Introducing Aquatree Hydroponics Innovation in Dubai

In September 2025, Kevin Higgins, the founder and inventor of Aquatree products, and Andrew Kellam, the Director of Operations, had the incredible privilege of traveling to Dubai to showcase our latest hydroponics innovation in vertical farming technology. We presented at the 6th Annual Global Vertical Farming Show, one of the industry’s premier events bringing together growers, innovators, and investors from around the world. This was not just another tradeshow for us — it was the moment where Aquatree’s newest innovation, Grown-In-Packaging, made its public debut.

From the beginning, we knew we didn’t just want to talk about our technology; we wanted people to experience it. So, we arrived in Dubai a full week before the show with the very first prototype of the Aquatree Tower in our luggage. This was the first time we were operating our new commercial hydroponic tower in its final form with production trays and grow lights. Bringing it to life in a new environment, thousands of miles away from home, was exciting, but surprisingly not as nerve-wracking as we expected. Once they system was set up, all we had to do was let the tower do its thing.

Aquatree’s Indoor Hydroponic Systems Showcase Versatility

To make sure our booth truly demonstrated Aquatree’s versatility, we had also planned ahead. Two of our tabletop Aquatree Gardens had been shipped to the UAE in advance. We reached out to “Friends of Aquatree” in our network and asked them to grow 75 heads of lettuce on those units before the show. This collaboration meant our booth displayed not just a single innovation, but a full range of Aquatree Hydroponic solutions — from countertop systems for small spaces to large vertical towers for commercial applications.

Walking into the Global Vertical Farming Show on opening day was electrifying. Rows of booths featured the latest in LED lighting, automation, and indoor growing systems. Yet the Aquatree display stood out because visitors could see, touch, and experience microgreens with our Grown-In-Packaging solution. We weren’t just showing a concept; we were proving that the future of microgreen production is simple, scalable, clean, and ready for retail.

Throughout the event, Kevin shared the story of Aquatree’s journey from a home hydroponics system to a shipping-container farm to this cutting-edge Grown-In-Packaging technology with overhead conveyors.

By the end of the show, it was clear that our Dubai trip had accomplished what we set out to do. We introduced a game-changing hydroponic technology to the vertical farming community, built new relationships with growers and distributors, and demonstrated that Aquatree can deliver freshness and innovation anywhere in the world – even starting from a hotel room.

As we packed up our vertical farming tower to head back home, we felt both humbled and energized. Bringing Aquatree’s Grown-In-Packaging microgreens to an international stage was more than just a milestone; it was the start of a new chapter in how food can be grown, packaged, and enjoyed.