Successful launch of the GROWvertical innovation network in Halle
On 8 June 2025, the kick-off meeting of the international ZIM innovation network GROWvertical took place in Halle. A total of 25 representatives from companies, universities and research institutions took part, joined by further partners who joined the meeting online. The aim of the meeting was to bring the network partners together, highlight areas of expertise and identify initial areas of overlap for joint research and development projects. Following the welcome and an introduction to the network’s objectives, the participating partners introduced themselves, covering the entire value chain of vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). During several match-making sessions, specific project ideas were discussed, including topics such as sensor technology and automation, energy and resource efficiency, plant breeding, digital twins and sustainable circular economy concepts. It was also decided during the meeting to admit Chemnitz University of Technology as a full partner in the network. For future network activities, the plan is to form thematic working groups in which project ideas can be developed in a targeted manner. The next network meeting is scheduled for February 2026 at greenhub solutions GmbH in Leipzig.The kick-off meeting laid an important foundation for international collaboration – particularly with Finnish partners – and for launching practice-oriented R&D projects. “Find out more about projects within the network” or “Get in touch with the network”
