Funding tool: Applied research projects
Project-ID: FTI25-A-018
Project start: November 25^th, 2026
Project end: October 25^th, 2029
Runtime: 36 months / not yet started
Funding amount: € 359.567,00

Brief summary:
The Sapphire initiative (Scalable AI-Powered Platform for High-Impact Results in Medicinal Plant Cultivation and Entrepreneurship) addresses challenges in sustainable medicinal plant production through the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and federated learning. Sapphire aims to develop scalable, plug-and-play vertical farming systems tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to optimize cultivation efficiency, resource use, and product quality while reducing costs and environmental impact. Central to Sapphire’s approach are deep learning models that integrate environmental and plant-derived data for precise growth optimization. Novel plant-specific sensors provide real-time physiological insights, enabling dynamic adjustments to farming conditions. Federated learning frameworks ensure secure data sharing and continuous model refinement while maintaining privacy and regulatory compliance. Additionally, data altruism protocols foster collaboration among producers, regulators, and researchers to establish industry benchmarks and accelerate innovation. The project’s primary objectives are to (1) develop a scalable franchise for industrial medicinal plant cultivation and (2) establish a federated learning and data altruism framework that drives innovation and regulatory alignment. By addressing gaps in vertical farming technologies and enhancing system interconnectivity, Sapphire promotes sustainable agricultural practices, boosts economic outcomes for SMEs, and strengthens Lower Austria’s leadership in data-driven agriculture. Through structured work packages, Sapphire integrates IoT systems, deep learning models, and federated networks into prototypes validated in real-world scenarios. By reducing resource consumption and fostering collaboration, Sapphire advances global sustainability goals and supports the European Green Deal, offering solutions for medicinal plant production.

Keywords:
Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, Precision industrial agriculture, Data Altruism, Federated learning