S'pore opens world's tallest indoor vertical farm, able to produce 2,000 tonnes of vegetables annually

Singaporean company Greenphyto has unveiled the world's tallest indoor vertical farm, a 23.3 metre-tall and 118 metre-long hydroponic structure that is fully automated and powered by artificial intelligence.

Jan. 7 marked the official opening of the farm located in Jurong West's industrial area, which can grow 2,000 tonnes of vegetables annually, reported The Straits Times.

14 years in the making, the S$80 million five-story complex occupies a land area of 2 hectares and is currently producing 200 tonnes of greens.

The farm sells produce like kai lan and lettuce under the Hydrogreens brand at 95 stores, including Fairprice and Sheng Siong.

69 patents to promote crop growth and reduce costs

The farm is fuelled by robotics and automation technology, which are part of the 69 patents filed by Greenphyto.

The official launch was attended by President Tharman and comes amidst heady times for the agri-tech sector as a whole.

On Oct. 28, 2025, agri-tech farm Growy Singapore entered voluntary liquidation less than a year after its official opening, according to iGrow News.

The 8,000 square metre farm faced persistently high costs and inefficiencies that affected the feasibility of its business, stated ST.

According to a CNA article, VertiVegies abandoned plans to build an indoor vertical farm in Lim Chu Kang in around 2022, and I.F.F.I closed its mega 38,000 sqm facility in Tuas.

In the interview with ST, Greenphyto's founder Susan Chong said that these closures made her more determined to succeed.

Chong said that her focus on technology and innovation would enable better quality produce and cost efficiency.

“Farms in the US, for example, are very focused on the tech. At the end of the day, your produce is your product. If you don’t have good-quality produce, what good is your tech?"

Greenphyto has reduced its energy use by 30 per cent, ensuring that profitability is not harmed by high energy costs.

To avoid food waste, the farm operates on a make-to-order basis in collaboration with retailers such as FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Meidi-Ya and certain Far East Flora shops.

Founder started Greenpac before venturing into local farming through Greenphyto

Chong founded Greenpac, a sustainable packaging company, before entering the hydroponics market in 2011, when she set up her first hydroponic system at the company.

She was teaching residents in Taman Jurong how to grow vegetables using hydroponic systems.

According to The Business Times, then-Jurong MP Tharman suggested she donate the systems instead.

Chong later registered Greenphyto before selling Greenpac.

Besides the sale of greens, the company's revenue is from its farming system and its AI software.

Greenphyto has also established offices in Malaysia and the Netherlands to promote its unique farming system.

Top photo from Greenphyto website.