Welcome to the IGS Newsroom

Hydroponics, aquaponics or vertical farming – which works best for you?

Hydroponics, aquaponics and vertical farming are all becoming evermore common in food production – but what are the key benefits of each, and how do they work in principle? We’ve broken down all three, alongside any environmental footprints and how they fit into modern agriculture.

How an IGS vertical farm creates the perfect growing environment for basil

Basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs and is commonly grown in a vertical farm as a seed-to-harvest crop. In this blog, we explore how an IGS vertical farm creates the perfect growing environment for basil.

Can renewable energy be used in vertical farming?

In this blog, we explore the potential of renewable energy sources to power vertical farming systems.

Building a business case for vertical farming

If you’re considering investing in vertical farming technology, this post will provide insights into how to build a business to establish the most profitable route to market.

How technology has changed farming

In this blog, we'll explore the various ways that technology has changed farming, including artificial intelligence, drone technology, and vertical farming. We'll also examine the importance of these advancements in smart farming in terms of efficiency, profitability, and environmental sustainability

Are our food production systems sustainable enough

The UK farming industry faces a wide range of challenges, the resulting effect of which has exposed the vulnerabilities in our food supply chain. Is there a need for growers to move towards more sustainable farming practices? How can we increase our system's resilience and improve food security?

Will vertical farming be the future of food production

As the world's population continues to grow and concerns around climate change and dwindling resources intensify, there is a pressing need to find more sustainable and efficient ways to produce food, locally. In this blog, we'll explore the key differences between vertical farms and more traditional farming methods and how they differ within transportation, distribution, and supply chains.

The role of vertical farming in indoor crop production

Indoor farming, as the name suggests, is an approach to crop production that involves growing crops inside. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of indoor farming and how integrating vertical farms can help improve the efficiency of existing growing operations

Farming and its environmental impacts: is Vertical Farming the solution?

The food and agriculture industry often has a negative impact on the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants that are used at almost every stage of production. There is also the strain that growing food puts on our precious natural resources such as water. In this article, we will delve into the challenges posed by food production on the climate and explore the importance of sustainable alternatives like vertical farming.

Glasshouse vs vertical farming, what's the difference?

Glasshouse farming and vertical farming are two of the most popular methods of indoor farming with controlled environment agriculture. In this blog, we will examine the differences between glasshouse farming and vertical farming and explore their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Can you grow strawberries in a vertical farm?

In this article, we explore the feasibility of growing strawberry starter plants in a vertical farm and the benefits it can offer growers.

Is AgTech and vertical farming right for my farming operation?

Is AgTech and vertical farming right for my farming operation? In this article, we will explore whether vertical farming is right for your farming operation.

Will vertically farmed tree seedlings boost our future forests?

Will vertically farmed tree seedlings boost our future forests? In this article, we explore the potential benefits of using vertical farms to grow tree seedlings and how this might support their impact on our future forests.

What crops can be grown in a vertical farm?

What crops can be grown in a vertical farm? Vertical farming is a revolutionary agricultural method that is gaining popularity due to its ability to create year-round, sustainable food production. In this article, we will explore the crops that can be grown in a vertical farm and whether this method of growing is right for you.

Vertical Farming: The Future of the Farming Industry

This innovative food production system can significantly increase crop yields while increasing efficiency and fortifying the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems. But what exactly is vertical farming and why is it so important?

Food’s supply chain is broken – but home-grown Agri-tech can fix it

Our food supply chain is broken. The reasons for it are complex, but put simply, the UK is exposed to several risk factors that can – and now have – combined to produce acute shortages on our shelves. Something needs to change urgently; and technology may – at least in part – have the answer.

Sustainable agriculture: is vertical farming the answer?

Sustainable farming isn't just about maximising profits; it also focuses on the thoughtful and effective use of non-renewable resources throughout the farming process. By prioritising sustainability, farmers can produce nutritious, healthy food while improving their own standard of living and reducing their impacts on climate change. ‍

Scottish agritech firm bolsters board with seasoned business leader, Chicago-based Andrea Zopp

Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), the Edinburgh-headquartered agricultural infrastructure business, has welcomed seasoned business leader and attorney, Andrea Zopp, to its board. Ms Zopp joins IGS’ non-executive team to help drive forward the business’ global expansion as it builds capacity to deploy its vertical farming machines to customers on four continents.

How to manage rising energy and operational costs with vertical farming technology

Across the world, the price of oil, gas and electricity is rising. So what can CEA and glasshouse growers do to remain productive, financially viable, and meet their ESG targets in the current climate?

