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A new greenhouse project in Leping, China, brings together multiple innovative agricultural techniques, spearheaded by Growing Smart Technologies

The project, which spans 6.5 hectares, will serve both the city and the province, demonstrating the potential of various technologies and crops on a commercial scale. The greenhouse will feature strawberries grown on hanging gutters, lettuce cultivated using Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and a nursery for young plants.

Roy Peleg of Growing Smart Technologies, said, "Other than being technologically possible, we also want to make sure that it will be feasible economically." He highlights China's growing horticultural industry, particularly in its western regions, which have seen rapid expansion in recent years. "The economic growth has been rapid, and the fascination for safe and quality-grown food is high," Peleg adds, reflecting on his experiences in China since 2003.

The greenhouse is divided into four distinct zones, catering to the high demand for strawberries in China and other crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons. These will be grown under an F-Clean roof, which offers advantages over traditional glasshouses, particularly in the region's harsh winters and humid summers. Peleg explains, "F-clean coverage provides more advantages than a glasshouse, especially if you have to deal with natural ventilation." The project also includes a hydroponic lettuce zone and a nursery to support the local agricultural community.

A significant feature of the project is its alignment with Global GAP guidelines, even though these standards are not yet required in China. Peleg states, "We want this project to be prepared for the future and to teach the staff at the site how to work on common standards in growing."

After completing the greenhouse, Growing Smart Technologies will provide ongoing support for two years, including maintenance and crop management training. The facility will also include a visitor area to showcase the project's techniques without direct access to the greenhouse.

Roy Peleg is confident that this project will help drive the development of China's high-tech horticulture sector forward. "We demonstrate the basic monitoring systems and the various soilless growing systems, including the strawberry gutters," he explains. "Then there's the nursery with the overhead irrigation and gutter booms." With further research on crop varieties and climate strategies, the team aims to prepare the project for long-term success.

Despite China's rapid pace of development, Peleg concludes, "In China, construction projects can be realized rapidly. That's different from horticulture." The goal is to prove that high-tech horticulture can thrive in China, technically and economically.

Luminis, a global leader in microbiome intelligence and precision agri-tech solutions, has partnered with Forvis Mazars in India to expand its impact in the aquaculture and soil microbiome sector for agriculture

The partnership will unlock new avenues for impact across food systems, carbon resilience, and soil health. Nalanda Capital Partners, the strategic advisory and capraise arm, facilitated the move.

Rachelle Jensen, CEO of Luminis, said, “By joining forces with Forvis Mazars and Nalanda Capital Partners, we will be able to combine science-backed solutions, powerful industry networks, and catalytic capital to deliver next-gen solutions and rewrite the future of farming.”

The extensive network with Forvis Mazars will enable Luminis to deepen its footprint in India's thriving agri-sector, utilizing its Omni Biome AI platform and deep genomics capabilities to tackle challenges such as soil degradation, yield instability, disease rise, and climate resilience. Luminis is accelerating the deployment of next-gen bioproducts and microbiome-based solutions designed for India's dynamic agri-food systems, leveraging extensive Next Gen Sequencing and AI-driven insights. This expansion will enhance food security and national prosperity, as agriculture and allied activities contribute approximately 16% to India's GDP.

“This partnership marks a strategic step for Forvis Mazars in India as we help farmers to further unlock value in the crop production and aquaculture sectors,” said Ajay Kakra, Associate Partner, Government, Infrastructure & Development sector Advisory Services, Forvis Mazars in India. “By supporting Luminis, we combine innovation with our sectoral expertise to scale microbiome solutions that can transform Indian agriculture and drive real, lasting impact.”

“This partnership represents the exact kind of visionary science and scalable impact Nalanda Capital Partners is proud to back,” added Ayan Desai, co-founder at Nalanda Capital Partners. “Together, we’re planting the seeds for a healthier, more sustainable food system— one microbe at a time.”

