Fluence by OSRAM Named to Fast Company’s First-Ever “Next Big Things in Tech” List

Fluence by OSRAM (Fluence), a leading global provider of energy-efficient LED lighting solutions for commercial cannabis and food production, today announced it has been named to Fast Company’s inaugural Next Big Things in Tech list, honoring the technology breakthroughs that promise to shape the future of their industries—from healthcare to agriculture to artificial intelligence and more.

The final award list—which includes global giants, intrepid startups, and fresh research initiatives—recognizes more than 60 cutting-edge companies making waves in various industries. Fluence’s innovative lighting solutions earned honorable mention recognition in the [ ] for the company’s contribution in changing how the world cultivates food.

“The surge in advanced greenhouse technology and advent of innovative vertical farming techniques present interesting, viable solutions to the world’s increasing population and overall urbanization,” said David Cohen, CEO of Fluence. “Localized vertical farms can occupy less space—perfect for growing in condensed urban and suburban areas—and significantly reduce the time freshly harvested produce spends in transit. Greenhouses enable cultivators in harsh climates to maintain steady production regardless of a crop’s seasonality or regional weather patterns, and deliver farm-fresh produce to their surrounding communities year-round. There’s just one thing missing from an indoor farm or a greenhouse in the winter: sunlight. That’s where Fluence’s LED solutions come in.”

Greenhouses and vertical farms require supplemental or sole-source lighting, respectively, to grow crops—preferably a sustainable light source capable of growing beautiful, tasty food year-round that flies off grocers’ shelves. Fluence’s expert scientists, lighting engineers and horticulture specialists developed the VYPR and RAZR series broad-spectrum LED lighting solutions to enable greenhouse and vertical farm growers to produce consistent, high-quality crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, bell peppers, strawberries and others without sacrificing energy consumption or human working conditions.

“The benefits of LED technology for greenhouses and vertical farms cannot be understated. Data and insights from Fluence’s leading, global research endeavors indicate not only the near-immediate value of Fluence LED solutions—including energy cost savings, higher crop yields and safer, more productive working environments—but also the macro advantages of establishing a sustainable future for food production,” Cohen added.

“Fast Company is thrilled to highlight cutting-edge technologies that are solving real-world problems in unexpected ways. From climate change and public health crises to machine learning and security, these technologies will certainly have a profound impact on the future, and we’re honored to bring attention to them today,” says Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company.

In October 2021, Fluence announced the latest extension of its RAZR Modular System, now IP67 waterproof to withstand hyper-wet and humid environments within a vertical farm, as well as the company’s latest top light solution, RAPTR, which serves as an advanced one-to-one high-pressure sodium replacement. The next-generation top light consumes 1,000 watts at a high output, plugging in seamlessly to a grower’s existing facility for streamlined retrofits.

The Winter 2021/2022 issue of Fast Company is available online now and will hit newsstands on Dec. 7, 2021. Click here to see the final “Next Big Things in Tech” list.