In the rapidly evolving world of agricultural technology, a company named Ubiquity is making waves with its innovative approach to germination and sprouting. Specializing in the cultivation of legumes, grains, seeds, nuts, and vegetables, Ubiquity employs a proprietary climate-controlled chamber that significantly enhances the efficiency and nutritional value of the sprouting process.
The company’s system is a marvel of modern engineering, consisting of a 10-metre-long, two-metre-wide unit with four internal chambers. This sophisticated setup is capable of germinating up to 1,500 kilograms of produce per cycle. What sets Ubiquity apart is its highly efficient use of resources, utilizing minimal water and energy to drastically reduce germination time. Depending on the crop, germination cycles can be as brief as 12 hours for mung beans, 24 hours for soy and chickpeas, 36 to 48 hours for black and red soy, and around 48 hours for barley.
The nutritional benefits of Ubiquity’s process are substantial. CEO Horng Ji Lai explained to AgTechNavigator that the company focuses on sprouts because the germination process activates their metabolism, significantly boosting their nutritional profiles. For instance, after germination, chickpeas experience a notable increase in beneficial compounds such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and omega-3 fatty acids.
Ubiquity is actively seeking partners to collaborate on the development of innovative food products, a strategy that forms the core of its business model. Currently, 90 percent of the company’s business is focused on joint ventures and licensing agreements, with equipment sales playing a smaller role. Lai emphasized the shift in their business model, stating, “Originally, we were selling the technology, but we changed the business model because we saw that the future is about food safety, food resilience, and better nutrition.”
Through these partnerships, Ubiquity provides the technology, technical expertise, and product development support, while sharing in the commercial outcomes. This collaborative approach allows the company to be closely involved in the development of finished products rather than merely supplying machinery. Using its technology, Ubiquity has already contributed to the creation of various plant-based foods, including milk, sausages, cheese, yoghurt, and ice cream.
Lai revealed that the company is working with different partners globally to develop a range of plant-based milk items derived from various crops. Beyond human food, Ubiquity sees significant opportunities in pet care and animal feed, positioning its technology as broadly applicable across the food system.
Ubiquity has established partnerships or is in active discussions in Taiwan, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Middle East. The company attended the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in Dubai in December to explore more opportunities in the region. Lai believes that Ubiquity’s technology is well-suited for countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which rely heavily on imports for fresh produce. The technology’s minimal water requirements—around two tonnes of water for one ton of produce—make it particularly attractive for water-scarce Middle Eastern markets.
Looking ahead, Ubiquity plans to continue exploring opportunities in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, and the US. As a relatively new company, one of its primary challenges is educating potential customers about the nutritional changes that occur through germination. Lai aims to build Taiwan as its “showcase market” in the near term, hoping to establish a strong foundation and reputation that will attract more international partners and expand its technology and expertise to new markets.