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Fifth Annual CEA Summit East Deepens Its Roots at the IALR CEA Innovation Center in Danville, Virginia

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Fifth Annual CEA Summit East Deepens Its Roots at the IALR CEA Innovation Center in Danville, Virginia

Fifth Annual CEA Summit East Deepens Its Roots at the IALR CEA Innovation Center in Danville, Virginia

The fifth annual Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East closed out two days of connection and collaboration Sept. 15-16, 2026 at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, Virginia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center, the Summit brought together growers, educators, researchers, extension professionals and government representatives for an event built around real conversation, hands-on learning, and direct access to the research shaping the CEA industry.

“Our exhibitors consistently tell us that the size of the event and the mix of people here – growers alongside researchers, extension professionals and students — leads to conversations they don’t get anywhere else,” said Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con. “Everyone actually gets to talk to everyone else over the two-day event, and those conversations often turn into lasting partnerships and new projects.”

CEA Summit East 2026

“The location itself is a core part of the experience,” added Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at IALR and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center. “This year, we moved the sessions in one of our education tracks directly into our working research greenhouse, so growers and educators alike were learning in the same space where the research happens. Paired with guided tours of the CEA Innovation Center, it turns the Summit into more than a series of talks — it’s a firsthand look at applied CEA research and technology in action.”

Built for Conversation

CEA Summit East is built around a curated group of tabletop exhibitors and a program sized to give attendees more time for quality conversations. With everything — sessions, exhibits, meals and the CEA Innovation Center itself — housed within a single facility, growers running greenhouse, vertical farm and other protected cropping operations connect easily with educators, researchers, extension professionals, industry suppliers and government leaders throughout the two days.

Learning Inside the CEA Innovation Center

The IALR campus and its CEA Innovation Center, a joint project between the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and IALR, remain central to what sets the Summit apart. New for 2026, the Core Horticultural Skills deep-dive educational track moved out of a standard conference room and into the Center’s working research greenhouses, giving growers and students hands-on exposure to the fundamentals of production in a real-life growing environment.

An Evening at Two Witches

To get things started, the new Uncork & Connect Happy Hour Welcome Mixer was held Monday, Sept. 14, the night before the Summit opened, at Two Witches Winery & Brewing Company in Danville. The gathering gave speakers, exhibitors and attendees a relaxed setting to connect ahead two full days of education and exhibits.

Keynotes

Day one’s keynote, “Grow It, Then What? Building the Bridge to Market,” featured Kathlyn Terry Baker, CEO of Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD), in conversation with Matt Lohr, President of VP Strategies and former Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. The two discussed the role and work of ASD and practical steps growers can take to reach grocery, institutional and wholesale buyers for their produce.

Day two began with a fireside chat, “Beyond Leafy Greens: Lessons from Plenty’s Next Chapter,” with Plenty CEO Dan Malech and Tom Stenzel, Executive Director of the CEA Alliance, talking about Plenty’s shift to focus in on growing premium strawberries in Virginia.

2026 Exhibitors

From environmental controls and greenhouse structures to nutrient solutions, lighting and packaging, this year’s tabletop exhibitors brought a range of solutions and new resources for growers navigating every stage of CEA production. This year’s tabletop exhibitors included AmplifiedAg, Apogee, Berger, Dalsem B.V., Essentia Industrial Projects, Fork Farms, Green Laniel, Jack’s Nutrients, JASA Packaging Solutions, KBC Specialty Seeds, Koppert Biological Systems, MicroClimates, Moleaer, NEW AGE Laboratories, Pace 49, Priva, Rimol Greenhouse Systems, TotalGrow Lights, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Graduate Student Poster Competition

The CEA Summit’s Annual Graduate Student Poster Competition continued its mission of supporting the next generation of talent, giving emerging researchers a platform to showcase their work and connect with industry leaders. Presented by Dr. Kaylee South, Virginia Tech, this year’s winners included:

  • First Place (tie): Samuel Mattia, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, and Ellie Gregoire, Virginia Tech (not pictured)
  • Second Place: Yuna Gaire, University of Georgia

In addition to celebrating these outstanding students, the CEA Summit also featured a special Scholarship recognizing the contributions of Extension personnel. The Cooperative Extension System plays a vital role in supporting greenhouse and vertical farm producers — identifying their needs, sharing research, and providing practical solutions that drive the CEA industry forward. The CEA Summit Extension Personnel scholarship program covered registration fees for 10 specialists to attend the 2026 edition.

Closing with a Look Inside the Research

The Summit concluded with guided tours of the CEA Innovation Center, giving attendees a firsthand look at both greenhouse and vertical farming environments — a closing chapter that put the research, science and technology discussed throughout the two days directly on display.

 

Plans are already underway for the 2027 edition of CEA Summit East. Details and dates will be announced soon at www.ceasummit.com.

