RIYADH: NEOM’s food company, Topian, has unveiled its first high-tech greenhouse in Oxagon, the industrial hub along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.
The four-hectare facility, located in Oxagon Innovation Bay, is designed to pilot sustainable and localized food production using advanced agricultural technologies, according to a press releasae.
The greenhouse is expected to produce nearly 4,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually while developing AI-driven predictive models to optimize operations in similar environments.
This initiative is part of Topian’s broader mission to enhance food systems with sustainable practices that minimize resource use. It aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambitions to enhance food security, combat climate change, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, all in support of Vision 2030 goals.
“This project is exciting because this first set of high-tech greenhouses enables us to control the climate for plant growth in an environmentally friendly manner,” said Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian.
“It represents a positive step towards boosting regional and national food security and transforming food systems in Saudi Arabia and other arid regions affected by climate change,” he added.
The pilot will evaluate crop performance under various conditions, focusing on energy and water efficiency, cooling technologies, and radiation control. The project will leverage NEOM’s future renewable energy infrastructure to further optimize production, the release added.
Future plans include leveraging NEOM’s renewable energy infrastructure, such as its photovoltaic network, to further optimize operations.
Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of Oxagon, said: “This pilot aims to deliver, at scale, sustainably produced ingredients that NEOM residents and hospitality partners will be able to use – demonstrating an entirely localized ‘farm-to-table’ supply chain.”
The greenhouse will provide year-round availability of locally grown produce such as lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries, prioritizing quality and sustainability. Scientists will analyze taste, color, and texture to refine crop production for the consumer market.
Developed in collaboration with Van der Hoeven, a Dutch horticultural technology firm, the project serves as a testbed for innovative agricultural solutions. It aligns with NEOM’s broader goals to establish sustainable industries and tackle food security challenges in arid regions.
By showcasing the potential of clean technology and innovative farming practices, Topian’s greenhouse project underscores NEOM’s commitment to pioneering solutions that address global challenges and set a benchmark for future sustainable development.
