QRDI Council Launches Innovation Opportunity For Producing Lettuce Using Indoor Farming

Doha, August 03 (QNA) - The Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council's flagship program, Qatar Open Innovation (QOI), launched an open Innovation opportunity of proposing technologies to produce lettuce using indoor farming in cooperation with Hassad Food Company. This joint initiative between QRDI Council and Hassad Food signifies a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture and the circular economy. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and embracing innovative farming practices, the project aims to enhance food security and optimize resource utilization, aligning with Qatar's strategic mission to manage its environmental, food, and water resources sustainably. Commenting on the launch, QRDI Council's RDI Programs Haya Al Ghanim said: "Indoor farming holds tremendous potential in addressing the challenges posed by arid conditions and limited resources. Through this collaboration, we aim to develop commercially viable solutions for lettuce production, leveraging the expertise and ingenuity of technology developers and agricultural innovators. Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in agriculture." "Qatar's National Vision 2030 aligns with these objectives, emphasizing sustainable management of environmental, food, and water resources. In line with this vision, QRDI Council and Hassad Food have joined forces to identify groundbreaking technologies that can facilitate the commercially viable production of leafy vegetables, specifically lettuce, through innovative indoor farming techniques," Al Ghanim added. Hassad Food is actively seeking collaboration with innovative indoor farming companies and high-performing startups (HPSUs) to enable the large-scale production of Romaine and Iceberg lettuce varieties. As part of the collaboration, Hassad Food will provide full access to essential resources such as power, water, and required footprints. The QOI program has provided a unique opportunity for innovators to collaborate with leading organizations, industry experts, and mentors to develop and scale their ideas. The program previously launched 21 challenge calls in collaboration with various partners in Qatar, including GWC, Aspire, Baladna, Sidra, Ooredoo, Es'hailSat, Hassad Food, Kahramaa, Milaha, the Ministry of Environment and climate change, and the Ministry of Municipality. (QNA)