Thanks to the Arqus initiatives promoting entrepreneurship and linking local ecosystems in its nine universities, either through the ISLYE mobilities or the International Innovators Award, multiple start-ups have been greatly successful. Get to know them!
greenhub solutions GmbH
Cultivating Success from Leipzig to the World
From the heart of Leipzig, the dynamic startup team greenhub has emerged as a well-known player in the vertical farming industry. Founded by passionate entrepreneurs, greenhub specialises in innovative vertical farming products that not only enhance agricultural productivity but also facilitate research and data collection on the growing process.Their journey was accompanied by the Arqus Alliance when, in 2021, they seized the opportunity presented by the Arqus ISLYE mobility funding to explore the European market in Bergen, Norway. This venture allowed them to examine internationalisation strategies, connect with potential clients, suppliers, and partners, and ultimately refine their business model for an international audience.
The team’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement has fueled their impressive growth. In 2023, greenhub successfully established itself as “greenhub solutions GmbH“, a testament to their evolving business vision. With a talented team of employees, they have attracted financing from business angels who share their enthusiasm for revolutionising urban agriculture. Their recent move to a larger facility in the south of Leipzig marks a new chapter in their expansion, providing the necessary space for research, development, and production.
The opportunities Arqus offered them in 2021 have already sparked off the spirit of greenhub‘s strong drive for a European network and fostered collaboration, which has now culminated in a major milestone: the submission of a European grant application with 18 high-profile research partners to drive vertical farming innovation across the continent.
One of greenhub‘s target markets is the Netherlands, where they have already secured their first customers. Their innovative solutions are not just about growing food; they are about creating a sustainable future for agriculture. As they continue to scale their operations and refine their products, greenhub exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit, proving that with the right vision and determination, a small team can make a significant impact on the global stage.
AIRFARM SRLS
From AIRALL to AIRFARM: how know-how can evolve and find new applications
In June 2023, Mattia Sartor and Linda Facco took part in the Arqus International Innovation Award (AIIA) with the AIRALL project, presenting a proposal in the field of Urban Air Mobility. You can watch their video here.
The idea stemmed from their interest in the potential of eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) drones applied to sustainable mobility in Italian cities.
However, they quickly realised that the urban context – especially in Italy – still presents significant regulatory limitations and certification hurdles for such systems. This scenario made it difficult to turn the idea into a concrete application in the short term.
This led them to a key reflection: why not apply the drone expertise they had developed to a sector where this technology can already make a tangible difference?
That’s how AIRFARM SRLS was born – an innovative startup headquartered in Friuli Venezia Giulia with operational offices in Veneto, specialising in precision agriculture.
AIRFARM leverages professional drones and artificial intelligence to provide advanced services to support winegrowers and agronomic technicians. They focus on multispectral monitoring, agronomic data analysis, vegetative vigour mapping, and variable rate treatments using drones – all aimed at improving production efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural processes.
Their journey shows how a project can evolve coherently, adapting to more receptive contexts while making the most of the skills acquired. From cities to vineyards, the guiding thread remains the same: technological innovation at the service of the land.