About Indoor Ag-Con

Now in its 14th year, Indoor Ag-Con is the global event for protected ag, greenhouse growing and CEA, connecting growers, suppliers, researchers, and technology leaders across the full agriculture supply chain. Indoor Ag-Con 2027 takes place March 24-25, 2027, at the Westgate Las Vegas. Indoor Ag-Con also presents CEA Summit East, held each fall in Danville, VA, in partnership with the CEA Innovation Center, a joint project with Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and IALR. For more information, visit www.indoor.ag.

About The CEA Innovation Center

The CEA Innovation Center is primarily housed in Danville, Virginia, on IALR campus and in Blacksburg, Virginia, on the Virginia Tech main campus. It is a joint project between the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and IALR to serve the growing controlled environment agriculture industry. It addresses the needs of the industry with research, education, and extension programs. For more information, visit www.ceaic.org.

RISE Summit

RISE Summit

Level up your business at the third annual RISE Summit—a favorite event packed with inspiration, skill-building workshops, and high-impact networking. This year, we are leveling up the experience even more! The focus is Innovation in Business, Manufacturing, and Agriculture. Whether you’re in manufacturing, agriculture, or any type of entrepreneur, this is THE EVENT for YOU!

IALR employees serving as session speakers:

Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research

 

Taurean Russell, Vice President of Information Technology

FermentSystems Launches on IALR Campus

FermentSystems Launches on IALR Campus

When biosystems engineer Luis Huezo, Ph.D., launched FermentSystems, he wasn’t looking to build a laboratory from the ground up.

Instead, Huezo chose to base his new bioprocess consulting firm on the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research campus, tapping into shared infrastructure, specialized equipment and a collaborative environment designed to help companies move quickly from idea to execution.

That approach allowed FermentSystems to begin operating much more quickly, offering fermentation and bioprocess development services to clients across Virginia and beyond.

“IALR has an infrastructure already in place,” Huezo said. “There’s a chemistry lab, greenhouses, all types of infrastructure already here that make it easier for an entrepreneur to come in and start a business.”

FermentSystems now serves as yet another example of how early-stage companies can utilize IALR’s Applied Research division as both an incubator and a technical partner, accessing high-end research tools without the capital burden of building and equipping an independent facility.

From Idea to First Batch

FermentSystems is a technical consulting firm that helps companies develop biological products through fermentation and bioprocess engineering. Huezo works with clients who have a concept, such as producing a protein or biologically derived material, but lack the equipment or expertise to test and refine the process.

“It’s a technical consulting company for fermentation and bioprocessing,” Huezo said. “The idea is to provide fermentation process development and bioprocess engineering, along with techno-economic and sustainability analyses.”

The company supports clients across microbiology, fermentation, downstream processing and feasibility analysis, combining experimental data with modeling to assess whether a concept can scale commercially.

“Usually when companies want to produce something, they want to have a small batch they can take to investors,” Huezo said. “But to get to that first batch, you have to develop and validate the process. And that’s what we’re trying to do.”

FermentSystems focuses on early-stage process development rather than manufacturing, helping clients reach pilot-scale readiness and make informed technical and business decisions.

Shared Equipment Accelerates Startup Timelines

By locating on the IALR campus, FermentSystems gained access to bioreactors and laboratory facilities already in use for workforce training and applied research.

The bioreactor systems are the same equipment used during IALR’s annual industrial fermentation workshops, which bring together students, faculty and industry professionals for hands-on training.

That shared-equipment model dramatically shortened the company’s startup timeline.

“It’s been three weeks since I moved in, and I’m setting up the reactors to start my first runs,” Huezo said in mid-April. “If I went to a different place with no equipment, it would take much longer just to get the reactors.”

IALR’s Applied Research division offers similar flexibility to other companies on campus, with tenants able to utilize laboratory benches, desk space, greenhouse facilities, SMART Platforms and specialized labs based on their needs.

“Every company faces unique challenges. We pride ourselves on offering customized research services that address specific goals, whether you’re an emerging startup or a global enterprise.” – Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Vice President, Applied Research, IALR

Part of a Growing Innovation Ecosystem

FermentSystems is one of approximately 20 businesses and organizations with a permanent presence on the IALR campus — a mix that includes entrepreneurs, large manufacturers, workforce partners, economic development organizations and legacy educational institutions.

Eight companies currently lease space within Applied Research alone, ranging from early-stage ventures to established companies such as Canon Virginia.

That density of varied organizations creates what Huezo describes as an incubator-style ecosystem, where companies benefit not only from facilities but also proximity to expertise, talent and potential collaborators.

“I see it as an incubator environment,” Huezo said. “The reactors are here. The equipment is here. I need to provide chemicals and consumables, but it would be 10 times more difficult to start from zero in another building.”

Huezo said locating FermentSystems on campus also aligns with IALR’s broader economic development mission.

