions, the Belgian vertical farming technology provider, show that the company is gradually moving away from standardized container solutions to fully customized vertical farming solutions. "We no longer just deliver a standard solution. We believe in using our vertical farming knowledge to help clients with their custom projects," says CEO Jean-Pierre Coene. "We start with a blank page: what does the client want to grow? What do they need? That's what shapes the design of a solution."
Hybrid farming with Inagro
An example of this new approach is the recent project with Belgian research institute Inagro. Urban Crop Solutions developed a hybrid system that combines natural sunlight with vertical farming. In collaboration with Ghent University, the system was thoroughly evaluated for its light distribution and energy efficiency. "The key question was: how do we reduce the energy consumption of an indoor farm that typically runs on 100% artificial lighting?" Jean-Pierre explains.
Three models were analyzed in a comparative study against the actual rotating installation built in a 12-meter-high greenhouse:
1. A fully enclosed system with artificial lighting only
2. A static tower system inside the greenhouse, divided into seven light-controlled zones
3. A rotating carousel system where plants move through different light and irrigation points
The results? "The static system yielded 65–70% energy savings. The rotating carousel system reached 80–90% energy savings compared to the enclosed system. It shows a great beneficial application of vertical farming, gaining efficiency by using existing greenhouse structures and sunlight," Jean-Pierre says.
For Urban Crop Solutions, the vertical carousel concept was a new approach. "As an engineer, this was a fascinating challenge. It also shows why we need to move beyond the standard models. We have the expertise to build much more flexible systems."
Inari: Accelerating breeding cycles through indoor farming
A recent collaboration with Inari demonstrated how indoor farming can drastically shorten the timeline for bringing new seed varieties to market. Through its SEEDesign technology platform, Inari combines AI-enabled predictive design and multiplex gene editing to unlock the full potential of seed. Where previously as many as twenty successful seed batches were required to introduce new varieties—often taking up to ten years in conventional systems—Urban Crop Solutions' controlled growing environment made a significant difference for Inari.
By enabling year-round cultivation and precise environmental control, the number of breeding cycles per year increased substantially. "We went from two to four and eventually even six to eight batches annually. It was truly a revelation."
Microalgae cultivation
Jean-Pierre believes vertical farming's future extends far beyond leafy greens. "That segment is still struggling for profitability. Our sector needs to look at where we can provide beneficial solutions beyond salad crops."
Urban Crop Solutions is therefore also supporting less conventional applications—such as a French company cultivating microalgae. These algae are used to feed shrimp larvae in European aquaculture systems. "Normally, European shrimp producers buy juvenile shrimp from Asia at high cost. But with the right algae mix, they can grow them locally from eggs."
The challenge? "The system operates with high salinity—more than seawater—and the algae need extremely precise lighting. The lights have to move constantly and with millimeter precision. It's very niche, but thanks to our vertical farming experience, we were well-equipped to handle it."
Beyond the standard container model
Though Urban Crop Solutions has delivered container farms across North America, the company is now shifting more to Europe. "We still support our global clients, but we're prioritizing local projects. There's no need to chase standardization. Let's focus on what is possible."
That also changes the company's identity, according to Jean-Pierre. "We don't just supply standard indoor farms—we operate as an engineering firm for our clients. We design, deliver, and install tailored solutions."
This shift will be visible at this year's GreenTech Amsterdam, from June 10-12, where the company will exhibit. "We're dialing back our container promotion and highlighting our customized solutions." Interested in talking to the Urban Crop Solutions team? You're welcome at stand 02.413
For more information:
Urban Crop Solutions 
[email protected]
https://urbancropsolutions.com/