iGrowing Limited

One year enterprise-led funded Masters by Research LU-316

This Masters by Research project in collaboration with iGrowing Ltd aims to reduce energy consumption of vertical farms whilst delivering optimal light environment for plant growth #plantscience #biology #ecology

Eco-I NW partner logos which include: European Regional Development Fund, Northern Powerhouse

Tab Content: Overview

To achieve its full potential as a sustainable, energy-saving farming system, vertical hydroponic systems have to implement further energy savings based on temperature control. This research will contrast current horticultural LEDs with a new energy saving technology. This technology is based on DC-driven LED systems with spectral control, to reduce the energy consumption while delivering optimal light environments for plant growth.

By reducing heat emission, the technology can minimize the energy costs and CO2 emissions. At the same time, through creating optimal light environments it aims to deliver high quality, and nutritious products.

This project should interest a biology or ecology graduate with an interest in plant science who is looking to develop new systems to grow nutritious food sustainably. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the frontline of vertical farming innovation, benefiting from expertise at iGrowing Ltd and Lancaster University.

Deadline for applications: Midnight Monday 13th June 2022

Start date: July 2022

Project ref LU-316

Tab Content: Eligibility

Before applying for this opportunity please download and read the Graduate Researcher Application Criteria

Non-UK/home candidates: For information on home/international fee eligibility please see the university fee status webpage. From 1st January 2021, EU students are required to have a visa to enter into the UK as well as other international categories. Please check these details to see if you would need to apply for a visa and indicate this on your criteria document.

Tab Content: Enterprise & academic partners

This project will be supervised by:

  • Dr Gabriela Toledo-Ortiz

  • Prof Ian Dodd

  • Prof Martin McAinsh

iGrowing Ltd is a leading supplier of indoor vertical farming systems for the UK, using ultra-low energy LED lighting solutions. Vertical hydroponic farming systems help to maximise space for better performance, reducing production costs and carbon emissions. It allows a variety of users to grow safe, healthy and nutritious plants and food indoors using vertical structures.

This project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is subject to funding confirmation.

Benefits to you

This Masters by Research project in collaboration with iGrowing Ltd aims to reduce energy consumption of vertical farms whilst delivering optimal light environment for plant growth #plantscience #environmentscience

Tax-free earning

Get paid £16,000 tax-free

Reduced tuition fees

Have your tuition fees reduced. Your partner company pays £2,200 towards your fees, meaning students eligible for home fees pay only £2,396. International students will need to pay the remaining £21,160.

Increase your employability

Finish in a strong position to enter a competitive job market in the UK and overseas or progress on to further study.

Access to award winning talent and resources

Be part of the multi award-winning Centre for Global Eco-Innovation within a cohort of talented graduates working on exciting business-led R&D.The Centre is based at Lancaster University, so you will gain your Masters from a highly-ranked university, recognised as The Sunday Times University of the Year 2018 and International University of the Year 2020.

How to apply

Deadline: Midnight Monday 13th June 2022

To apply for this opportunity please download and complete the below documents:

Addtionally, please provide a copy of the following evidentiary documents:

  • CV
  • Degree transcripts
  • English language certificate(s) if English is not your first language

Please email applications@cgeinnovation.org and give the product reference number (see title) along with your application documents. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Send all completed documents, including a copy of your CV, degree transripts and English language certificate(s) - if English is not your first language - to applications@cgeinnovation.org by Midnight Monday 13th June 2022 (closing date). Please ensure you give the project reference number (see title) when you send your documents.

For information on home/international fee eligibility please see the university fee status webpage. From 1st January 2021, EU students are required to have a visa to enter into the UK as well as other international categories. Please check these details to see if you would need to apply for a visa and indicate this on your criteria document.

After the closing date the interview panel (consisting of the academic supervisors and business sponsor) will shortlist preferred candidates. These candidates will be invited to interview and where appropriate a candidate will be selected to deliver the project. A separate formal university application process is then completed following recommendation from the interview panel.

Please send any interim queries on the status of your application or the shortlisting/interview process to applications@cgeinnovation.org