“By starting a company, the idea is to bring projects and collaborations here,” he said. “That is all reflected back to IALR, because one of its goals is economic development in the area.”

As FermentSystems grows, Huezo hopes to contribute to the expansion of fermentation and bioprocessing capabilities at IALR — further strengthening the campus as a launch point for applied research companies.

“Hopefully putting Danville in a position where people would think, ‘Danville —that’s where fermentation happens’” he said.

Beneficial Bacteria Boost Lettuce Growth Through Reshaping Root Microbiomes and Driving Transcriptomic Shifts in Hydroponic Systems

Beneficial Bacteria Boost Lettuce Growth Through Reshaping Root Microbiomes and Driving Transcriptomic Shifts in Hydroponic Systems

Hydroponic lettuce producers face ongoing challenges in optimizing growth, nutrient efficiency and crop resilience in soilless systems.

A new study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by researchers from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) reveals that a naturally occurring beneficial bacterium can significantly enhance lettuce growth while triggering coordinated changes in plant gene expression and root microbial communities. The findings offer a biological pathway to improve productivity in controlled environment agriculture without increasing chemical inputs.

Read the Full Study

The challenge

Hydroponic systems are central to controlled environment agriculture, allowing growers to produce high yields with limited land and water. However, maximizing plant performance in these systems can be difficult. Crops often experience physiological stress, nutrient imbalances and reduced resilience due to the absence of natural soil ecosystems.

As growers seek sustainable strategies to improve crop health and efficiency, interest has grown in plant growth-promoting bacteria that can function in hydroponic environments.

“Understanding how beneficial microbes work in hydroponic systems is critical for developing sustainable solutions that improve both productivity and plant health.” – Chuansheng Mei, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, IALR

The study

The study evaluated the effects of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632, a beneficial bacterial endophyte, on lettuce grown in a nutrient film technique hydroponic system. Researchers measured plant growth, analyzed changes in plant gene expression over time and examined shifts in the root bacterial microbiome.

Lettuce plants inoculated with IALR632 showed significant gains in shoot and root biomass, along with higher leaf greenness, compared to untreated controls. By 21 days after transplanting, treated plants exhibited improved overall vigor and biomass accumulation.

At the molecular level, RNA sequencing revealed extensive transcriptional reprogramming in inoculated plants. Thousands of genes were differentially expressed over the course of early growth, with notable increases in pathways related to cell wall remodeling, lipid metabolism, nitrogen assimilation, and nutrient uptake. Genes associated with ethylene signaling, a hormone pathway often linked to plant stress responses, were modulated in a way that suggests reduced stress signaling and improved growth efficiency.

“This study provides clear molecular evidence that beneficial endophytes can fundamentally reprogram plant physiology in hydroponic systems,” Mei said.

Building on endophyte research

This work builds on years of research by IALR’s Plant Endophyte Research Center, which houses a library of more than 2,000 characterized bacterial endophytes. These naturally occurring microbes have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to act as biostimulants, boosting plant growth and nutrient uptake, and as biocontrol agents, reducing disease pressure in crops such as lettuce, cucumber and strawberries.

Previous studies have shown selected endophytes can increase yields by 20% or more in controlled environments and improve crop resilience under stress.

“What’s particularly exciting is that we’re now connecting those growth benefits to specific changes in gene expression and microbial community structure. That kind of mechanistic understanding helps move these technologies closer to practical adoption.” – Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Vice President, Applied Research, IALR

Root microbiome insights

In addition to plant growth and gene expression, researchers analyzed the root-associated bacterial communities. Inoculation with IALR632 significantly reshaped the root microbiome, increasing microbial diversity and enriching bacterial groups linked to nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion.

Despite its strong effects, Pseudomonas itself remained a relatively minor component of the overall root microbiome, suggesting the bacterium exerts its influence by triggering broader microbial and physiological shifts rather than dominating the community.

“This finding highlights the complexity of plant–microbe interactions in hydroponic systems. A single beneficial organism can act as a catalyst for much larger ecological and physiological changes.” – Sajeewa Amaradasa, Ph.D, Senior Scientist, IALR

Why it matters

The results demonstrate that beneficial endophytic bacteria can enhance lettuce growth in hydroponic systems through coordinated effects on plant metabolism and root microbial communities. This biological approach offers growers a practical tool to improve productivity, nutrient efficiency and crop resilience without increasing reliance on synthetic chemicals.

The findings are especially relevant for indoor farms, vertical agriculture operations and other controlled environment systems seeking scalable, sustainable technologies.

Future research will focus on integrating beneficial microbes into commercial hydroponic practices, evaluating performance across additional crops, and exploring microbial consortia tailored to specific production environments.

