Chlorophyll fluorescence patent

Before founding PhenoVation, the current CEOs worked at PRI (Wageningen, the Netherlands), where they were granted a patent for using chlorophyll fluorescence to determine the maturity of seeds. This was based on a method for detecting the maturity and quality of seeds by using the chlorophyll contents for seed selection, with lower chlorophyll contents indicating ripeness

Seed quality patent

In 1999, these same PhenoVation founders found a strategy for assessing the quality of non-germinated, germinating, and germinated seeds. A specific method was devised, and a patent was granted to the University of Wageningen. Because of the amount of fluorescence produced by chlorophyl in the inside of bell pepper seeds, separation was also made possible.

Plant quality patent

The use of fluorescence as a plant quality indicator was granted a patent in 2000. The Fv/Fm ratio was used to this end. However, because there were no powerful LEDs available at the time, a strong laser line was employed instead. During this time, work on constructing a laser for long-range, non-destructive plant measurements was underway. This same technology would later be found in PhenoVation's CropObserver.

MIPS system

The MIPS system was created to map plant quality using fluorescence patterns. This was done with the use of a laser that could distinguish between f0 and fm. During this time, LED lighting technology advanced, and PhenoVation began developing its own LED lights that could vary their lighting dependent on the intensity of the sun.

Art exhibition

Tiddo Bakker employed PhenoVation sensor systems in an art project at Naturalis Biodiversity Center. The chlorophyll fluorescence of plants was measured to reveal the hidden world of plants. A medium was designed to detect chlorophyll activity and provide insight into the plant's continual response to its surroundings. The medium provided the plant with a voice in a symbolic sense.​

NGI Venture Challenge

PhenoVation won the NGI Venture Challenge in 2011 with their CropReporter concept. The NGI Venture Challenge is designed to encourage the development of business ideas for scientific research spin-offs in the Life Sciences industry. The company PhenoVation was launched as a result of winning this prize.​

Introduction PlantExplorer 

This year marked the debut of the PlantExplorer PRO. The PlantExplorer PRO is a multispectral data and image measurement tool for plant study. It has a modular design that can be removed from a cabinet and installed on XYZ greenhouse structures. The cabinet's bottom half can be customised to suit your needs. It can, for instance, be made smaller to fit a tabletop or taller to accommodate larger plants. The system can measure regions up to 50x50 cm.

Introduction GFP/RFP analysis in modular systems

The GFP/RFP expression filters were already introduced back in 2016. The system was able to read these signals using a newly developed filter set, which was a milestone in research and development, as GFP and RFP are now commonly used in genetic experiments. In 2018, the filters were applied to modular systems like the PlantExplorer

Guggenheim Exhibition 

The PhenoMate was on display at the Guggenheim Museum in New York as part of the exhibition of Rem Koolhaas. Artificial intelligence, robotisation, and LED greenhouses were among the topics covered in this show, which focused on new developments in agriculture and horticulture.​

First price Hillenraad TECH50

The Hillenraad TECH50 competition awarded PhenoVation first place in the ‘Sensing & data collection’ domain. The Hillenraad TECH50 encompasses 10 horticultural domains. Several aspects were rated to evaluate the 280 firms, including business characteristics, growth potential, innovative/disruptive technology, tech as a revenue model, and significant R&D spending.

In 2022, PhenoVation marked a significant achievement by delivering numerous systems to system integrators. Over 15 of our cutting-edge camera systems were successfully integrated into automated Gantry and conveyor belt systems throughout the year.

Our advanced imaging technology enhances automation processes, providing precise monitoring and quality control. By partnering with system integrators, we have expanded the reach of our technology, contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of automated operations.

In 2023, we made a significant leap forward in our technology. We've boosted our resolution from 1.3MP to an impressive 12.3MP! This enhancement allows us to measure Fv/Fm and other key parameters with unparalleled accuracy. We're proud to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and providing our clients with the best tools for their research and development needs. Stay tuned for more updates and advancements!

In 2024, we achieved a significant milestone by moving into our new 300m² office and building area. This move marks an important step in our growth and development. Additionally, our team has expanded to 7 full-time employees.