Finalist Update: CRE.AI.TIVE

Phytoform Labs, one of the round one Manchester Prize finalist, has developed a gene-edited tomato plant designed for vertical farming. This compact variety is just one-sixth the size of traditional plants yet yields up to 400% more fruit annually.

This dwarf tomato, based on the Ailsa Craig variety, will allow tomato growers to maximise productivity in limited spaces. Farmers can now fit 50–100 plants per square meter, producing up to 300kg of fruit in three annual growth cycles—transforming indoor agriculture. Unlike existing dwarf varieties with unappealing flavours, the Phytoform team have focused on breeding elite-quality tomatoes tailored to the unique needs of vertical farming. This results in a tasty, high-yield crop ready to meet consumer demand for fresh, locally-grown produce year-round.

Harvest London has already completed successful trials, proving the potential of this breakthrough crop.

Learn more about their innovative approach to space-saving farming