Seed to Scale: Explore Controlled Environment Agriculture at UCR

About

Curious about the future of agriculture, food systems, and innovation? Seed to Scale is UC Riverside’s free agricultural entrepreneurship program designed to help aspiring founders, growers, innovators, and community members explore new opportunities in agriculture through practical, accessible training. As part of this two-part program, this course offering focuses on Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) - a growing field that includes technologies and systems such as hydroponics, vertical farming, greenhouse production, and other innovative approaches to modern food production. Whether you're exploring a new venture, expanding your knowledge, or interested in how innovation is transforming agriculture, the CEA course offers a hands-on introduction to the technical and business fundamentals of controlled environment growing. Participants will gain insight into how these systems work, where market opportunities exist, and how CEA can support more efficient, resilient, and scalable agricultural solutions. Who should attend? Aspiring agtech founders and entrepreneursGrowers and agricultural professionals interested in innovationCommunity members exploring new business opportunities in agricultureInnovators interested in food systems, sustainability, and emerging ag technologies Program Format This no-cost 12-week course is designed to be accessible and flexible, with the majority of sessions held online and two required in-person commitments. Participants may also have access to optional lab-related experiences depending on the program structure. If you're interested in agriculture innovation, future-forward growing systems, and exploring how ideas can move from concept to opportunity, Seed to Scale’s CEA course is a great place to begin. Seed to Scale is free to join - Click here to learn more about the Seed to Scale program and register for the upcoming CEA course. The deadline to apply for CEA is May 18th, 2026 at 11:59PM.