IGS selects Loveland, Colorado for North American headquarters

Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) has today announced that Loveland, Colorado, will be home to its North American headquarters as the business continues its expansion. Opening a base of operations in Loveland will allow the company to better support North American customers, the company’s fastest growing market.

IGS partners with HarvestUp to build vertical farm at a Missouri technical college

Agricultural infrastructure supplier Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) has signed a new partnership agreement with HarvestUp, the smart farming business, to build a vertical farm at a Missouri technical college campus.

How to future-proof your farm: Addressing the industry’s challenges for long-term commercial viability

Growing environmental and economical demands mean the industry is calling for new technologies. How can this be used for long-term viability & the future of farming?

Guarantee a consistent crop supply and meet shifting market demands with vertical farming

Emerging technologies have the potential to help us serve regional market demands, but how can we take advantage of them?

An unstable economy could accelerate UK vertical farming adoption

The falling pound doesn’t necessarily equal problems in all aspects of the agricultural industry. There may be an opportunity to make local produce more accessible. So, what can farmers do to ensure commercial viability in these turbulent times?

The age of autonomous growing has begun

In this article, we examine the cause of labour shortages, as well as what it means for businesses and the general public. We will delve deeper into a new wave of automation within the agricultural sector as a remedy for these problems

Food system resilience with vertical farming

Emerging technologies like vertical farming are what the agricultural sector needs to tackle food system resilience issues head-on, what issues can be solved?

IGS to deliver vertical farm tech to East Coast USA through partnership with CubicAcres

IGS has announced a new strategic partnership agreement with Long Island-based CubicAcres which will see the grower expand its commercial operations to deliver high-quality, sustainably grown crops for consumption on the East Coast of the USA.

UK Government recognises vital role of vertical farming at Downing Street’s ‘Spring Showcase'

IGS exhibited at 10 Downing Street’s ‘Spring Showcase’, an event to celebrate the most exciting and innovative tech businesses in the UK food and agriculture industry.

OneFarm unveils plans for its first UK vertical farm installation

Sustainable food producer OneFarm has announced its plans to deliver a 6,400m2 vertical farm in Newmarket, Suffolk. The farm will be delivered in partnership with indoor agritech specialist, IGS Limited, and is funded by both public and private investors.

A machine for growing: looking at IGS' technology differently with Delivery Rank

CEO of IGS, David Farquhar, recently sat down with Sarah Kirton from Delivery Rank to talk all things IGS and discuss how our vertical farming solution can help transform the food production industry, making it more sustainable and helping combat issues with food security across the world.

Potager Farm and IGS to build Germany’s first retail park-based vertical farm

Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) has secured a partnership with Potager Farm, a subsidiary of grocery-anchored real estate firm Greenman Group, to build the first retail park-based vertical farm in Germany.

IGS awarded the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label

IGS has been awarded the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” label, an award for clean and profitable solutions. IGS successfully demonstrated that its solution can create jobs and generate profit while also reducing polluting emissions and preserving natural resources.

IGS to deliver vertical farming solution supporting first solar-powered commercial scale farm in Perth, Australia

Indoor agritech specialist IGS has secured a partnership with Eden Towers, the hyper-efficient vertical farming business, to power a commercial scale vertical farm in Western Australia to grow leafy greens, specialty crops and begin the development of indigenous crops to support the local indigenous community and enter new markets.

IGS demonstrates vertical farming at COP26

For two weeks in November 2021, IGS took up residence on a formerly derelict site on the Broomielaw in Glasgow’s city centre, constructing a 5.4-meter-tall demonstration vertical farm to showcase our technology to conference delegates, politicians and members of the public.

Recipes for success - propagating perfectly every time

Join us as we talk to Archie Gibson, Executive Director at Agrico UK, unpacking the process behind seed potato production and the ways in which technology such as vertical farming can help to streamline the development of new and more resilient varieties.

Therme wellbeing resorts to include sustainable vertical farms thanks to new IGS partnership

IGS has signed a partnership deal with wellbeing food and nutrition business, Therme RPC, bringing a unique new concept branded ‘Therme IGE’ (Intelligent Growth Ecosystems), which will enable sustainable and locally grown, nutrient-rich fresh produce to be available to the many millions of guests that visit Therme’s locations every year.

