Luminescent Quantum Dot Greenhouse Glass for Improved Crop Yields

UbiQD Inc. is a nanotechnology company from Los Alamos NM that is currently developing greenhouse technology based on quantum dots (QDs) that will impact greenhouse farmers by improving crop yields and quality. The project objectives for this Phase I project are: 1) Develop QD-infused laminated glass prototypes that optimize the spectrum of sunlight for increased yields for glass greenhouse growers and 2) Quantify the yield improvements due to the modified spectrum for greenhouse-grown lettuce a crop increasingly grown in controlled environments in the US. The QD greenhouse glass improves the spectrum of sunlight in a greenhouse by converting short wavelength light to longer wavelengths. The glass panels will be designed to maximize UV absorption and red light transmission while maintaining high PAR transmittance (>80%). If successful the plant study and prototype development conducted in Phase I will demonstrate improved crop yields under the QD-enhanced agricultural glass and offer greenhouse growers an alternative for yield enhancement to expensive and electricity-consuming supplemental lighting options. A successful Phase I project will serve as a foundation for Phase II-III efforts where the QD glass products can be scaled to meet the large greenhouse demand ($21B market in 2017 where 30% of U.S. greenhouses are of glass construction) and become a commercial product. Through its yield improvements the QD-glass products will enhance commercial greenhouse horticulture production in the U.S. Since the product does not require electricity it also serves as an energy efficient solution to boosting crop yields compared to artificial lighting.