Topian, NEOM’s forward-thinking food company, has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its first high-tech greenhouse in Oxagon, an industrial hub on the Red Sea coast. This cutting-edge facility aims to demonstrate how innovative technology can transform food production in arid regions, bolstering food security while minimizing environmental impact.
The four-hectare (9.9 acres) greenhouse is located within Oxagon Innovation Bay and integrates state-of-the-art systems to optimize crop quality and yield.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian, highlighted the greenhouse’s role in driving sustainable food systems. “By harnessing advanced climate control and predictive AI models, we can cultivate crops efficiently, producing nearly 4,000 tons of fruits and vegetables annually. This approach helps mitigate the challenges posed by climate change, not only for Saudi Arabia but for other arid regions,” he said.
Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of Oxagon, emphasized the broader vision: “This pilot is a leap forward in establishing a fully localized ‘farm-to-table’ supply chain. It showcases how clean technology can reshape industries and deliver lasting sustainability.”
The greenhouse utilizes advanced automation to modulate climate parameters, assess crop viability, and maximize cooling efficiency—a critical factor in arid regions. Future expansions will leverage NEOM’s photovoltaic network, ensuring energy efficiency aligns with its sustainability goals.
Preliminary trials will focus on crops like lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries, with scientists analyzing their taste, texture, and other attributes under controlled conditions. This approach promises fresher, higher-quality produce year-round for NEOM residents and hospitality partners.
The pilot is a testbed for scalable solutions, encouraging other enterprises to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Dutch horticultural technology leader Van der Hoeven was key in constructing this facility, lending decades of expertise in innovative greenhouse designs.
Globally, companies like AeroFarms and Plenty are exploring similar high-tech agricultural solutions to combat food insecurity and climate challenges. AeroFarms, for example, has pioneered vertical farming systems in urban areas, while Plenty leverages AI-driven greenhouses to maximize yield. Topian’s project in NEOM represents a convergence of these global trends with region-specific solutions for arid climates.