IGS achieves £42 million Series B fundraise with announcement at COP 26

Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd (IGS), the Scottish agritech business, has today announced the conclusion of its Series B funding round with a total raise of £42.2 million. The announcement was made at its COP 26 exhibition site and welcomed by First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon MSP. The latest investment round has been supported by a conglomerate of new investors including COFRA AG (Zug, Switzerland), Cleveland Avenue LLC (Chicago) and DC Thomson (Dundee, Scotland).

Chance for Scottish pupils to see how their food will be grown in the future

Vertical farming comes alive at COP26

Vertical farming comes alive at COP26 with IGS

Step inside a new farming future

Class above the rest: IGS to develop academic partnership outreach with appointment of Chris Horne

IGS, the leading agritech business takes another strategic step forward as it welcomes on board Chris Horne.

IGS wins the Scottish Engineering Award 2021

IGS has been named ‘Company of the Year’ at the Scottish Engineering Awards in 2021. The winners were announced during a gala dinner at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel, marking a return to a physical awards ceremony after the pandemic disrupted the usual way of celebrating.

Intelligent Growth Solutions wins 2021 AgTech Breakthrough Award

Annual awards programme recognises innovation in agricultural technologies around the globe

IGS wins Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture “Best in Class” award

IGS has been recognised at the 2021 Center of Excellence for Indoor Agriculture’s ‘Best in Class’ awards, taking home the title of Best Indoor Production System (starting $500k and up).

IREP launches new agri-tech venture, supported by IGS tech solutions

International Real Estate Partners (IREP), a Dubai-based multidisciplinary asset management services firm, has announced the launch of IREPfarm, a bold new venture that will offer an innovative, practical, knowledge and sustainability-driven approach to the worlds of real estate and agri-tech solutions in the UAE and wider GCC region.

Strategic appointment of Gonçalo Neves bolsters IGS industry expertise and opportunities for growth

IGS, the leading agritech business takes another strategic step forward as it welcomes on board vertical farming specialist and industry veteran Gonçalo Neves.

Recipes for success – a precise approach to growing

Join us as we talk to IGS Plant Scientist Dr Csaba Hornyik about how the precision technology and high levels of control within an indoor vertical farming environment are impacting on plant science and the potential this brings for food production.‍

Webinar: When is a Farm not a Farm?

Watch an interview with Gordy Wills as he explores how vertical farming could offer greener and more sustainable ways of producing food in the future.

IGS wins Growth & Scale award at Fieldays

IGS has been awarded the ‘Growth and Scale’ prize at the Fieldays Innovation Awards.

IGS welcomes new cohort of Saltire Scholarship interns

Today, IGS has welcomed a new intake of summer interns as part of the Saltire Scholar Internship programme.

IGS scoops top accolade at Made in Scotland Awards

IGS’s commitment to innovative technology development has been recognised at the 5th annual Made in Scotland Awards, hosted by Scottish Business Insider.

IGS appoints first CFO to augment leadership team and support global expansion

Appointment of Sarah Willis will bolster readiness for rapid growth.

IGS joins industry experts speaking at BioDundee International Conference

CEO of IGS, David Farquhar, spoke at the 20th annual BioDundee International Conference earlier this week.

IGS enters UAE market, signing deal with Madar Farms to enhance food security in the GCC region

IGS has signed a partnership deal with AgTech R&D experts and growers, Madar Farms, bringing its vertical farming technology to the UAE for the first time. Based in Abu Dhabi, Madar Farms has already developed a range of premium quality indoor grown crops to supply into the local UAE retail market and this deal will allow it to scale its operations.

Bringing future talent to Agriculture 4.0

We discuss the emerging influences on education and skills development across Agriculture and Horticulture with two senior leaders from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). We speak to Professor Fiona Burnett (FB), Head of Connect for Impact in SRUC’s Knowledge and Information Hub and Ruth Vichos (RV), Lecturer in Horticulture, about the evolution of Agriculture 4.0, and how technology is impacting skills evolution and teaching mechanisms.

Skills for life – what is needed in the agritech sector

When considering the scope for digital innovation within the agricultural sector, there is perhaps nobody better placed to share their hopes and ambitions for the future than Polly Purvis OBE. She joins us both as an expert in all things digital, but also as a colleague, having stepped into the role of Director of the Scottish Food Incubator Network with IGS in 2019.

IGS chooses to challenge for International Women’s Day 2021

IGS celebrates International Women's Day by embracing the #ChooseToChallenge theme for 2021.

IGS sets up (work)shop at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc

IGS to use 5,000 sq ft space to refine customer delivery ahead of international deployment of its vertical farming systems.

