UbiQD, Inc. (Los Alamos, N.M), an advanced materials company focused on quantum dots, and the Solvay Group, announced that they have agreed to partner on the development of next-generation luminescent greenhouse technology under UbiQD’s UbiGro family of specialty agricultural products.
Greenhouses with UbiGro can produce larger crop yields by enhancing the spectral quality of sunlight (Source: UbiQD)
UbiGro is a layer of light that helps plants get more from the sun. Powered by UbiQD’s quantum dots, UbiGro uses fluorescence to create a more optimal light spectrum for crops. UbiQD’s dots convert underutilized colors of light from the sun, such as blue and UV, to more photosynthetically active colors of light. UbiQD has demonstrated plants grow faster under the orange UbiGro product; consistently producing up to 20% larger harvests for farmers.
“We are only just beginning to see what UbiGro can do for the greenhouse industry, and this exciting new partnership with Solvay will accelerate deployment of a full-cover solution,” said Hunter McDaniel, UbiQD Founder and CEO. “Solvay is the industry leader in greenhouse film additives, and they are widely recognized for their polymer innovation as well as supply chain reliability.”
Through the partnership, growers will be able to achieve spectrum optimization without needing to change existing greenhouse designs or invest in lighting fixtures or electricity infrastructure.
“Our innovative solutions have helped drive the growth of the $3 billion greenhouse cover market,” explained Olivier Touret, Vice President, Solvay. “We look forward to partnering with a company equally innovative and committed to growing the market.”
Eric Aubay, Business Development Director, Solvay, added, “We intend to leverage our rich heritage in polyethylene stabilizers and additives to accelerate the development of what will be the highest performing cover films available.”
The cooperation will benefit from leveraging the existing greenhouse cover film supply chain. Other objectives of the partnership include ensuring quantum dot additive processability at an industrial scale, as well as demonstrating the fluorescent layer stabilization in various climates and greenhouse constructions.