Key Takeaways

• Industrial Waste Heat for Cooling: A technical session highlighted the potential of integrating data centers into renewable energy microgrids. Forecasted operating temperatures of 35–90 °C could be used via absorption chillers to cool indoor farming systems. While no dedicated AI centers currently exist in Germany, the concept offers promising synergies between IT infrastructure and controlled agriculture.
• CEA as a Strategic Priority: The importance of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) for national food security was emphasized. An upcoming workshop aims to bring together stakeholders from research, industry, and policy to develop a national strategy. This opens opportunities for TUM to contribute expertise in system design, energy efficiency, and plant physiology.

• Lessons from International Vertical Farming: A case study from the U.S. showed that only a few of the originally over 60 vertical farming companies remain active. Key success factors include:

  • (1) Strong partnerships with research and industry
  • (2) Continuous data-driven optimization, resulting in measurable yield increases
  • (3) Clear brand positioning focused on pesticide-free products and stable convenience market channels

  Entry into the European market is currently not pursued due to retail structure and regulatory complexity.

• Automation in Horticulture: A horticultural technology provider presented fully automated gutter systems for leafy greens, covering all stages from sowing to packaging. These systems integrate robotics, sensors, irrigation, fertilization, climate control, and AI-based data analysis. The technology is mature and transferable to vertical farming contexts.