IGS makes strong start to 2021 with appointment of globally experienced Chief Operating Officer

Andrew Lloyd’s appointment demonstrates strategic growth trajectory for tech business.

What makes a good light for growing vegetables and fruits?

Nearly all vegetables and fruits need light to grow. Whether the source is the sun or artificial lighting in an indoor horticultural environment, plant growth is affected by light intensity, spectrum, and duration. Explore how a precision-controlled environment can deliver optimal light for growing vegetables and fruits.

IGS shortlisted in FoodTech 500

IGS has been named amongst the shortlisted companies in the 2020 FoodTech 500, compiled by Forward Fooding.

Silver for IGS at British Farming Awards

IGS is delighted to have been awarded silver at the 2020 British Farming Awards in the Agri-Tech Innovator of the Year category.

Success factors for scaling vertical farming operations

David Farquhar, CEO of IGS, joins the discussion around what is required to scale vertical farming operations in Asia-Pacific and beyond. The group discusses how to meet local market demands with quality produce and how it requires the most efficient and sustainable technology solutions.

Rising from the ashes – the revival of hospitality

We talk with Peter Lederer, Chairman of Hamilton & Inches, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Taste Communications, to gain his insights into the hospitality and food sectors and the impacts they are experiencing currently. We look at the opportunities that these challenges may present, and the necessity for innovation to keep a vitally important part of the economy alive.

Passionate about provenance – from India to Scotland with love

We talk to Praveen Kumar, Executive Chef Tabla Restaurant and food producer, about his approach to cooking, food production and the importance of having the very best and freshest ingredients available on your doorstep.

Watch | Project Legend: Food & Drink in Dundee and Angus

"It’s farming… but not as you know it! Intelligent Growth Solutions is working with the James Hutton Institute to use technology to bring farms into the future! #ideasbecomelegend"

IGS signs significant export deal with Jungle to supply French retail market

Scottish technology to create one of Europe’s largest vertical farms.

Pairing the future of food production with Fettercairn whisky

David Farquhar, CEO of IGS, visited Fettercairn Distillery to present to malt whisky writers about the future of food and drink in Scotland.

Full scale production of growth trays begins

IGS has reached a significant milestone as our growth trays have officially gone into full-scale production, supported by our assembly partners Greenfold Systems Ltd.

#inspiredbyVIBES: IGS visits Scottish Parliament for VIBES Awards celebration

Following on from IGS' win in the 'Innovating Scotland' category at the 2019 VIBES Scottish Environment Business awards in November, CEO David Farquhar was invited to visit the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh this week to take part in a panel discussion alongside representatives of some of the other award-winning Scottish companies.

Food for thought: Scotland’s leading role in vertical farming discussed

Scotland’s world-leading role in the vertical farming movement will come under the spotlight this month, in the latest in a series of VisitScotland public talks aimed at building a platform for attracting future business events.

IGS completes deal with Vertegrow to build Scotland’s first commercial vertical farm

New vertical farming operator to adopt IGS agritech platform in Scotland.

The Sunday Post: 'Indoor Farmers Reveal Crop-Shelf Revolution'

Indoor farmers reveal crop-shelf revolution experts hope could help solve global food crisis.

The quest for the perfect veg

Holyrood: Driving a green food recovery

"In Scotland, we have an opportunity to look more closely at our national food strategy and consider indoor agritech more thoroughly" says our CEO, David Farquhar, in the latest edition of Holyrood magazine.

Scottish response to global food security profiled at UAE summit

Representing IGS, CEO David Farquhar travelled to Abu Dhabi last week to attend the prestigious invitation-only 2020 Milken Institute Middle East and Africa (MEA) Summit.

The Economist: "Growing higher: New ways to make vertical farming stack up"

From the outside, it looks like a tall, metal-clad barn. But step in, through a large airlock designed to keep out the bugs, and a kaleidoscopic scene emerges. A central aisle is flanked by two pairs of towers. Each tower is stacked with a dozen or so trays on which are growing strawberries, kale, red lettuce and coriander.

Dundee community groups supporting vulnerable locals with vertically grown veg

Community groups across the Dundee area have been delivering fresh produce to local residents who have been most heavily impacted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The produce has been grown by IGS in Scotland’s first vertical farm based at the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie.

Double the brainpower means twice the success for 8-year-old twins

Eight-year-old twins Heidi and Marissa recently visited IGS' demonstration facility in Invergowrie to see a real life vertical farm after they built their own model for a school project.

