Guelph researchers aim to grow local berries year-round using AI

Researchers at the University of Guelph, partnered with Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada, are developing an AI-driven hybrid greenhouse and vertical system to grow strawberries year-round and are finalists in the Weston Family Foundation's Homegrown Innovation Challenge.

Researchers at the University of Guelph, working with Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada, are developing a hybrid greenhouse and vertical farming system to produce strawberries year‑round in Canada. The project aims to deliver high-quality, high-yield berries at an affordable price. It is one of four finalists in the final phase of the Weston Family Foundation's Homegrown Innovation Challenge, which was launched to strengthen Canada's food resiliency after the pandemic. The foundation has set aside funds and will award prizes in 2028. Key developments: - The project is led by horticulture professor Youbin Zheng and involves AI work by assistant professor Edward Sykes, who began collecting environmental and plant data in October. - The system combines a multi-level vertical layout with long tubes and pot-like openings to maximize growing space, and uses natural light supplemented by AI-controlled artificial lighting to save energy. - Sensors gather information on light, humidity and variables that affect nutrient uptake; machine-learning models will be used to predict nutrient and irrigation schedules. - Plants receive water and nutrients through a closed-loop, AI-driven fertigation system that recycles solution and aims to reduce runoff and waste. - Finalists will be assessed on technological achievement, large-scale implementation and environmental sustainability, and the challenge includes awards to be given in 2028. Summary: The team says the system is designed to advance sustainable, year‑round berry production by combining controlled-environment techniques with AI-driven monitoring and predictive feeding. Finalist evaluation is ongoing and the Weston Family Foundation will award prizes, including two $1‑million awards, in 2028.