The research team

  • Chuansheng Mei, Ph.D., chief scientist, IALR
  • Scott Lowman, Ph.D., vice president, applied research, IALR
  • Sajeewa Amaradasa, Ph.D., senior scientist, IALR
  • Robert Chretien, laboratory research associate, IALR
Growing regional agriculture through connection and collaboration

Growing regional agriculture through connection and collaboration

Upcoming event highlights how IALR’s Value Chain initiative links producers, buyers and regional partners

Strengthening Southern Virginia’s local food system requires more than helping producers grow great products.

It requires connections.

That belief is at the center of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s (IALR) Value Chain initiative and will be on full display during Growing Regional Agriculture, an upcoming regional gathering designed to connect farmers, producers and agricultural partners from Southern Virginia and Northern North Carolina.

Hosted at IALR on May 6 from 9-11 a.m., the event will spotlight opportunities for farms of all sizes, introduce participants to emerging regional food hub efforts and encourage collaboration across county and state lines.

Register for the Growing Regional Agriculture Event 

The gathering builds on recent momentum, including a visit earlier this year from Piedmont Community College, whose leadership, faculty and students toured IALR to explore shared goals around agricultural innovation, workforce development and food systems coordination.

“Events like this are about bringing people into the same room so connections can happen,” said Mitchell Doss, IALR’s Value Chain Coordinator. “When producers, educators and institutional partners understand each other’s needs, it becomes much easier to build a food system that works for everyone.”

Filling gaps in the food system

IALR’s Value Chain initiative is focused on enhancing Southern Virginia’s local food system by identifying and filling gaps that can hinder economic growth.

While many farmers and producers want to expand their reach, they often lack the time or resources to effectively market their goods. At the same time, institutional buyers, including schools, hospitals and large employers, want to source local produce but can’t realistically manage relationships with dozens of individual suppliers.

By serving as a connector, IALR helps bridge that divide.

The effort, which is supported by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, supports producers and purchasers across Bedford, Brunswick, Campbell and Charlotte counties, the City of Danville, Franklin, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Patrick, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward counties, as well as Martinsville.

“This is about keeping food dollars local and helping farms remain viable,” said Scott Lowman, IALR’s Vice President of Applied Research. “When we can align production, aggregation and purchasing, the entire region benefits.”

REGISTER FOR THE FREE Regional Agriculture Event

Regional Collaboration in Action

That regional mindset was evident during Piedmont Community College’s recent visit to IALR. The group toured several facilities, including the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center, which is jointly operated by IALR and Virginia Tech, and discussed opportunities for collaboration as PCC advances its Center for Educational and Agricultural Development (CEAD) in Caswell County, North Carolina.

A group of people pose together with a statue of a Virginia Tech Hokie Bird.

Mitchell Doss (center) posed with several representatives of Piedmont Community College during a recent visit.

CEAD is an emerging regional initiative that will include a food hub, incubator farm space for beginning producers and workforce training programs. Like IALR’s Value Chain work, the project is designed to expand market opportunities, strengthen agricultural entrepreneurship and support rural economic development.

“At Piedmont Community College, we believe the future of agriculture in our region depends on strong partnerships and shared vision,” said Dr. Kevin Lee, President of Piedmont Community College. “Our visit to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research reinforced that when education, industry and producers come together, we can create meaningful opportunities for our communities. Initiatives like our Center for Educational and Agricultural Development (CEAD) project are designed to strengthen local food systems, support entrepreneurship and ensure that our rural economies continue to grow and thrive.”

Discussions during the visit also emphasized the importance of coordination across state and county lines. Agricultural supply chains often extend beyond geographic boundaries, making collaboration essential for improving logistics, aggregation infrastructure and market access.

An invitation to get involved

The Growing Regional Agriculture event is intended to continue and broaden that conversation around the best ways to connect producers with buyers in the region.

The event will introduce attendees to CEAD and other regional food hub efforts, provide space for farmers and partners to connect and highlight opportunities for commercial farms, diversifying operations and beginning producers alike.

IALR’s Value Chain coordinator also collaborates year-round with extension agents, nonprofits, food hubs and other partners to identify logistical barriers, share best practices and explore innovative distribution methods. Workshops and convenings like this one play a key role in building a more resilient and vibrant food system.

“Whether you grow food, buy food or support agriculture in other ways, there’s a place for you in this work,” Doss said.

Those interested in attending the Growing Regional Agriculture event are encouraged to register in advance.

Register for the Growing Regional Agriculture Event 

More information about the event and IALR’s Value Chain initiative can be found here, or by contacting Mitchell Doss directly at Mitchell.Doss@ialr.org or 434.766.6611.

Virginia Explores Innovative Path to Economic Growth Through Co-location of Data Centers and Food Production Greenhouses

Virginia Explores Innovative Path to Economic Growth Through Co-location of Data Centers and Food Production Greenhouses

Feasibility study highlights how co-locating high-tech agriculture with data centers can expand job creation, boost energy efficiency, and drive regional food system resilience.

