BoomGrow & CelcomDigi collab to launch AI-powered farms

Claudia Khaw

September 3, 2024

BoomGrow and CelcomDigi have announced a strategic partnership, an August 29 press release stated.

Founded in 2021, BoomGrow provides hyper-local farming solutions designed to create healthier, more sustainable food systems. Through its patent-pending technology, the startup optimises conditions for plant growth, driving indoor vertical farming to new levels of precision and efficiency with reduced environmental impact.

You might be wondering, what do indoor faming systems have to do with a mobile network operator?

Well, a lot actually. At least, there should be, because the technology can really enhance sustainable farming practices and food production.

By integrating 5G connectivity, AI, and XR (extended reality) with precision farming technology, BoomGrow and CelcomDigi aim to transform the agricultural industry in Malaysia.

Specifically, the three main areas of innovation that this partnership focuses on are as follows:

1. 5G-enhanced precision farming

Now powered by CelcomDigi’s 5G connectivity, BoomGrow Machine Farms can connect to a range of integrated sensors and monitoring systems that are able to give real-time data feedback.

This allows for more precise control of indoor farming environments and optimal conditions for crop growth.

2. Machine Farm AI & data analytics

Since the multiple Machine Farms feed back complex datasets and plant visualisation, advanced AI-powered analytics is especially helpful as it enables deeper analyses.

For instance, if there is an alert raised in one of the farms, the team will gain insights through the analytics to derive the root cause of the issue and address it immediately. This will enhance decision-making processes and improve overall productivity.

Furthermore, data collected from all the Machine Farms across the country are consolidated into a centralised dashboard, allowing for seamless oversight and management.

3. Agronomist Training via XR

Through XR technology powered by local startup XR Associate, future agronomists can engage in immersive training programmes remotely.

This allows them to gain hands-on experience and expertise in managing modern farming systems from different locations where BoomGrow Machine Farms are present. It will also help facilitate BoomGrow in onboarding new agronomists as they scale to roll out more Machine Farms in future.

The future must be green

BoomGrow is amongst the 40 pioneering partners of CelcomDigi’s AI Experience Centre (AiX), a facility to stimulate rapid innovation of 5G, AI, and other emerging technology solutions across diverse industries to accelerate Malaysia’s 5G-AI aspirations.

CelcomDigi’s Chief Innovation Officer, T. Kugan said, “We are pleased to have BoomGrow as our partner to reimagine farming in the age of digital-everything.”

The partnership was officiated by the Minister of Digital YB Gobind Singh Deo at Gurney Paragon Mall in Penang, where one of BoomGrow’s Machine Farms has been deployed.

To date, there are multiple BoomGrow Machine Farms established across Malaysia and the Philippines with one located at CelcomDigi AiX in Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Farming and agriculture at large has been a pillar in Malaysia’s economy, contributing around 7.1% to our country’s GDP in 2021.

Yet, much of the industry has been largely left unchanged over decades, which is worrying especially when put in the context of rising food insecurity and climate changes.

That’s why innovative startups like BoomGrow and collaborations with tech giants like CelcomDigi are important to spur on growth and improved solutions.

As BoomGrow’s CEO and Co-Founder, Murali Krishnamurthy, said, “The integration of 5G technology into our operations allows us to unlock new levels of efficiency and sustainability, driving the future of agriculture.”

He added, “CelcomDigi’s strong support for tech startups like ours not only advances our capabilities but also contributes to the growth of Malaysia’s startup ecosystem. Together, we are shaping a more innovative and sustainable future for the industry.”