Innovation Agritech Group (IAG), a UK based agrotech company, has partnered with the Sparsholt College Group’s University Centre Sparsholt (UCS) to install its flagship vertical farming system, the GrowFrame360, on the university campus. This installation marks the first vertical farming system of its kind at the institution and introduces a new model of hands on agricultural education for students. The system has been set up inside a repurposed single story agricultural building on campus, creating a dedicated space where learners and researchers can engage directly with advanced sustainable farming practices.
The installation was made possible through funding from the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF). The University Centre Sparsholt contributed to the necessary building modifications to accommodate the new infrastructure. The project represents a new phase for Sparsholt College Group, which is one of the UK’s leading institutions in land based education.
Aeroponic System Designed for Controlled, Soil Free, Year Round Cultivation
The GrowFrame360 is a modular, scalable aeroponic system that does not rely on sunlight, soil or pesticides. It operates in a controlled environment, making it suitable for year round cultivation, regardless of seasonal or climatic conditions. Each unit can support up to 3,250 plants, including a diverse range of crops such as leafy greens, herbs, microgreens and medicinal plants. The system’s closed loop irrigation design ensures minimal water usage, positioning it as an efficient and environmentally conscious solution for food production.
This advanced growing platform allows users to simulate and monitor a wide variety of global climate scenarios, making it particularly relevant for research into sustainable crop production, climate resilient farming and future food systems. The system is also equipped to generate real time data, offering students valuable exposure to data driven agricultural practices and helping researchers explore the biological and environmental variables involved in modern farming.
Comprehensive Academic Setup for Research and Education
The installation at Sparsholt is configured with a complete academic support infrastructure. This includes a single GrowFrame360 room, alongside specially designated zones for seed germination, plant propagation, and core operational activities. Together, these components form a learning and research ecosystem that gives students and faculty members a full range of experiences across the vertical farming lifecycle, from initial planting to harvesting and analysis.
This initiative is targeted primarily at students aged 16 and above, with the goal of integrating advanced agricultural technologies into their formal education. The facility is also expected to support UCS’s newly funded PhD programme, providing a research environment for doctoral students to work on projects at the intersection of agronomy, engineering and environmental sciences.
In addition to its academic function, the GrowFrame360 installation will serve as a demonstration site for local schools, introducing younger students to emerging technologies in sustainable agriculture. It will also be used to host outreach and awareness initiatives that promote modern agritech practices to the broader community.
Delivered by IAG Educate with a Focus on Higher Education and Research
The Sparsholt project was implemented through IAG Educate, the specialist division of Innovation Agritech Group (IAG) dedicated to education. IAG Educate works with universities and research institutions to deliver commercial grade vertical farming systems tailored for academic use. Its objective is to equip the next generation of farmers, scientists and agritech professionals with the tools and exposure necessary to address global agricultural challenges.
Also read: Treetoscope and Nutrien Ag Solutions Partner to Advance Precision Irrigation
By introducing the GrowFrame360 into Sparsholt’s curriculum, IAG Educate is contributing to cross disciplinary learning, combining plant science, sustainability, engineering and data analysis in a unified educational platform. This installation builds upon IAG’s earlier success at the University of Essex, where the same system has become an integral part of the university’s crop science and sustainability research programmes.
Part of Sparsholt’s Broader Strategy on Future Focused Agriculture
The installation will be formally unveiled later this month as part of Sparsholt’s 125 Years celebration. During the event, the GrowFrame360 will be showcased as a representation of the institution’s investment in future ready education and innovation in the agricultural domain.
Julie Milburn, Principal and CEO at Sparsholt College Group, highlighted that the vertical farming system enhances the college’s green technology portfolio and plays a vital role in reshaping the academic environment. She stated that integrating this technology into the learning space aligns with Sparsholt’s vision of offering dynamic, engaging educational experiences that prepare students for evolving agricultural sectors.
“The addition of our vertical farming unit, along with our existing green technology, ensures that Sparsholt remains at the forefront of innovation. We are proud to be redefining the student experience through the integration of cutting edge technology, creating dynamic and engaging learning environments.”
Jaz Singh, Founder and CEO of IAG, described the Sparsholt collaboration as a direct outcome of the IAG Educate mission. He emphasized the importance of providing learners with tangible, real time access to agricultural technologies that are relevant to the challenges of contemporary and future food systems.
“We’re incredibly proud to see our GrowFrame360 installed at University Centre Sparsholt. This collaboration represents exactly what we set out to achieve with IAG Educate, providing future farmers, scientists and agritech leaders with hands on access to cutting edge technology. This installation is a real milestone and we’re excited to see how it continues to grow with Sparsholt’s academic ambitions.”
With this deployment, Sparsholt College Group has taken a step toward embedding vertical farming within formal education, offering students a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, sustainability and agriculture.