A new feasibility report reveals an emerging opportunity to align two of Virginia’s target sectors—data centers and controlled environment agriculture (CEA)—through strategic co-location. This report was released by non-profit Resource Innovation Institute (RII) in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and GO Virginia Region 3.

The report, Co-locating Data Centers and Greenhouses: A Feasibility Report, explores how Southern Virginia can adapt global best practices to create a new model for regional innovation and economic development. Highlighting Agriport A7 in the Netherlands as a leading example, the study outlines how co-locating these industries can unlock resource efficiencies, create high-quality jobs, and enhance community resilience.

“Virginia is strategically building a strong foundation for Controlled Environment Agriculture, driven by innovation and strengthened through public-private collaboration, to position our Commonwealth as a national leader,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr. “This report shows the potential to create high-quality agricultural jobs in rural Virginia while delivering significant revenue gains for local communities.”

“As data infrastructure expands and CEA continues to gain traction in Virginia, there’s a unique opportunity to plan ahead for smart, synergistic development,” said Derek Smith, Executive Director of Resource Innovation Institute and co-author of the report. “We’re excited to offer this analysis as a roadmap for how Virginia can lead the nation in co-location innovation.”

The study presents a vision for clustered development zones where data centers and greenhouses share infrastructure, such as heat, CO₂, and energy, to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This clustering model, often seen in the Netherlands and Canada, offers a more competitive development plan compared to isolated facilities.

“We are pleased to collaborate with RII and IALR on this pioneering analysis,” said Lauren Willis, Chair of GO Virginia Region 3 Council. “Co-location between data centers and CEA operations represents an actionable, strategic opportunity to strengthen the regional economy while aligning with our long-term development goals.”

This opportunity comes at a time of notable momentum for the CEA industry in Virginia, with Danville emerging as a hub of activity due to research assets like the CEA Innovation Center, robust broadband infrastructure, and ready industrial parks.

“Controlled environment agriculture continues to grow across Southern Virginia,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. “This model of co-location can position our communities to compete nationally while delivering long-term economic and workforce benefits.”

Key Findings from the Report:

  • Waste heat from data centers can be repurposed to benefit greenhouse operations by providing energy, heating, and CO₂ for plant growth.
  • CEA offers strong job creation potential, with each 65-acre greenhouse supporting 140–270 jobs, significantly more than a typical data center.
  • Industrial clusters unlock shared infrastructure and economic multipliers, making co-located development more competitive than standalone facilities.
  • Southern Virginia is uniquely positioned to pilot this concept due to its broadband access, industrial sites, and assets like the CEA Innovation Center and robust workforce training programs

The study recommends evaluating specific co-location sites, launching a demonstration project, and building a coalition to coordinate public-private investment. Drawing on decades of greenhouse management experience, report co-author Rob Eddy, RII’s Horticulturist, emphasizes the importance of aligning infrastructure planning with agricultural and data sector growth to maximize economic and environmental returns.

This research aligns with RII’s broader work through the CEA Accelerator, a U.S. Department of Energy-supported initiative advancing energy- and water-efficient agriculture. By integrating co-location strategies into regional development, the report offers a roadmap for communities like Southern Virginia to pursue resilient food systems, efficient industrial design, and long-term job creation.

Download the full study 

Contact: Derek Smith, Executive Director
Email: derek@resourceinnovation.org

About Resource Innovation Institute (RII):
Resource Innovation Institute (RII) is a non-profit shaping the future of food, energy, water, and data systems. Partnering with governments, utilities, industry leaders, and research institutions, RII develops strategies and tools that scale controlled environment agriculture (CEA) as a solution to global food and resource challenges.
Building on work with the U.S. Department of Energy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USDA, and state agencies, RII is designing Farm Parks, regional resilience hubs that unite high-tech food production, circular resource sharing, and data infrastructure to achieve economies of scale.

About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR)
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts.

About GO Virginia Region 3
GO Virginia Region 3 works to grow and diversify the economy of Southern Virginia by investing in regional projects that drive innovation, workforce readiness, and business growth.

Inside IALR Podcast: Tracking Plant Growth Pixel by Pixel

Inside IALR Podcast: Tracking Plant Growth Pixel by Pixel

What if you could track a plant’s health and growth every 15 minutes, all automatically and without ever touching it?

In this episode of Inside IALR, Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, explores the SMART Platform—IALR’s Spatially and Mechanically Accurate Robotic Table system. These high-tech tables combine robotics, precision imaging and automation to capture tens of thousands of data points per experiment, helping researchers analyze plant growth, stress response and even subtle movements in real time.

Learn how the SMART Platforms allow for entire plant life-cycle testing for beneficial microbes and enable real-time monitoring of plant health. You’ll hear about how interns have played a central role in coding and refining the system, how companies can contract research on the tables and how this technology is helping lay the groundwork for more sustainable agriculture.

