The first ever AVF Academy course was successfully completed between February 3rd-5th, 2025  @AgX, Aerofarms Facility, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The AVF Academy UAE programme is running in cooperation with Khalifa University. It provided knowledge that helps newcomers (investors, companies before the decision to enter the vertical farming business and or extend existing business to indoor/CEA activities) to clearly understand the potentials, challenges, and tasks to work on for becoming or setting up a vertical farming business.

The first AVF Academy Foundation course was an incredible experience, with our participants from academia, business, and investment sectors fully engaged in exploring the latest developments in hydroponics, aeroponics, climate control, business models, and innovative growing structures for vertical farming.

Here are the key highlights:

• Interactive sessions, where participants had the chance to apply their knowledge in hands-on workshops
• The personal exchange, which sparked meaningful discussions and new connections within the industry 
• Appreciation of the scientific rigour of the course content
• Business oriented content presented in a way that is easily applicable to real world situations
• Personal engagement is of great value to participants

This is why AVF holds in-person training: it allows the learning environment to be interactive and generative for both lecturers and participants.

Participant Dr. Silpa Ramachandran shared her experience: “The training provided top-tier insights into the key principles of the vertical farming industry from crop production systems to effective marketing strategies. A highlight was visiting the AeroFarms facility to experience cutting-edge management processes and technologies firsthand.”

Participants emphasized that most of the content provided cannot be found online /internet.

AVF would like to offer a wonderful thank you to our outstanding lecturers Bhaskar Rao, jasper den besten and Mandar Godge and all the experts who shared their knowledge with us. 

And a special thank you to Shoeb Ahmed Shaikh for all the hard work ahead of, and behind the scenes on the days of the training.

The next AVF Academy course is the Advanced CEA Farming Practices & Agri-Management course is being held in the same location between April 10th – 13th, 2025.  Contact ss@vertical-farming.net and learn more at www.avf-academy.com