One of Sweden’s top technology start-ups of 2012, Heliospectra AB, announced today that it has officially launched the L4A Series 10 LED light system aimed at giving researchers an advanced tool for making new discoveries in the plant sciences.
Ahead of today’s formal launch, a handful of researchers received the L4A Series 10 to research the effect of specific light spectra on plant characteristics. One of these studies is to develop species specific lighting, or light regimes, for optimizing and modulating plant growth. Heliospectra’s system has 240 individual LEDs across seven different wavelengths ranging from violet to far red. Each wavelength channel is individually adjustable allowing researchers to create precise spectra to match their experimental needs.
Scientists are excited at the new opportunities for furthering their discoveries using Heliospectra’s technology. At the Australian National University’s Research School of Biology, Dr. Justin Borevitz is one such scientist. “We are about to start growing our first plants under diurnal spectral conditions using the L4A. As a researcher we want a flexible light system that features the control to deliver a precise spectra and intensity for accuracy in our research. Having a system like Heliospectra's is incredibly exciting to start working with in our lab.”
Future technologies being developed at Heliospectra
Heliospectra is leading a new era in horticulture lighting through its patented system that will capture biological feedback from plants and use this feedback to control light delivery. Through sensing and control, plant signals will be monitored and the light system will be altered in order to protect the plant. Who said plants can’t talk? Staffan Hillberg, Heliospectra’s CEO, has a team that has figured out how to listen: “Plants are living organisms and do communicate when they are stressed – be it because of a lack of water, too much light, or being under attack from insects or fungus. Incorporating plant signals into a system that can detect and adapt to the varying needs of plants is something that we believe will completely alter how to grow plants.”
Though the launch of the L4A Series 10 does not include this bio-feedback technology, it is arguably the most advanced LED lighting system available today. In the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) assessment of Heliospectra’s technology for the "WWF Climate Solver 2012” award, they note that Heliospectra’s LED light systems “…have the capacity to reduce global greenhouse emissions by 21 million tonnes per year by 2022, if 20 per cent of greenhouses with supplementary lighting invest in this type of technology.”
About Heliospectra
Founded in 2006, Heliospectra specializes in smart LED lighting solutions for plant science and horticulture applications. Heliospectra’s products are based on a deep knowledge of plant physiology and photosynthesis as well as unique ways of utilizing modern LED technology. After six years of development in Sweden, the company is now moving briskly into international markets. The company has raised over $4.48 million USD in venture funding and received over $2.6 million USD through academic grants. They have also received several awards for their forward-thinking technology.