Whether you’re into agtech, robotics, plant biology or data science, this episode connects it all. Plus, you’ll hear how this one-of-a-kind platform is opening doors for students and researchers alike.

🔍 Topics Covered:

  • What makes SMART Platforms unique
  • How 80,000+ images become meaningful plant health data
  • Intern-driven innovation in Python and computer vision
  • Industry collaboration and commercialization opportunities
  • The future of AI in agriculture and early stress detection

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LISTEN ON IALR’S SITE

 

Industrial Fermentation Workshop Builds Biotech Skills

Industrial Fermentation Workshop Builds Biotech Skills

Industrial fermentation, the large-scale use of microorganisms to create valuable products, powers a broad range of industries, from pharmaceuticals to food production. To teach the fundamentals of fermentation to entry-level professionals and students, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted the VT IALR Industrial Fermentation Workshop Builds Skills on Jan. 13-17.

Co-taught by Dr. Scott Lowman (Vice President of Applied Research at IALR), Dr. Biswarup Mukhopadhyay (Professor in Virginia Tech’s Department of Biochemistry) and industry experts, this five-day, hands-on workshop served participants ranging from community college students to seasoned professionals seeking new skills.

  

The result was a blend of classroom instruction, laboratory experiments and real-world insights into scaling up microbial processes.

“We’re so thrilled to host the workshop here at IALR. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to bring academic experts and industry together for a hands-on, fast-paced introduction to industrial fermentation.” – Scott Lowman, Ph.D., Vice President, Applied Research, IALR

Interdisciplinary Focus on Scale-Up

Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D., Professor, Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry

Fermentation processes draw on microbiology, chemical engineering and more—disciplines that must align for the successful development of commercial-scale products. Participants explored how small-scale lab work translates to large industrial fermenters and bioreactors.

“A student might develop a process in the lab on a Petri plate or in a small flask. When it scales up, sometimes it doesn’t work the same way. Part of this workshop is learning what precautions to take early on so the process will translate well to a larger reactor.” – Biswarup Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D., Professor, Virginia Tech Department of Biochemistry

Hands-On Learning with Cutting-Edge Equipment 

Participants spent significant time operating bench-scale bioreactors, adjusting variables like temperature and pH and collecting real time data. Industry partner Distek Inc. provided some equipment for students to practice what they learned.  

“Many training courses focus a lot on theory and lectures, which is great. You get foundational knowledge that way, but solidifying it and running the systems with microbes drives home those concepts we learned in the lecture. The ability to go back and forth between the two sets these students up for understanding how the industry works, not only from a conceptual side but when they run the small-scale bioreactors.” – Justin Cesmat, Product Line Manager, Distek

Justin Cesmat, Product Line Manager, Distek

Participant Perspectives

Attendees ranged from undergraduate students aiming to break into biotech to seasoned professionals exploring new skills. They praised the workshop’s focus on real-world applications and its clarity for potential career paths.

“The workshop was wonderful. Now I have a better perspective on industry and what it takes to get from education into the field.” – Skyler Gentry, Biotechnology Student, Virginia Western Community College

Skyler Gentry, Biotechnology Student, Virginia Western Community College

“It’s been a comfortable learning experience. I think this is a great starting point for fermentation training. This is a good skill for any scientist to have.” – Udipta Bihari, Student, Virginia Tech

“This workshop has been good to teach. We have people who have never worked with fermenters and those in the field who are looking to commercialize from industry, and then students who are learning how things they’ve been doing on a small scale could be brought into their future careers as they think about how to commercialize something they’re learning in the lab.” – Zach Baer, Ph.D., Fermentation Specialist, IFF

Looking Ahead

With the successful conclusion of this inaugural workshop, IALR plans to expand this type of collaborative training offerings in fermentation and other biotech-related areas. Organizations seeking to enroll employees or learn more about future training sessions can contact the Applied Research team for details.

About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg, along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. 

IALR Scientists Showcase Biologicals Research at National Congress

IALR Scientists Showcase Biologicals Research at National Congress

Two scientists from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) presented research at the 11th Plant Genomics & Gene Editing Congress and the 8th Partnerships in Biocontrol, Biostimulants & Microbiome Congress held in Raleigh, N.C. Dr. Chuansheng Mei and Dr. Sajeewa Amaradasa showcased posters highlighting the results of their research into the effects of biostimulants and biocontrol agents on hydroponic lettuce and cucumber production, respectively.

Dr. Amaradasa’s poster was selected as a winner in the poster competition, and he was then invited to present it during the congress.

Dr. Amaradasa showcased his work on “Biological Control of Pythium in Cucumber and Hydroponic Lettuce by Endophytic Pseudomonas Strain IALR1619.” Pythium is a persistent pathogen affecting cucumber and lettuce in indoor agriculture. Dr. Amaradasa’s study, published in PLOS ONE, found that treating these crops with a naturally occurring biocontrol agent improved plant survival rates and increased overall yield.

