Every impressive innovation starts with a single idea, but ideas need somewhere to grow.
So, On Wednesday the 24th of June I went to the Norfolk Showground where I explored the Innovation Hub, a centre full of growth where prominent organisations showcased their new products, methods and ideas about Agri-Tech and Food Tech to colleagues and future clients. These products and innovations were created here in Norfolk, and what better place to promote these creations than at the largest agriculture show in the country, in the county they call home?
Whilst mooching around the different stools, I spoke to a representative of HotHouse Therapeutics, an organisation which works with plant bioengineering and drug discovery in an affordable, low-impact and predictable way. It is guided using artificial intelligence to turn plants into therapeutics naturally and sustainably. The presenter and their colleague demonstrated how to inject a plant with the admired genes and then asked if I wanted to have a go, and of course, I said yes! This exciting demonstration and innovation really helped to put what the company does into practice and understanding and highlighted the advantages of plant bioengineering to help the planet and the people, all in a sustainable fashion.
I also had the chance to chat with a representative of Plenty Sense who described their innovation: a sensor device to measure the levels of nitrogen in the soil, especially benefitting farmers, meaning they know when to add more or less fertiliser. I’m also intrigued that this device can help to prevent the bigger concern associated with farming: eutrophication (which happens via the washing of nutrients into bodies of water). If more farmers could use a device such as this one, excess nutrients wouldn’t be washing off into rivers and harming the water quality, nor the aquatic life, leading to a healthier environment.
Overall, I would say that my time spent at the Innovation Hub was a captivating, informative, and productive experience. I really enjoyed taking part in a demonstration of plant bioengineering and learning about devices that farmers could use for measuring soil nitrogen levels. I also liked talking to the different stands about their ideas and being up to date in the innovation world in Norfolk. Next year, I am hoping to see more creations blooming at the Innovation Hub and speak to more fantastic pioneers!
Blog piece and photography by Lea Zegan of Norwich School.
