Plant Intelligence Ltd (PI) is developing an advanced, scalable suite of devices primarily used to create low-cost, controlled growing environments. Our solution empowers farmers and growers to cultivate produce reliably, close to market needs, and expands crop diversity in regions previously limited by the UK’s variable climate, reducing dependence on imports.
Unlike vertical farming, PI’s approach is accessible and affordable even for small-scale growers, enabling anyone with an interest in growing to establish a profitable, low-risk business. Facilities using PI’s technology are rapid to set up and highly adaptable; growers can quickly respond to market demands, starting small—perhaps by supplying local pubs—and scaling to regional, national, or international levels.
Beyond controlled environments, PI’s technology has broader applications: it can integrate data from drones or satellites, drive robotic systems, and support AI algorithms for agricultural innovation.
In addition to the support it could offer to the UK agricultural sector, there are many opportunities for wider research and development. It could safeguard plants grown in the Amazon by reproducing the conditions necessary for that plant to thrive within a controlled environment back in the UK.
Our technology can also inspire more students to consider careers in agriculture by deepening their understanding of plant needs and nutrition. For example, it enables schools and colleges to create scaled-down ‘Eden Project’ environments where young people can actively engage in the cultivation and growth of various species from start to harvest. This hands-on experience could spark interest in agricultural careers and foster a new generation of growers
MicroEden is an advanced environmental controller at the core of Plant Intelligence (PI). It is compact, powerful, affordable, and highly adaptable. MicroEden collects data from sensors and services, compares to optimal values, and issues instructions to adjust the environment accordingly. Equipped with a comprehensive database of plant and geographic profiles, users can simply specify the type of plant they want to grow or the environment they wish to replicate.
MicroEden can be placed in a field, greenhouse, cupboard, or remote barn, gathering the necessary data and directing devices to control any environmental parameter. It can be used to create a productive greenhouse in a garden, serve as a specialized tool for growing exotic plants or fruits, or transform a small nuclear bunker into a profitable mushroom farm.
There are many freely available and inexpensive environmental sensors that integrate with the MicroEden controller. These measure basic environmental variables like temperature and humidity and send their data back using standard methods like WiFi, Matter, Bluetooth and Zigbee.
PI build a custom range of sensors outside the scope of what is freely available. If something needs to be measured, these sensors can rapidly deliver the data required. This includes, full-spectrum lighting values, intensity, distance/height, CO2, O2, movement, orientation, pressure, gas presence/air quality etc.
These sensors are designed to be independent of available connectivity too, meaning they can used virtually anywhere, locally or remotely. Any available communication including radio networks like LoRa, 3G-5G, and direct to cell (DTC) satellite.