MetroCrops Projects

2010

MetroCrops, LLC was founded in the spring of 2010 to be the technology leader in controlled environment growing. MetroCrops’ Urban, High Density, Indoor (UHDI) growing concept is based upon developing the knowledge base and equipment to grow food in empty or underutilized industrial space in the middle of urban centers in the post-industrial northeast.

The jobs created by UHDI growing facilities will be permanent, full-time, 12-month a year jobs paying above minimum wage. Because of the urban location and nature of these jobs, they cannot be outsourced to other countries.

And, the unfulfilled demand for year round, locally grown produce in the northeast makes this project both timely and innovative. Small-to-medium sized UHDI “farms” will be able to fulfill this need in a never-before tried way using technology.

2011

Through a Phase I SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant from NIFA / U.S. Dept of Agriculture, MetroCrops began a 2-year study of the feasibility of growing lettuce hydroponically under LED lights indoors in converted, old factory buildings.

MetroCrops’ grow lab was located on the Depot Campus at the University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT). MetroCrops was a member of UConn’s Technology Incubator Program (TIP) from 2011 to 2013

Additionally, using a grant from Connecticut Innovations, MetroCrops was able to evaluate the potential of using a UTC (United Technologies) fuel cell to provide electricity, heat and CO2 for the grow chamber.

2012

During 2012 MetroCrops demonstrated that the UHDI growing concept is commercial viable. As part of the USDA grant, taste testing and test marketing showed an overwhelming consumer acceptance of the salad greens grown in the Storrs grow lab. The company also continued to develop its proprietary grow lights and hydroponic techniques.

Through another grant from Connecticut’s Technology Talent Bridge program, MetroCrops hired its first five paid interns. These interns worked on the market research tasks and developed a unique financial model for the company.

2013

In September 2013 MetroCrops was awarded a Phase II SBIR grant from NIFA / USDA. This generous grant enabled the continuation of MetroCrops’ UHDI growing research.

MetroCrops moved to Bridgeport, CT where its first full-size UHDI grow module was built. In early 2014 this module became a commercial “farm” as well as the site of the continuing SBIR research.