Tencent and Wageningen University: innovation in automated agriculture
At EP&C, we enjoy collaborating with companies that offer innovative and sustainable solutions. Tencent is a perfect example of such a company. Their mission: to completely transform the way lettuce is grown through full automation. The result is a more efficient and sustainable production process that is future-proof.
The Challenge: autonomous cultivation of lettuce
The goal of the challenge is to encourage multidisciplinary teams to design and manage a fully autonomous greenhouse. This means that all processes—from climate control and light optimization to monitoring the health and growth of lettuce plants—are carried out without human intervention. Achieving this requires advanced image recognition algorithms, self-learning control systems, and smart solutions for efficient energy use.
With 18 participating teams already, ranging from universities to technology companies, the competition is both exciting and complex. Each team aims to develop the most innovative and scalable solution.

The partners: combining innovation and expertise
Tencent, a global leader in technology, has leveraged its expertise in artificial intelligence and data analysis to optimize agricultural processes. As its preferred agent in Europe, EP&C has filed more than 100 patent applications on behalf of Tencent, highlighting their commitment to technological innovation.
On the other hand, WUR (Wageningen University & Research), a leading agricultural university, has been a pioneer in sustainable agricultural techniques for decades. By combining their agricultural knowledge with Tencent’s technological capabilities, the path is paved for revolutionary breakthroughs in the agricultural sector.

EP&C contributes to the future
At EP&C it is about more than just patents. We want to use our expertise to contribute to a healthy future and a better world. That is why we are committed to sustainable initiatives. Time Travelling Milkman's oil droplets is an example of such an initiative, as are Rival Foods' meat substitute and social firm Tworby’s bicycle conversion kit. The better we look after people and the environment now, the longer we can continue to do what we love: work with forward-thinking entrepreneurs.
Patented by

Rudi Riemens
Since joining EP&C in 1994, I’ve enjoyed working with passionate inventors across a broad range of technologies. My background in mechanical engineering equips me to analyze innovations down to their...
More about Rudi >