Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

This new partnership between Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Sky Harvest Inc. will design and build a prototype hydroponic grow system for microgreens to scale up production while meeting the zero-waste company standard. Three crops will be studied with this prototype and experiments will be conducted with different compostable substrates, water flow rates and LED light spectra from a pre-commercial LED light source being developed for such grow systems. The industry partner will benefit from Kwantlen expertise in hydroponic growing systems and plant responses to LED light, and Kwantlen will train a Sustainable Agriculture student, faculty member and technical staff in a novel growing system which will contribute to local food production and support small and medium sized enterprises in our region. A faculty member will be able to use the experience in the training of students in Horticulture.