Candidus

Candidus, Inc., established in 2017, is a technology firm operating in the agricultural sector with a focus on controlled environment agriculture. The company was co-founded by Dr. Erico Mattos and Dr. Marc van Iersel, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in agricultural science. Dr. Mattos holds a PhD in Crop and Soil Sciences from the University of Georgia, where his research centered on utilizing LEDs and feedback systems to understand their effects on photosynthesis. Dr. van Iersel, a Professor of Horticulture at the University of Georgia, earned his PhD in Agronomy and has focused his career on developing sustainable and cost-effective greenhouse production methods.

The core of Candidus's business is providing smart lighting solutions for greenhouse growers. The company develops and implements lighting control systems designed to optimize crop production while minimizing energy expenses. Their adaptive lighting control system transforms a standard greenhouse lighting setup into a dynamic one that responds to variable sunlight conditions. This technology ensures crops receive sufficient light for growth while conserving energy when natural sunlight is adequate, helping growers maximize their return on investment in supplemental lighting. The system considers factors like weather, crop photoperiod needs, and physiological parameters to determine the right amount of light at the right time.

Based in Athens, Georgia, Candidus primarily serves greenhouse operators within the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) market. The company's business model revolves around the development and implementation of these cost-effective lighting strategies and control systems for its clients. Since its inception, the company has secured funding from various sources, including grants from the United States Department of Agriculture and investments from firms like Gener8tor and Georgia Research Alliance. Its first funding round was in September 2017, with subsequent rounds including grants and a seed round in October 2022.

Keywords: adaptive lighting, greenhouse technology, controlled environment agriculture, agtech, smart farming, horticultural lighting, crop physiology, precision agriculture, supplemental lighting, energy conservation, crop science, greenhouse control systems, sustainable agriculture, LED lighting solutions, University of Georgia spin-out, Erico Mattos, Marc van Iersel, photobiology, photosynthesis optimization