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ENABLING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN EXTREME CLIMATES
by KAUST
KAUST spinout wins global recognition for greenhouse technology for crop production in hot and arid climates
RedSea, an agriculture technology (agritech) company founded by Dr. Ryan Lefers and KAUST professors Mark Tester and Derya Baran, is revolutionizing farming in hot climates.
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Agriculture accounts for 70% of freshwater use globally, making efficient food production crucial. The agritech being developed by RedSea, whose research facilities are located on the KAUST campus, aims to help commercial farmers reduce the amount of water and energy needed to grow crops in extreme environments.
The company’s approach is a roots-to-roof strategy, and its innovative products allow for higher yields, greater profitability and better sustainability. In addition, plant science and genetics research utilizing technology-powered breeding programs and biotechnology solutions have helped it develop salt-, heat-, and droughttolerant seeds and seedlings. The company’s activities have positioned it as one of Saudi
“Our core mission has always been to design and develop technologies to help feed the world. With RedSea’s technologies being used by
Arabia’s largest, fastest-growing sustainable food producers under the Red Sea Farms brand.
RedSea received an AE50 award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers AE50 in February 2023 and the Davidson Prize in March 2023 for its iyris SecondSky heat-blocking roof, which allows for high levels of light while simultaneously reducing the effects of excess heat. Tests in Saudi Arabia have shown that iyris-equipped greenhouses use 42% less energy than structures built using standard materials.
With backing from Saudi Aramco and the Future Investment Initiative, RedSea had deployed its technology on over 58 hectares across Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as of April 2023.
HSBC
“We’re pleased to be supporting RedSea at this early stage in their commercial journey. Solving food insecurity will require innovative solutions and significant investments in agritech ventures globally.”
Miles Thornhill, Head of Corporate Banking and Business Banking for the UAE, HSBC
