Crocus Labs GmbH

Crocus Labs GmbH is a pioneering deep-tech company based in Berlin, Germany, specializing in the development of advanced lighting systems and intelligent control technologies for controlled environment agriculture (CEA). At the heart of Crocus Labs’ innovation is the SiriusX.3 horticultural lighting system—a modular, high-efficiency luminaire platform designed to optimize plant growth, energy consumption, and operational scalability in vertical farms, greenhouses, and research facilities.

Founded with a vision to revolutionize sustainable agriculture through photonic innovation, Crocus Labs integrates expertise in semiconductor engineering, AI-driven software, and plant science. The company’s multidisciplinary team includes specialists in LED device physics, embedded systems, horticulture, and data analytics, enabling a holistic approach to product development and deployment.

Crocus Labs’ core technology stack is built around proprietary LED chips and phosphor coatings, developed in collaboration with leading epitaxial foundries and materials partners. These custom LEDs are engineered to deliver precise spectral outputs tailored to the photosynthetic and photomorphogenic needs of various crops. The SiriusX.3 system incorporates a smart driver unit (CSD-03), capable of four-channel control with wireless connectivity, enabling dynamic light recipe management and real-time system diagnostics.

The company’s hardware is complemented by a robust software ecosystem. Through Work Package 2 of its EIC-funded project, Crocus Labs developed a cloud-integrated data infrastructure and a suite of AI/ML algorithms for sensor fusion and digital twin modeling. These tools allow growers to monitor environmental conditions, predict crop responses, and optimize energy usage with unprecedented precision. The system supports both cloud-based and local (offline) dashboard interfaces, ensuring flexibility and resilience in diverse deployment scenarios.

Crocus Labs has also invested heavily in validation and optimization. Through internal trials and external pilot projects with partners such as Infarm, Karl’s, and the James Hutton Institute, the company has demonstrated significant improvements in crop yield and energy efficiency. For example, dynamic light recipes developed for strawberries achieved up to 23% energy savings and 10.4% yield increases compared to industry-standard lighting. Similar gains were observed in leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, confirming the system’s adaptability across crop types.

Beyond technology, Crocus Labs is committed to building a strong intellectual property portfolio. The company has filed multiple patents covering LED fabrication methods, AI-based control systems, and full-spectrum lighting devices. It also maintains trade secrets in areas such as material sourcing, process integration, and algorithm design. This IP strategy ensures freedom to operate and positions Crocus Labs as a defensible leader in the agri-tech space.

Crocus Labs’ market strategy is equally forward-thinking. Recognizing the volatility of the vertical farming sector, the company has diversified its application focus to include medical lighting, architectural lighting, and automotive photonics. This strategic flexibility, combined with a strong foundation in R&D and manufacturing readiness, enables Crocus Labs to adapt to shifting market dynamics while maintaining its core mission: to spark life into spaces through intelligent, sustainable light.

In summary, Crocus Labs stands at the intersection of photonics, agriculture, and artificial intelligence. With a proven track record of innovation, validated performance metrics, and a scalable product platform, the company is well-positioned to lead the next generation of smart farming technologies. Its work not only addresses the immediate challenges of energy efficiency and crop productivity but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient and data-driven agricultural future.