Ubiquity specializes in the germination and sprouting of legumes, grains, seeds, nuts, and vegetables within its proprietary climate-controlled chambers. Their innovative system consists of a 10-meter-long and two-meter-wide unit, featuring four internal chambers that can germinate up to 1,500 kilograms per cycle.

This advanced process is characterized by its efficiency, utilizing minimal water and energy to significantly reduce germination time. Depending on the crop, germination cycles can vary: from as little as 12 hours for mung beans to around 48 hours for barley.

CEO Horng Ji Lai shared that the company’s focus on sprouts is rooted in the metabolic activation that occurs during the germination process, enhancing the nutritional profiles of various crops. For example, chickpeas experience a spike in beneficial compounds such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and omega-3 fatty acids post-germination.

Seeking Collaborative Partnerships

Ubiquity is actively looking for partners to innovate new food products, which forms the cornerstone of their business strategy. Currently, around 90% of their operations consist of joint ventures and licensing agreements, with equipment sales taking a back seat.

“Initially, we focused on selling technology, but we evolved this model realizing that the future lies in food safety, resilience, and enhanced nutrition,” explained Lai. Through these collaborations, Ubiquity not only provides technology and expertise but also engages in product development, thus sharing the commercial benefits.

With its advanced technology, the company has been instrumental in developing various plant-based foods, including milk, sausages, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Lai noted that Ubiquity partners globally to create unique plant-based milk alternatives derived from different crops.

The potential of this technology extends beyond human food; Ubiquity also sees significant opportunities in pet care and animal feed, making it widely applicable within the broader food landscape.

Ubiquity is engaged in active partnerships and discussions in regions including Taiwan, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and the Middle East. The company recently participated in the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in Dubai to explore additional prospects in the region.

Lai believes that Ubiquity’s technology is ideally suited for countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where there is a heavy reliance on imported fresh produce. Notably, these regions have both government entities and private sectors that are increasingly interested in indoor farming technologies.

Furthermore, Ubiquity’s technology requires only a fraction of the water needed by traditional farming—around two tons of water to produce one ton of food—making it especially appealing for markets experiencing water scarcity.

The company’s growth strategy includes expanding its reach in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, and the United States. However, Lai acknowledges educating potential customers about the nutritional benefits that germination offers remains a key challenge. Ubiquity plans to position Taiwan as its “showcase market” in the immediate term.

By establishing a strong foundation and reputation in its home market, Ubiquity aims to attract international partners and propel its technology and expertise into new global markets.