“Biocontrol agents offer a powerful alternative to chemical fungicides,” said Dr. Amaradasa. “Our work demonstrates that we can maintain effective disease control while minimizing ecological impact, which is essential for sustainable agriculture.”

Dr. Mei presented his research titled “Effects of Beneficial Bacterial Endophytes on Growth of Lettuce Plants, Transcriptome and Root Microbiome in Hydroponic Systems.” His findings, developed through a three-year collaboration with Virginia Tech and Appalachian State University, demonstrate how introducing a naturally occurring biostimulant can boost lettuce yield by 15-20% and significantly enhance root development.

“Our research is focused on providing growers with natural, effective tools to boost plant productivity,” said Dr. Mei. “The results show real promise for expanding sustainable food production in hydroponic systems, which is crucial as we look for ways to feed a growing population.”

The Plant Genomics & Gene Editing Congress focused on advancements in plant genomics and gene editing, with case studies on enhancing disease resistance and stress tolerance in critical crops. The congress also covered computational phenotyping, bioinformatics integration and the potential of artificial intelligence in plant research.

The 8th Partnerships in Biocontrol, Biostimulants & Microbiome Congress examined the development of agricultural biopesticides and biostimulants, focusing on plant microbiomes and their role in improving crop yield and stress tolerance. The event featured discussions on symbiotic plant-microbe relationships and regulatory updates for biological products.

The event provided a platform for IALR’s Applied Research team to share their cutting-edge work at the intersection of technology and agriculture, demonstrating how endophytes and other beneficial microorganisms can enhance productivity and sustainability.

“Our mission at IALR is to drive economic transformation, and our research team does that by meeting the needs of industry and producers,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Vice President of Applied Research. “We are committed to providing unique services and sustainable solutions in biotechnology, controlled environment agriculture and analytical chemistry.”

Third Annual CEA Summit East Sparks Innovation and Collaboration in Virginia

Third Annual CEA Summit East Sparks Innovation and Collaboration in Virginia

Building on the success of previous years, the third annual Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East returned to the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center in Danville, VA, from October 1-2, 2024. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con and the CEA Innovation Center—a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center —the event attracted 230+ attendees from 35 US states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong. The diverse audience of growers, educators, scientists, Extension personnel, suppliers, tech specialists, and government leaders gathered to explore the latest advancements in CEA technology and build valuable partnerships.

The two-day event featured a packed agenda of keynote presentations, panels, breakout sessions, and tours of the CEA Innovation Center facilities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with 21 tabletop exhibits showcasing cutting-edge innovations and services shaping the future of CEA. Alongside these sessions, a range of networking opportunities fostered new connections and strengthened existing partnerships.

“We’re proud to see the CEA Summit East improve year after year. The diversity of expertise represented here is impressive, and it’s a testament to the collaborative nature of this growing sector.” – Brian Sullivan, CEO of Indoor Ag-Con

“It’s inspiring to see leaders across the CEA spectrum come together to exchange ideas and strategies that drive our industry forward. This event underscores the importance of partnerships and shared knowledge in achieving the growth and success we envision for CEA.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center, Vice President of Applied Research, IALR

Morning Kick-Off Keynotes 

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a steadfast supporter of the indoor agriculture sector, kicked off the event with the opening morning keynote address. His session was immediately followed by the session, “What Is CEA: It’s Mission, Definition and Purpose,” with Paul Brentlinger, CEO, CropKing, Inc.; Jessica Soare, Senior Director of Marketing, BrightFarms; Mike Ross, Co-Founder & CEO, Beanstalk; and Dr. Michael Evans, Virginia Tech and Co-Director of the CEA Innovation Center. On the second day, the Leadership Insights Panel welcomed Carl Gupton, CEO, Greenswell Growers; John McMahon, Co-Founder & COO, Better Future Farms; Molly Montgomery, Acting CEO Executive Chair, AeroFarms and moderator Emily Gee, CEA Alliance Board Member and Marketing Director, AeroFarms, to the stage,

Educational Tracks

The CEA Summit featured three educational tracks – Production, Business and Education, Workforce and Training– that brought academics, growers and business experts together covering a wide range of topics ranging from food safety, economics of CEA, crop selection and aquaponics to strategies for energy management, onboarding training programs for new employees, and building international partnerships. Other panel discussions and 15-minute CEA Industry & Research Showcase sessions gave attendees the chance to hear about some of the latest research findings and other industry success stories.

Tabletop Exhibits & Networking

In addition to conference sessions, attendees had ample opportunities to visit with the Summit’s 21 tabletop exhibitors during coffee breaks, luncheon roundtables and an afternoon cocktail reception.

