The two companies will together explore new food production technologies and commercial infrastructure to address the increasing demand for sustainably grown agricultural products.
The union will further create greater value through integrating solutions across light control systems, refrigeration, renewables, robotics and Industry 4.0 digital technologies, to increase flexibility and reduce costs while improving capital efficiency.
"This collaboration is bringing two key technology experts in creating value for both the producers and consumers," said Mostafa AlGuezeri, managing director of UAE and Oversight Countries, ABB.
"With this partnership, we will explore innovative and disruptive technologies that can optimise food production and reduce wastage.
“This is of immediate interest and need in the Middle East and Africa region and we are excited to be in this partnership that will possibly improve food security and water stress."
Acceleration and education
Heliospectra's advanced light control systems and fully-adjustable spectra LED technology, which accelerate food harvest cycles and therefore the time to market, will provide the technical foundation for the new partners' technology co-development.
The partners will also create programmes for educating growers in best practices for sustainable agriculture.
“This opportunity will enable us to provide fully-integrated solutions, from facility planning and design to cultivation and installation specialists, ready to support commercial growers and businesses within the region," said Ali Ahmadian, CEO of Heliospectra.
"An additional billion people will live in the Middle East and Africa in the next 20 years. With the increasingly urbanised population, indoor and urban farming would become the most sustainable way forward," said Mohammed Farahneh, Food and Beverages Manufacturing Segment Manager, Middle East & Africa, ABB.
“With our partner Heliospectra we aim to write the future of food production.”
Ali said ABB has demonstrated the ability to apply considerable resources and expertise as “a major market leader” in sustainable agriculture and food production.
“We are pleased to work with a partner that shares our passion for innovation and quality. Together, we strive to help food growers create a smarter, sustainable and more productive future," he said.
Eye on new markets
The signed agreement is valid for the next two years, with a goal to extend the partnership to new markets across the region over time.
“Our relationship with ABB represents a powerful opportunity for Heliospectra to significantly expand our presence in the Middle East and Africa, a vibrant and important global market,” said Ali.
ABB specialises in electrification, robotics and motion, industrial automation and renewables, while Heliospectra has expertise in intelligent lighting technology for greenhouse and controlled plant growth environments.