Agriculture, a sector that consumes approximately 70% of global freshwater resources, faces a growing crisis of water scarcity exacerbated by outdated and inefficient irrigation practices. Traditional irrigation methods not only squander precious water and nutrients but also contribute to diminished crop yields, heightened food insecurity, and increased carbon emissions. In response to these pressing challenges, Hong Kong-based agriculture technology startup Full Nature Farms has introduced an innovative solution at CES 2025: the Rocket 2.0 Smart Irrigation Platform.
Founded in 2019 by CEO Ray Lok, Full Nature Farms aims to revolutionize the way water is used in agriculture. Before launching this startup, Lok established Evergreens Republic, a USDA-certified organic aquaponics farm that caught the attention of real estate developers and government officials looking for sustainable farming solutions in areas with limited arable land. The Rocket 2.0 represents a significant leap forward, utilizing data and artificial intelligence to optimize irrigation practices. The platform promises to reduce water costs by 30%, lower energy consumption, and enhance crop yields—an enticing prospect for farmers grappling with the dual threats of climate change and resource scarcity.
Specifically designed for vertical farming operations, the Rocket 2.0 is a standalone system that integrates a suite of sensors to monitor crop yield, soil health, and environmental conditions. By leveraging AI and weather forecasts, it offers precise, automated irrigation control tailored to the specific needs of the crops. This level of technological sophistication positions Rocket 2.0 as a potential game-changer for commercial agriculture, impacting everything from landscaping and parks to community farms and vineyards.
Full Nature Farms has carved out a niche in its home market of Hong Kong, supplying high-quality crops like edible flowers and microgreens to over 100 Michelin-starred restaurants and hotel groups. The company’s innovative ecosystem includes automation controllers, software, LED grow lights, precision grow pipes, and an integrated farm management platform, all developed in-house to ensure seamless operation. As the startup expands its reach beyond Hong Kong to markets in Saudi Arabia and the U.K., it has set its sights on North America, where the demand for sustainable agricultural practices is on the rise.
The launch of the Rocket 2.0 has not gone unnoticed; it earned the CES 2025 Innovation Award in the Sustainability and Energy/Power category. This recognition comes at a time when investment in the agtech sector is rebounding, according to PitchBook data, signaling renewed confidence in technologies that promise to address some of agriculture’s most pressing issues. As Full Nature Farms continues to innovate and expand, its efforts could play a crucial role in reshaping the future of sustainable agriculture, potentially influencing practices worldwide and contributing to a more efficient use of water resources in the face of climate change.
