The Government of Canada is providing up to $894,673 to Calgary-based SmartGRO Bioengineering Inc. through the Agricultural Clean Technology Program. The funding will support developing and testing new lighting technology designed to make indoor farming more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. SmartGRO made the announcement on September 8 during a visit to Hydragreens Produce Ltd. in Calgary.
“Canadian agri-businesses are leading the way in creating innovative solutions to reduce emissions and build a more resilient agricultural sector. With support from the ACT – Research and Innovation Stream, SmartGRO can develop new technology that has the potential to help Canadian farmers grow more food while using less electricity. By making indoor agriculture more efficient and sustainable, this innovation can help reduce costs and environmental impacts, while strengthening year-round food production across Canada.”
– The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
SmartGRO is developing a system that combines ultra-fast pulsing LED lights, plant sensors and artificial intelligence. The sensors monitor plant health, temperature and growth. The system then adjusts the lighting based on what the plants need. Tests found that crops grown under the SmartGRO system produced the same harvest weight as those grown under regular LED lights, while using up to 80% less electricity. The technology will now be tested at commercial scale at Hydragreens’ Calgary greenhouse.
The project is part of Canada’s broader investment in controlled environment agriculture and clean technology. It aims to help reduce costs, lower environmental impacts and support more efficient year-round food production.
Read the news release –> https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2026/09/minister-macdonald-announces-up-to-nearly-895000-to-develop-and-test-new-clean-technology-to-benefit-canadas-indoor-agriculture-sector.html