CEA Lounge

Live Projects

Real-world collaborative projects led by FarmTech Society members and partners. Learn by doing, share what works, and shape the next round of sector-wide initiatives.

RE-Greenhouse. Interreg NW Europe

RE-Greenhouse is an Interreg NW Europe initiative co-funded by the European Union that aims to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems in the greenhouse sector. FTS has bought 11 partners across five European countries together. The initiative combines pilot greenhouse sites, cross-border knowledge exchange, and the development of a decision-support tool, to help greenhouse holders identify the most effective renewable energy solutions for their operations. Through demonstrations, training, and real operational data, the project aims to improve climate resilience, energy security, food production sustainability, and long-term competitiveness for greenhouse holders across the region.

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ERASMUS+ PonicsVET

A Vocational Education & Training program led by FTS and its partners. It is designed to close the workforce and skills gap in CEA through accessible, practical hydroponics education. Co-funded by the EU and developed with international partners, the program created a free 30-hour online Hydroponic Technician course covering plant science, crop cycles, hydroponic systems, automation technologies, and economic and regulatory fundamentals. Since launching in 2025, 850 learners have joined, with a 49% completion rate. Beyond education, PonicsVET is building a long-term talent pipeline through standardized competencies, workforce development, internships, and a future matchmaking platform connecting certified learners with commercial operators, research institutions, and industry stakeholders.

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EU flags flying against a blue sky

From Brown to Green

From brown coal to green growth: turning the Lausitz lignite region into a showcase for climate-neutral structural change — pairing renewable energy with fossil-free Controlled Environment Agriculture to supply a region of 10 million people.

Members only — join the Society Members only
AI-generated visualisation: aerial view of a campus combining data center buildings, greenhouses, vertical-farming towers and biogas digesters

From Coal to Cloud

Linking periurban R&D campuses like Cologne’s Circular Innovation District with hyperscale AI data centers in the Rheinisches Revier — waste heat, biogas, water and data flow in closed loops that grow food, power compute and create up to 10,000 regional jobs.

Members only — join the Society Members only