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University of Essex

The Essex Plant Innovation Centre (EPIC) of the University of Essex launched in September 2019 and combines the wide-reaching expertise of academics in the Schools of Life Sciences and Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.

Current projects include state-of-the-art robotics and AI for crop harvesting as well as developments in hydroponic systems and LED lighting for vertical farming.

EPIC works to answer the fundamental questions and real-world challenges faced by the agri-tech and environmental industry through innovative research and nurturing productive relationships with business partners.

Take a look at this video from BBC Breakfast on the University’s work with Tiptree to build fruit-picking robots:

The University has one of the UK’s leading plant productivity research groups, and impressive credentials in the area of plant research. Some potential applications of their research include: monitoring techniques to determine crop physiology, performance and plant health; technologies and know-how to manipulate plant growth and post-harvest performance; and genome-wide methods for discovering and exploiting traits for molecular breeding programmes. Furthermore, their specialist research can be applied to increase plant productivity and yield through improving photosynthesis, enhanced plant growth and yield, greater plant water use efficiency and the ability of plants to sense and respond to abiotic and biotic stresses.

The University of Essex has a significant impact on the regional economy of the East of England, as well as on the rest of the UK. The University attracts a very large cohort of students every year from all across the UK as well as from the EU and overseas and is one of the largest employers in Essex and in the region. Additionally, it has forged links with many local and national businesses, public bodies and third sector organizations, with a variety of engagement activities being pursued currently.

The University is flexible and innovative in proposing ideas. It aims to foster a professional relationship around R&D projects aimed at solving a specific problem or creating a new commercial opportunity.

Find out more about plant science capabilities at https://www1.essex.ac.uk/bs/research/centres_and_groups/pp/

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Breeding wheat to withstand higher temperatures

It may be possible to protect the performance of crops such as wheat against heat stress caused by rising temperatures. Researchers, including the University of Essex, have found a way of bypassing one of the enzymes used to control photosynthesis; the natural process plants use to convert sunlight into energy and food.

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EIRA Annual Report 2020

EIRA have released their latest Annual Report, which focuses on the key achievements, financials and benefits the project is bringing to the East of England. As EIRA moves into the final months of delivery, this key document highlights the impact the network has had on the region to date, as well as outlining some of the remaining exciting activities that are yet to take place. Overall, the publication demonstrates that by working collaboratively and connecting capabilities, EIRA has capitalised on the research and innovation base of its partners, encouraging connectivity and harnessing a broad range of skills, resources and academic expertise to support business. EIRA has also enabled smaller institutions to access vital funding to better enable their engagement in KE and build their capacity to deliver regional research and development.

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Computer vision system to predict disease risk

A computer vision system to predict outbreaks of diseases such as botrytis and mildew in strawberry crops, has gained funding from a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The joint project between fruit growers and preservers Wilkin & Sons and academic experts at the University of Essex aims to monitor and prevent disease. It is to use a drone to monitor the crop using computer vision and Internet of Things (IoT) with the goal of reducing inputs and improving yield.

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Essex Plant Innovation Centre

EPIC, the Essex Plant Innovation Centre, is an initiative that brings together the best of the University of Essex’s research in plant and environmental sciences, computer sciences & engineering, data science and business expertise to work with the commercial sector and stake holders to address some of the key challenges facing the agriculture and horticulture space. We can work with you on many levels - at its simplest, you bring us a problem related to agri-tech, and we offer guidance. We can provide bespoke research services all the way to collaborating with you on product innovation, IP protection and the spin out of new ventures. We're ready to develop your ideas and bring them to market.

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Harvesting the fruits of agri-robotics

Learn more about the research in agri-robotics happening at the University of Essex in collaboration with Tiptree jam.

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New funding to connect innovative East of England businesses with research power of our universities

Businesses are to harness the power of the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and digital creative thanks to a new partnership between seven universities and colleges across the East of England.

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