General details
EDIHs involved
Challenges
The challenge addressed by the company consisted of consolidating and validating its sensor and climate control technology for Mediterranean greenhouses. The company sought to improve its IoT platform for agronomic decision-making by integrating sensors adapted to the greenhouse environment and developing advanced climate controllers. To this end, technical evaluations, demonstrations in real environments such as AgroConnect and AgroEcology Living Lab, and proof-of-concept tests were carried out with the aim of achieving a TRL 7-8 level of technological maturity.
Solutions
To address the challenge of optimising climate control in Mediterranean greenhouses, in collaboration with other entities, developed an IoT-based technological solution that integrates environmental sensors, a data analysis platform and smart climate controllers. The process began with an assessment of the digital maturity of the existing platform, followed by an action plan for its evolution. Improvements were proposed in the technological architecture and in the integration of sensors adapted to the specific conditions of greenhouses.
The solution was structured in several phases: first, a technical consultation was carried out to define the functional and technological requirements; then, a demonstration was implemented in the AgroConnect experimental greenhouse, where the interoperability of the sensors and the platform was validated. Subsequently, proof-of-concept tests were carried out in real environments, including commercial greenhouses, with the aim of achieving a TRL 7-8 level of technological maturity.
The main deliverables include a digital maturity assessment, a technology adoption plan, technical recommendations for improving the platform, and the configuration of sensor and control tools. This solution has enabled the company to advance its digital transformation, improve the energy and operational efficiency of its crops, and offer its customers a robust tool for data-driven decision-making, aligned with the principles of sustainability and precision agriculture.
Results and Benefits
The intervention enabled the company to make significant progress in the digital maturity of its greenhouse climate control solution. Thanks to the collaboration with the company and other entities, the technology developed was validated through testing in real environments, reaching a technological maturity level of TRL 7-8. The implementation of adapted sensors and smart climate controllers improved the accuracy of environmental variable monitoring, reducing the error rate in agronomic decision-making by more than 30%. In addition, savings of up to 25% in energy consumption and 20% in water use were recorded, which translates into a direct improvement in sustainability and operational efficiency.
Notable deliverables include: a digital maturity diagnosis, an action plan for technological development, technical validation reports, tools configured for sensorisation and control, and specific recommendations for adopting the solution in commercial greenhouses. The expected return includes improved competitiveness for the company, expansion of its customer portfolio in the agro-industrial sector, and positioning as a benchmark in AgTech solutions for precision agriculture.
Perceived social/economic impact
The solution developed has had a significant impact on the company, both in the short and medium term. The company has immediately improved its technological and operational capacity, reducing its dependence on external services thanks to the integration of its own sensors and controllers. This autonomy has led to an estimated 20% reduction in operating costs related to greenhouse maintenance and climate management. At the organisational level, the project has promoted the training of the technical team in IoT technologies and data analysis, strengthening its innovative profile and internal development capacity.
From a structural perspective, the collaboration with the university has allowed the company to position itself as a key player in the Andalusian AgTech ecosystem, opening up new business opportunities in agricultural markets that demand sustainable and digitised solutions. The validation of its technology in real environments has increased its commercial credibility, facilitating the scalability of its solution. In addition, the efficient use of resources such as water and energy not only improves its customers' profitability, but also reinforces the company's environmental commitment, aligning itself with the sustainability objectives of the agri-food sector.
DMA score and results - Stage 0
Digital Maturity Level: 24% Basic
Lessons learned
The collaboration between the company and EDIH identified several key factors for the project's success, including the alignment between the company's technological needs and the research expertise of the university. The availability of real-world testing environments, such as AgroConnect and AgroEcology Living Lab, was essential for validating the solution under representative conditions. From the company's perspective, the importance of clear planning for technological evolution was learned, as well as the integration of early validation processes that allow development to be adjusted to the real conditions of the agricultural sector.
Among the limitations detected, technical challenges related to sensor calibration in variable environments and interoperability between devices were identified. The need to strengthen change management within the company to facilitate the adoption of new digital tools was also evident. The EDIH recognised the importance of adapting development times to business dynamics and strengthening ongoing communication with technical teams. As a future improvement, it is proposed to establish agile monitoring and evaluation methodologies, as well as to promote continuous training in emerging technologies to ensure sustainable and scalable implementation.