The Nottingham Trent University will install a state-of-the-art modular vertical farming system at the university's new Smart Agriculture Research Centre, with on-site implementation scheduled for February/March 2026. "The new vertical farming system will provide NTU with a world-class research platform to support a broad range of academic and commercial projects within the field of controlled environment agriculture (CEA)", the team says.
The project forms part of NTU's long-term commitment to sustainable innovation and aligns directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including zero hunger and climate action. Last September, the company started a new masters degree in "smart agriculture".
© Light Science Technologies
UK company Light Science Technologies has been awarded the £0.46 million contract for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the project, and also includes a three-year maintenance agreement, valued at £10,000 per annum.
Led by LSTH's AgTech division, the system will bring together the Group's core technologies: nurturGROW, an LED lighting solution designed for high-performance crop growth; sensorGROW, an intelligent environmental monitoring system that delivers real-time precision data; and Tomtech Solutions, a provider of advanced control and automation systems for glasshouses and vertical farms.
All electronic components will be manufactured in-house by UK Circuits, LSTH's Contract Electronics Manufacturing (CEM) division, underscoring the strength of the Group's integrated approach.
© Light Science Technologies
Converting a growing AgTech pipeline
"This collaboration between divisions exemplifies Light Science Technologies' fully connected AgTech ecosystem — from design and manufacture through to installation and long-term support", the company says. "The NTU contract represents a key milestone in converting LSTH's £45 million AgTech pipeline, reflecting increasing demand for sustainable, technology-driven farming solutions in both the UK and international markets."
"As global food security challenges continue to rise, partnerships like this highlight the growing importance of UK-based AgTech innovation in developing scalable, efficient systems for the future of farming. This project demonstrates the full capability of our Group — from advanced lighting and sensing to control and manufacturing," said Simon Deacon, CEO of Light Science Technologies. "We're proud to support Nottingham Trent University in driving forward research that will help shape the next generation of sustainable food production."
For more information:
Light Science Technologies
[email protected]
www.lightsciencetech.com
www.lightsciencetechnologiesholdings.com
