Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is a revolutionary method of farming that uses advanced technology and automation to grow crops indoors in carefully controlled settings. Instead of relying on traditional soil and natural sunlight, CEA systems use techniques such as hydroponics, aeroponics and artificial LED lighting to optimize plant growth. As an emerging high-tech sector of agriculture, CEA has the potential to increase food production, conserve water, reduce transportation costs and provide fresh produce to urban areas regardless of climate or season.
With the greenhouses and vertical hydroponic farming container, Olds College has wider plans for applied research projects and integration into academic programming on campus.
In May 2025, the Olds College Centre for Innovation (OCCI) launched a collaboration with ZipGrow Inc. to design and develop the indoor farming container with their vertical tray and control systems. This technology monitors and helps optimize plant growth through changing variables like temperature, humidity and artificial lighting.
The vertical hydroponic farming system uses nutrient-rich water, LED lights and a vertical tower eight feet (8’) tall to grow plants. The lights are customized and provide intercanopy illumination for specific types of growth and timed to operate off-peak energy consumption periods to maximize energy efficiency.
The crop is grown in 240 eight-foot-tall, tubeshaped hydroponic towers, which can also be modified in warehouse-sized facilities and greenhouses. This closed system efficiently dispenses a nutrient-rich water mixture to over 3,800 plant sites, eliminating the need for soil and maximizing space.
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Designed to meet Canada’s growing demand for sustainable, high-tech agriculture and the revolutionary field of CEA, this cutting-edge program is your gateway to a rewarding career in vertical farming, hydroponics and more.
Ken Miller, Project Manager
kmiller@oldscollege.ca