KuKa project focuses on enhancing greenhouse profitability by optimizing energy use and productivity through advanced lighting techniques. In Finland, greenhouse energy needs have increased significantly due to higher electricity costs and extensive supplemental lighting use, especially for tomato and cucumber production. Proper lighting is essential, as suboptimal LED light spectra may reduce yield.

To address these challenges, Finnish researchers are leveraging plant imaging technologies to determine optimal lighting conditions for greenhouses, minimizing energy costs while maximizing yield. This collaboration between the Natural Resources Institute Finland and the University of Helsinki, through the National Plant Phenotyping Infrastructure (NaPPI), will apply findings to pilot commercial greenhouses. The project aims to support sustainable, data-driven vegetable production practices to meet rising demand and ensure sector competitiveness.