Innovations Cover Vertical Farming, Smart Greenhouse, Plant-Based Biomedical Solutions, and Microalgae Farming with AI听
Khalifa University showcased several sustainable and smart agriculture technologies, vertical farming, and plant-based innovations in biomedical field at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, organized under the 鈥楶lant the Emirates鈥� National Program.听
The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition听was 听 held from 28 – 31 May at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, gathering farmers, investors, experts, government agencies, and scientific research institutions, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and expertise in sustainable agriculture. The Khalifa University pavilion, located in the 鈥楽chools and Universities Zone鈥�, featured the latest innovative solutions customized and designed for the farm sector growth.听
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Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, said: 鈥淥ur participation in the first Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition illustrates our commitment to creating sustainable agricultural solutions in line with the UAE鈥檚 strategic vision to support the local agricultural sector and promote sustainable national food security. The vertical farming techniques from our Food Security and Technology Center (FSTC) and the Khalifa University AgX research facility are some of the advanced technologies we continue to develop to assist in smart and sustainable agriculture. Through these advanced solutions we aim to seek wider industry partnerships that will help contribute to the UAE鈥檚 national objectives.鈥澨�
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Some of the projects on display at the Khalifa University stand focused on smart greenhouses with light-heat-water management, agricultural co-products up-cycling for achieving circular bioeconomy, and smart microalgae farming with the use of AI and IoT.听
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The biomedical initiatives are strategically aligned to promote healthy longevity through nature-derived interventions. These include plasma-enhanced plant extracts and microalgae for accelerated wound healing, nanoparticle delivery of plant-derived phenolic compounds for targeted anticancer and anti-Alzheimer therapies, plant-based nutraceutical formulations for anti-aging and Vitamin D supplementation, and the development of seaweed-enriched dietary regimens to support metabolic health and long-term wellness.听
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The Khalifa University AgX, part of FSTC, aims to accelerate innovation cycles in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), commercialize new agricultural products suited for extreme environments, and address challenges in seed availability and greenhouse integration. It also plans to develop high-value crops for commercial viability, while testing new agricultural technology innovations for food security applications.听
Clarence Michael
English Editor – Specialist听
