Candidus

Candidus is an Athens, Georgia-based technology company that provides smart lighting solutions for the greenhouse industry. Founded in 2017 by Dr. Erico Mattos and Dr. Marc van Iersel, the company specializes in adaptive lighting control systems designed to optimize supplemental lighting in greenhouse environments. By integrating real-time monitoring of weather conditions, crop physiological parameters, and photoperiodic requirements, Candidus's technology enables growers to adjust light intensity and timing automatically. This approach ensures that crops receive the precise amount of light necessary for optimal growth while avoiding the inefficient use of electricity, which is often a significant variable production cost for greenhouse operators. The company partners with greenhouses and lighting firms to implement these data-driven strategies and deploy specialized LED controllers.

This technology is vital for growers aiming to improve profitability and operational efficiency, particularly when producing high-quality crops in regions with limited natural sunlight. By reducing electricity usage and enhancing the predictability of crop yields, the system helps growers achieve a better return on investment for their lighting infrastructure. The company's innovative control methods have been recognized with various industry honors, including the AE50 Outstanding Innovations Award from the American Society for Agricultural and Biological Engineers and recognition as a finalist for the Greenhouse Grower Technology of the Year award. Candidus has also collaborated on research projects, such as a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service grant, to demonstrate the effectiveness of its lighting control technology across diverse commercial greenhouse operations.