Is urban farming the future?

CEO of IGS, David Farquhar, travelled to the Netherlands recently to attend an exploratory workshop on Urban Agriculture at Wageningen University and Research.

IGS attends Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Week in Singapore

IGS at Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Week in Singapore with a clear message of collaboration

IGS announces referral partnership with IREP in Middle East

IGS is delighted to announce a referral partnership agreement with International Real Estate Partners (IREP), the international facilities management firm. The agreement is specifically focused on indoor vertical farming for the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets.

The Scotsman: Lightbulb Moments IGS Feature

IGS named amongst winners of Super Connect for Good 2020

IGS has been named winner in the AI for Good category of the Super Connect for Good 2020 competition, sponsored by Microsoft for Startups.

IGS named as a 2020 Red Herring Top 100 North America Winner

IGS Limited, has been named amongst the winners of Red Herring’s Top 100 North America 2020 event, which recognises some of the world’s most exciting and innovative technology companies.

A bigger slice of the pie – the growth of urban agritech

We join MarkHorler, Chair for UKUAT, to discuss the UK’s part to play in the expansion of agritech in a local and global context, and considers more broadly the opportunities being brought to bear for this emerging agricultural approach.

Nurturing a sustainable UK agricultural evolution

As a global business addressing global issues, we believe inclusivity and diversity are equally as important. However, IGS is a UK-based company and there are specific considerations for the sectors in which we operate and provide solutions that we have to address as we consider the impacts of COVID and the approaching Brexit era.

How horticulture under glass can benefit from IoT technology

Horticulture can make a valuable contribution, particularly if it is implemented in controlled environments such as greenhouses or polytunnels. And this contribution can be significantly enhanced if internet of things (IoT) technology is used to improve the performance, efficiency, and crop yield of horticultural production.

IGS senior team expands further, welcoming Donald Mackenzie as Head of HR

Donald Mackenzie to help build growing team as the technology company expands to supply a global customer base.

IGS has the world in its sights with appointment of Global Projects Director

Kathleen Honeyman joins IGS as Global Projects Director to drive vertical farm implementation worldwide.

A global agrarian revolution: the ‘now normal’ of food production

Ian Proudfoot, Global Head of Agribusiness for KPMG, helps us to unpack the term 'global agrarian revolution’, talking about the ways in which different technologies and ways of working are increasingly being fused to come up with innovative new methods of food production.

A soil to shelf investment approach – redefining food production

Managing Director of S2G Ventures, Sanjeev Krishnan sits down with IGS to discuss the evolution of food production supply chains. He shares his insights on how technology, food production methods, scientific discovery and consumer attitudes are advancing to deliver new emerging models.

Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit

IGS CEO, David Farquhar shares his thoughts on how producing optimum crops consistently and sustainably is increasingly in demand as we witness pressures on supply chains and food security at the Indoor.

An introduction to vertical farming: sustainable food security for a changing world

Read our latest introductory guide to vertical farming, aimed to provide a fair and balanced view, backed by the latest data and without unsubstantiated assertions.

IGS appoints Lawrence Ross as Chief Product Officer

Lawrence Ross joins Scottish technology company to drive forward R&D.

Growing in the desert - exploring the potential of a turnkey agritech solution

The importance of plug and play technological systems for enhancing food security is crucial. To gain a perspective ‘on the ground’ we were delighted to have had the chance to talk with Kenny McCrae and Christina Porter from International Real Estate Partners (IREP) who are both based in Dubai.

Manufacturing for modularity

Bob Waterson, Managing Director of Greenfold Systems Ltd, joins IGS to discusses the importance of modularity in design and the benefits this can bring to the manufacturing supply chain.

The building blocks for success: scalable, modular agritech solutions

As the world begins to recalibrate following the COVID-19 pandemic, IGS looks to a future that creates independence in each country’s supply chain and delivers sustainable food security.

Why IGS is a perfect contributor to sustainable food security across MENA

David Farquhar, CEO of IGS, explores how vertical farming can work in partnership with traditional agriculture to contribute sustainable food supply chains.

IGS provides record support for Scottish Internship Programme

Entrepreneurial Scotland has announced that its Saltire Scholar Internship Programme 2020 has received a major boost from IGS.

IGS becomes Scottish Engineering member

IGS has formally confirmed its membership of Scottish Engineering, the support and lobbying organisation for the manufacturing and engineering industry in Scotland.