Agri-Immanence, one of the research projects funded under the National Challenge Fund’s Green Transition, was launched at the World Food Forum by University of Galway.
Rome, 16th – 20th October 2023: A new digital agricultural research project from University of Galway, Agri-Immanence, was launched to an audience of 5,000 at the 2023 World Food Forum on Wednesday, October 18th.
Using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and a novel greenhouse container prototype called GreenGro, the Agri-Immanence research project will develop a generative AI-agronomy advisor for improved sustainability of greenhouse crops. Using global and local data, the AI-assistant will provide tailored horticultural advice to greenhouse farmers, leading to improved sustainability and increased efficiency of greenhouse crops.
The Agri-Immanence team, led by Professor Charlie Spillane based at University of Galway, will partner with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) to develop the project in collaboration with farmers in Spain and Italy. The project was selected for funding under the Future Food Systems Challenge, one of the funding opportunities offered by Science Foundation Ireland’s National Challenge Fund. At the outset of the 12-month seed phase a social enterprise will be created for launch of the technology to the global market.
The Agri-Immanence platform can collate data gathered by IoT sensors in local and global greenhouses to assess the quality and sustainability of greenhouse crops within a farmer’s own greenhouse. By providing farmers with locally relevant and useful horticultural advice, sustainability of crops and farmer livelihoods can be improved. The inter-disciplinary team which encompasses entrepreneurs and horticultural researchers will deliver practical outcomes for farmers, including the launch of the app to farmers via a social enterprise.
Agri-Immanence will collaborate with non-profits, philanthropic organisations, entrepreneurs and farmers to advance the use of AI-technology in horticultural systems. With a commitment to innovation and utility, Agri-Immanence is poised to push the future of AI-technology in agricultural systems.