December 2, 2021

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.

Written by
Listen to this episode below or on your favourite platform.

For two weeks in November 2021, IGS took up residence on a formerly derelict site on the Broomielaw in city centre Glasgow. Inside a 20m2 marquee, we constructed a 5.4-meter-tall demonstration vertical farm facility and an accompanying educational exhibition, designed to educate visitors about the challenges facing current modes of food production and the vertical farming solution IGS has developed.

The exhibition was open to the public, and over the two weeks of COP26 nearly 300 young people and school pupils were welcomed to the site on the bank of the River Clyde in city centre Glasgow to learn more about the role vertical farming has to play in the future of global food supply.

IGS was also delighted to welcome First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, who visited the exhibition and spoke in support of the business’ Series B fundraise which concluded at £42.2 million. The latest investment round was supported by a conglomerate of new investors including COFRA AG (Zug), Cleveland Avenue LLC (Chicago) and DC Thomson (Dundee). The new investors were joined by existing institutional investors Ospraie Ag Science (New York City), S2G Ventures (Chicago), venture capital firm AgFunder (San Francisco); and Scottish Enterprise in the Series B investment round, with private shareholders and IGS staff also contributing.

In addition to the First Minister, IGS welcomed more than 2,000 members of the public, stakeholders, partners, and politicians from both home and abroad, including US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, who took part in a livestreamed ‘farmside’ chat, moderated by Sanjeev Krishnan from S2G Ventures.

IGS also played host to a number of customers including representatives of French grower, Jungle, which is growing crops in IGS Growth Towers on the outskirts of Paris, and Therme Group, with whom IGS announced a pioneering new partnership which will see IGS vertical farms integrated into Therme’s wellbeing destinations worldwide. The produce grown in Therme’s ‘Intelligent Growth Ecosytems’ (IGEs) will be used in Therme's restaurants, bars, and skincare products.

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Benefits of vertical farming – increase your yield and profitability

IGS’ Head of North American Operations, Stephen Gereb, explains how growers can significantly increase yield and profit through the benefits of vertical farming technology.

IGS’ Head of North American Operations, Stephen Gereb, explains how growers can significantly increase yield and profit through the benefits of vertical farming technology.

Monday, August 5, 2024

Advantages of vertical farming: adapting agriculture through innovative tech

IGS’ Head of Vertical Farming Solutions, Douglas Elder, delves into the advantages of vertical farming when it comes to revitalising our systems and enabling greater food security.

IGS’ Head of Vertical Farming Solutions, Douglas Elder, delves into the advantages of vertical farming when it comes to revitalising our systems and enabling greater food security.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Using modern technologies in agriculture for better health and food security

Does modern agricultural technology (such as vertical farming) hold the secret to food security and public health? Take a deep dive with IGS’ Offer Manager Chris Lloyd.

Does modern agricultural technology (such as vertical farming) hold the secret to food security and public health? Take a deep dive with IGS’ Offer Manager Chris Lloyd.