Graduate Student Poster Competition

This year’s summit hosted the 2nd CEA Graduate Student Poster Competition to provide an opportunity for graduate students to share high-quality CEA-related research; to expose commercial companies to qualified candidates; and to foster collaboration between individuals in academia and in private industry. Eight finalists competed, and Liam Reynolds, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, took first prize for his poster, “Evaluation of Radish, Broccoli, and Lettuce Microgreens Irrigated with Hydrothermal Liquefaction Aqueous Phase.” Nathaniel King-Smith, The Ohio State University, was awarded second place for his poster, “Exploring Sustainable Alternatives for Critical Materials: Hydroponic Cultivation of Rubber Dandelion (T.kok-saghyz) for Rubber Production.”

The next edition of CEA Summit East will be held September 9-10, 2025. Look for more information coming soon to the event website – www.ceasummit.com. In addition, save the dates for the next edition of Indoor Ag-Con, March 11-12, 2025 at the Westgate Las Vegas.

CEA Summit East 2024

ABOUT INDOOR AG-CON

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops. 

About Indoor Ag-Con

ABOUT THE CEA INNOVATION CENTER

The Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center is a joint project with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, IALR’s Applied Research division and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally. 

About the CEA Innovation Center

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to Deliver Opening Keynote Address At CEA Summit East

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin to Deliver Opening Keynote Address At CEA Summit East

Indoor Ag-Con and the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center – a partnership between IALR and Virginia Tech – are pleased to announce that Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will deliver the opening keynote address at the CEA Summit East, taking place in Danville, Virginia, on October 1-2, 2024. Governor Youngkin’s keynote will kick off the summit on the morning of October 1st, setting the stage for two days of dynamic discussions, research showcases, tabletop exhibits and collaboration within the indoor agriculture industry.

Governor Youngkin has been a steadfast supporter of the indoor agriculture industry, advocating for the combination of state investment, new technology, and company development to create a thriving ecosystem in Virginia. His commitment to fostering an environment that supports safe, sustainable, and locally grown food makes him an ideal keynote speaker for this year’s summit.

“We are thrilled to have Governor Glenn Youngkin open our conference with his keynote address. Governor Youngkin’s leadership has positioned Virginia as a premier hub for controlled environment agriculture. His efforts to drive economic growth through strategic investments and partnerships have made the Commonwealth a model for the future of indoor farming.” – Brian Sullivan, CEO, Indoor Ag-Con

Under Governor Youngkin’s administration, Virginia has seen significant economic development in the CEA sector, bolstered by its strategic access to domestic markets, plentiful resources, skilled workforce, and a network of robust public and private partnerships. These achievements have not only reinforced Virginia’s role as a leader in next-generation agriculture but have also paved the way for continued innovation and expansion within the industry.

“Governor Youngkin’s vision for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future aligns perfectly with the goals of the CEA Summit East. His support for the indoor agriculture industry and his dedication to creating opportunities for growth and development make him an inspiring figure for all of us working in this space.” – Dr. Scott Lowman, VP of Applied Research, IALR and Co-Director, CEA Innovation Center

Governor Youngkin’s journey from humble beginnings to co-CEO of a leading global investment firm, and now as a transformative political leader, exemplifies his dedication to hard work and common-sense solutions. His tenure as Governor has been marked by substantial achievements, including the largest education budget in Virginia’s history and numerous economic investments that have spurred job growth and opportunity across the state.

About CEA Summit East 

Returning for its third year, the CEA Summit East will be held from October 1-2, 2024, at the IALR Conference Center in Danville, Virginia. Co-hosted by Indoor Ag-Con, the premier trade show and conference for the vertical farming, greenhouse, and CEA sector, and the Virginia Tech (VT) – IALR CEA Innovation Center, this summit continues to be a key event for industry collaboration and innovation, featuring two days of tabletop exhibits, networking and conference programming.

Building on the success of its 2023 edition, which drew participants from 33 U.S. states, Canada, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the CEA Summit East 2024 is expected to once again unite professionals from academia, business, and technology within the CEA industry. Attendees will include greenhouse growers, urban agriculture operations, vertical farms, outdoor growers exploring hybrid opportunities, educators, scientists, extension personnel and agents, suppliers, engineers, tech specialists, architects/developers, government officials, and other industry members.

CEA Summit East Website

About Indoor Ag-Con

Founded in 2013, Indoor Ag-Con has emerged as the largest trade show and conference for vertical farming | greenhouse | controlled environment agriculture. Its events are crop-agnostic and touch all sectors of the business, covering produce, legal cannabis | hemp, alternate protein and non-food crops.

Indoor Ag-Con Website

About the CEA Innovation Center

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center is a joint project between IALR and Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. By developing strategic partnerships with both industry and academia, the goal of the CEA Innovation Center is to conduct research and educational programming to develop, promote and advance the CEA sector in the U.S. and internationally.

CEA Innovation Center