In order to address the dual challenges posed by a growing global population and the imperative to minimize the environmental footprint of agriculture, there is a pressing need for a substantial overhaul of crop production systems on a worldwide scale. The introduction of soil improvers to augment soil quality and bolster crop yields has garnered considerable attention among farmers and growers. Soil improvers contribute to the enhancement of soil quality through improvements in its structural integrity, heightened nutrient levels, enhanced water retention, stimulation of microbial activity, pH regulation, erosion prevention, and compaction mitigation. They foster a healthier and more fertile soil environment, thereby facilitating superior plant growth and ecological equilibrium. Globally, the soil improver market is anticipated to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.0%, ultimately reaching a market valuation of USD 6 billion by 2027\. In 2022, the global market had already reached USD 3.6 billion, underscoring the escalating demand for sustainable agricultural solutions. According to Technavio.com's "Soil Conditioners Global Market Report 2023," the market is projected to grow from USD 5.6 billion in 2022 to USD 5.93 billion in 2023, reflecting a CAGR of 5.9%. Despite the disruptions stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the soil improver market is expected to surge to USD 8.21 billion by 2027, driven by an 8.5% CAGR. Unsustainable agricultural practices have resulted in environmental harm, encompassing issues such as nitrogen pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and water scarcity (The Future of Food and Farming Report,2011). This has prompted a rising demand for hydrogel-based soil improvers within agriculture, primarily for their ability to enhance water management and reduce fertilizer usage, as noted in a report by Allied Market. The aim of this project is to revolutionize traditional agricultural practices by restoring soil fertility through the application of Gelponic soil improver. In collaboration with our project partners at Crop Health & Protection (CHAP), AEH Innovation Hydrogel Ltd. will develop and showcase the innovative GelPonic soil improver, which is founded on cutting-edge hydrogel technology. Our hydrogel-based technology has demonstrated distinct advantages, most notably increased crop yields when compared to alternative soil improvers. Its lightweight nature, biodegradability, and user-friendly attributes render it readily adaptable and appealing to the majority of farmers and growers seeking sustainable and high-performance solutions. This milestone underscores the profound impact of GelPonic's innovation on the agriculture industry, not only by providing a more sustainable alternative but also by significantly enhancing crop productivity.

To meet both the demands of a growing population and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture, there is an acute need to radically improve crop production systems globally. Vertical farming, where crops are produced in controlled environments with optimised growth mediums, water, air and nutrients, is a highly promising alternative to traditional agriculture especially in urban and/or water stressed environments. The vertical farming market is worth$3Bn globally and is predicted to reach $22Bn by 2026 (Forbes, 2018). Due to the micro-controlled environment, the resulting produce is of higher quality due to receiving the essential nutrients and water required for optimum growth and pesticide-free. The market is driven by out-of-season, year-round demand for fresh salad vegetables, especially tomatoes and leafy salad, the market value of which was £1.1bn in 2017. This project aims to revolutionise food production via controlled environment agriculture and make it globally accessible, including opening new markets in the developing world and capitalising on growing Middle Eastern vertical farming markets. In collaboration with project partners at Crop Health & Protection (CHAP) and Labman Automation Ltd, AEH Innovation Hydrogel Ltd will develop and demonstrate the novel GelPonic system based on an innovative graphene-based growth media that is affordable, long-lasting, re-usable, water-saving, conservative with respect to nutrients, and that filters out pathogens. The proposed vertical farming system will integrate the latest in renewable energy technologies, sensors and controls to significantly improve the precision, productivity and sustainability of controlled environment agriculture practices, whilst reducing carbon emissions to transform and decarbonise the industry.