Dinnissen has launched the Pegasus Moving Mixer, a new fully automated mixing system designed for compact production environments

This innovative solution combines safety, hygiene, and precision in one smart, space-efficient unit. The Pegasus Moving Mixer works with movable barrels and mixers, allowing automated handling from start to finish. The barrel containing unmixed product is automatically lifted, rotated, and connected to the Pegasus mixer, where its contents are discharged for mixing. A nitrogen system creates an inert environment before mixing, reducing explosion risks. During the process, liquids and additives are sprayed evenly, ensuring a homogenous mix with no waste.

Once mixing is complete, the mixer moves up and the barrel returns to its position for discharge. The product is returned to the same barrel, without any demixing. This closed-loop process is dust-free, air-free and fully hygienic, making it ideal for food and chemical production.

The system is also highly compact and easy to clean. The unique interaction between the moving mixer and barrel, the Pegasus Moving Mixer makes optimal use of limited floor space. It is fully enclosed, accessible, and designed with safety in mind.

It has fully enclosed system for hygienic operation, even liquid and additive distribution for consistent results, and inert mixing environment with nitrogen injection for explosion safety highlight its advanced safety and hygiene features. With "no manual steps: filling, mixing and discharge are fully automated,” it offers ease of use and consistency. Its compact design ideal for tight production setups makes it suitable for various production environments. Perfect for industries where hygiene and safety are vital, the Pegasus Moving Mixer offers a modern, efficient alternative to traditional systems. 

Entocycle, a UK-based developer of insect farming technology that transforms food waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, has collaborated with Siemens to launch the country’s first digitalised insect farm showroom

The facility is uniquely located beneath four Victorian railway arches in central London.

Focused on creating a sustainable protein alternative, Entocycle chose the high-profile London Bridge area to boost visibility, attract top talent, and engage potential investors in its innovative approach to circular food systems.

Before construction began, Entocycle used Siemens’ digital twin technology to create a virtual model of the site. This simulation helped maximise the use of the complex arch-shaped space and minimise construction errors, saving time and costs.

The site has since undergone a full digital transformation and now runs on Siemens AI and automation systems. Advanced technologies integrated into the facility include robotic arms, machine vision systems that monitor 3,000 larvae per second with up to 100% accuracy, and climate-controlled chambers. These upgrades have significantly enhanced production by reducing larvae growth time and improving survival rates by 30%.

Now in operation for a year, the facility has demonstrated that insect farming can address two major environmental challenges: cutting the UK’s annual 10.7 million tonnes of food waste (of which 30% is lost through supply chain inefficiencies) and reducing reliance on 3.3 million tonnes of imported soy used for animal feed.

With proof of concept established, Entocycle plans to expand its model to industrial scale, aiming to support farms, agri-businesses, and waste management companies in cutting emissions and rethinking protein supply chains.

Matt Simonds, managing director at Entocycle, said: “We’ve spent a decade developing this concept, which has grown from equipment pieced together from hardware retailers to the bespoke and highly advanced factory we’re running today. The London Bridge centre proves our concept, which leverages the black soldier fly as nature’s recycler, that can be scaled around the world to help tackle the dual issue of food waste and sustainability issues in animal feed supply.

“Insect farming is an exciting emerging industry, and our vision is to be the go-to provider of technology to customers alongside our partner Siemens. In 10 years’ time, we expect Entocycle-designed farms to be processing millions of tonnes of food waste around the world, saving millions of tonnes of carbon emissions with it. Partnering with Siemens to deliver our solution internationally provides us with the trust and scalability we need to deliver on our global ambitions.”

Keith Thornhill, head of food and beverage for UK & Ireland at Siemens said: “Entocycle has created the blueprint for high-tech insect farming. It’s successfully applied modern manufacturing technology to its highly niche subject of rearing black soldier flies. And the outcomes are clear to see in increased insect survival rates and slashing the time staff would spend counting insects.

“It’s a fantastic concept ready to be delivered to customers around the world, regardless of site size and location. We’re proud to support it as a great example of technology with a purpose in addressing crucial sustainability challenges.”