LEAP – LED Lights for Enhanced Acceleration of Photosynthesis

Project period: March 2026 to May 2027

Controlled environment agriculture, including indoor farming and microalgae cultivation, offers new opportunities for sustainable food and biomass production. However, these systems are often challenged by high electricity demand for lighting and substantial energy use for climate control. LEAP addresses this challenge by testing QBL’s patented LED technology, designed to stimulate photosynthesis more efficiently through specific light frequency combinations.

Within this project, DTI will play a central role in developing the experimental setup, test protocols, and validation framework for the technology. DTI will conduct and coordinate systematic growth trials in controlled facilities, including tests on hydroponic crops and photosynthetic microalgae. The institute will measure growth performance, biomass productivity, and energy consumption, and carry out the technical and statistical evaluation needed to document the effects of the lighting technology.

QBL ApS contributes the LED technology and expertise in photosynthesis-focused lighting design. NordicFlexHouse provides BioPod facilities and experience in controlled cultivation systems, while Nordic Greens supports commercial validation in lettuce production. Together, the partners will generate knowledge on how advanced lighting solutions can improve productivity and resource efficiency in indoor agriculture.

LEAP contributes to reducing the climate footprint of controlled environment agriculture by targeting shorter production cycles and lower energy consumption. The project also supports the development of greener protein and biomass production systems, including microalgae cultivation, and strengthens Denmark’s position in sustainable agricultural and biosolutions technologies.

LEAP is a project funded by GUDP with 4 partners from Denmark: QBL ApS, Danish Technological Institute, NordicFlexHouse ApS, and Nordic Greens A/S.