The First On-campus AirFarm for the Abu Dhabi University
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) launched its first on-campus AirFarm, an inflatable and portable farm, in partnership with Midbar, a smart ag-tech South Korean company, and H.E. Rashed Bin Khalfan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri Holding company (RBK), as part of ADUi’s Innovate Strategy (ADUi) efforts focused on accelerating sustainable and innovative agricultural solutions.
Using hydroponics – small pipes that direct water to plant roots – AirFarm is a mobile farm that can grow potatoes and tomatoes without the use of soil, The National paper wrote, citing ADU sources.
“This inauguration is a result of a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ADU, Midbar, and RBK, to establish a business framework for delivering supply and Research and Development (R&D) solutions to the UAE market across several sectors. These sectors include but are not limited to agriculture, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), health, and water desalination,” according to an ADU recent press release.
With this facility, ADU hopes to further its innovation initiatives to offer educators, students, and the larger UAE community inclusive, sustainable solutions to problems and a platform for creative thought. By offering opportunities for hands-on learning, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting innovation, and supporting sustainable solutions in agriculture, the space will give faculty and students the chance to positively impact the UAE community and demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to an innovative and sustainable future.
To establish a sustainable environment for food security and agriculture, the project integrates more than 15 state-of-the-art solutions with a variety of technologies, including the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.
“[…] Advanced smart farming solutions support the community by increasing crop yields by up to 30% and reducing labor costs by up to 80%, as well as the need for inputs such as water and fertilizer,” ADU representatives wrote.
“We are honored to collaborate with Midbar to establish an AirFarm on campus, a facility that yields sustainable solutions to our community. Through this facility, we aim to provide our students and faculty with the tools and resources to explore new ideas that will enable them to become influential leaders. At ADU, we are dedicated to nurturing an environment that not only encourages innovation and critical thinking but also empowers our students to develop groundbreaking ideas that will shape a more sustainable future for generations to come,” Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), concluded.
