This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.
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1. THE BEGINNING
This innovation initially came to life when…
…we were approached by the Manager of Sustainability for the Australian National University (ANU) to speak with their plant biology department to determine if there were areas in which to reduce their power usage. As plant growth chambers use an enormous amount of energy in lighting, and airconditioning, it is a ‘hot spot’ for energy reduction on campus. After a very cool reception we were able to convince Dr. John Evans that we were there to help, and thus began working together on an LED solution to fit their requirements and lower energy use.
2. WHAT & HOW
The purpose of this innovation is to…
…provide an efficient alternative to traditional lighting in plant growth cabinets. Further, to provide spectra control allowing researchers to customise the growing environment.
It does this by…
…employing our Andromeda™ pixels in varying light spectrums (from 480nm blue – 715nm far red) with proprietary custom software and control so that researchers can emulate lighting environments across the globe. Essentially, if a researcher wanted to mirror the environment in a Bolivian rain forest at 12:00 noon on September 10th, he would be able to do it.
This innovation improves on what came before because…
…it will save the University (and other clients) 90% in lighting-associated power, as well as similar savings in CO2. In addition, it is much cooler than traditional lighting, allowing for massive savings in HVAC. Finally, its ability to be modified and programmed allows researchers new freedom in their experiments.
Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…
…power savings, carbon savings, savings to HVAC power use. Customisation and control for researchers, and for other users (greenhouses, farmers) the ability to customise wavelengths to minimise energy use for specific plant requirements.
4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
In the past, this problem was solved by…
In the past this problem was not solved. High-Intensity Discharge lights were the only way to achieve the intensity needed for various stages of plant growth.
Its predecessors/competitors include…
There have been other LED grow lights, primarily for hobbyists. This is the first unit built in conjunction with experts, and with the ability to replace high-intensity lights and offering total control from deep blues to the infrared.
5. TARGET MARKET
It is made for…
…universities, laboratories, greenhouses, farmers, and horticulturalists. The technology’s ability to customise spectra could also be used in medical labs, pharmaceuticals and industrial applications.
It is available for sale through…
The product will be sold directly by Empyrean Lighting to universities and our partners in this space to the wider market (greenhouses).
Our marketing strategy is to…
We’ll be approaching universities directly. Our partners have already secured interest of modified units for the commercial greenhouse space with trials beginning later this year.
FINE PRINT: This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.
