In collaboration with the University of Verona and four other companies, we developed innovative indoor vertical farming systems prototype in Padua. The project’s goal was to analyze the benefits of vertical farming in terms of LED efficiency, energy use, plants growth, and the reduction of plant diseases and chemicals. This initiative supports ongoing plants research and the study of plants in a highly controlled environment. Our LED growing lights created optimal conditions for sustainable, zero-mile agriculture, showcasing how vertical farming technology can be used to grow healthy crops locally. The system allows researchers to gather crucial data while supporting a new model of responsible, high-tech food production.

Vertical farming systems with University of Verona with Ambralight growing lights supporting plants growth and the study of plants.
Close-up of lettuce plants on plants shelves under Ambralight growing lights used for indoor vertical farming systems
Ambralight growing lights installed above each shelf in vertical farming systems: benefits of vertical farming and plants growth.
Complete vertical farming systems of University of Verona, showing full plants growth with growing lights on across all plants shelves.
The project

Over five months, complete vertical farming systems were built, featuring four levels of plants shelves, each dedicated to a different lettuce variety. The setup aimed to test innovative farming methods that improve productivity while reducing energy and water consumption. These are critical objectives in sustainable greenhouse shelving systems. Additionally, the project collected data on plant diseases and pesticide alternatives, supporting the broader study of plants. The prototype was presented at the Padua Fair, allowing the public to view live growth cycles. The harvested lettuce was then delivered to nearby restaurants, reinforcing the concept of locally sourced food through efficient and sustainable vertical farming technology.

Installation description

The vertical farm was equipped with our AE32 LED lamps, installed to provide optimal lighting conditions at every level:

  • On the two lower shelves, red and blue growing lights stimulate photosynthesis and promote vigorous plants growth.
  • The upper shelves use green, red, and blue light to increase uniformity and overall yield.

This custom LED lighting system ensures a balanced and effective light spectrum for each growth stage. The result is a consistent light environment across the entire setup, essential for the performance of advanced vertical farming systems. These controlled conditions allow for precise crop development, making the system highly suitable for plants research and scalable applications in urban agriculture.

Installed product

Aquila

For this collaborative plants research project, the AE32 model was chosen — now replaced by our more advanced Aquila lamp. Designed for multi-level greenhouse shelving, Aquila offers finely calibrated light for plants across different growth phases. Its adjustable output and LED efficiency make it ideal for experimental use in indoor vertical farming systems. Aquila supports the exacting standards required in vertical farming technology, allowing researchers and professionals to tailor the spectrum and intensity based on species, growth cycles, and shelf positioning. Its modular nature also makes it easy to integrate into scalable solutions, helping institutions like the University of Verona study the effect of light on photosynthesis in depth.

Benefits achieved

Thanks to our AE32 LED lamps, the project has already demonstrated several benefits:

  • Increased productivity: faster, more uniform plants growth across all tiers.
  • Reduced resource consumption: lower water and energy use compared to traditional farming.
  • Environmental sustainability: fewer chemicals, more sustainable cultivation methods.
  • Locally sourced food: the harvested lettuce was used in local restaurants.

This case confirms the real benefits of vertical farming when supported by advanced custom LED lighting and optimized LED lighting lamps. The project successfully demonstrates how technology, research, and sustainability can converge to redefine agricultural practices. With the right lighting tools and data-driven experimentation, indoor vertical farming can support the future of food production.