Engineers challenged to build vertical gardens

element14 has selected 15 finalists to take part in the Vertical Farming design challenge. The competition will see participants build indoor vertical gardens using IoT technologies and methods that have the potential to change how food is produced around the world.

Selected from around the world, including Australia, the competitors will be provided with a kit of IoT-enabled technologies from Silicon Labs and Würth Elektronik to help them design their vertical farms. Green Spirit Farms, FarmedHere and the Association for Vertical Farming (AVF) will guide challengers though the growing and harvesting process, providing recommendations on moisture, lighting, humidity and the optimal time in which to transfer and harvest the crops.

“The Vertical Farming design challenge is just one of element14’s newest initiatives to solve pressing real-world problems by empowering engineers with the technology and resources needed to find a lasting solution,” stated element14 Global Head of Community Dianne Kibbey.

“The vertical farming industry presents a real opportunity to address food shortages spurred by environmental and population changes.”

Entries in the design challenge will be judged on originality, innovation, technical merit, the data points collected and the resulting crops. Prize winners will be announced on 17 November and their awards will be the following:

• Grand prize: A global solar SUNLINQ 62 W foldable solar panel kit; the Nest learning thermostat; a Würth Elektronik energy harvesting kit; and a $250 donation to the AVF in the challenger’s name.
• Second prize: The ALLPOWERS 18 V 28 W foldable solar charger; the Nest learning thermostat; and a $250 donation to the AVF in the challenger’s name.
• Third prize: The Nest learning thermostat; and a $250 donation to the AFV in the challenger’s name.

All challengers who submit a completed project will receive a one-year membership to the AVF and a $100 donation to the AVF in the challenger’s name.

To learn more about the Vertical Farming design challenge and follow along with the 15 competitors, visit http://www.element14.com/verticalfarming.