<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-22T07:57:45Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/F14D7949-E2B2-4CAB-A219-081C0A033B3F" ns1:id="F14D7949-E2B2-4CAB-A219-081C0A033B3F"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/B6A447ED-935A-43E9-9EF8-6BB674E0D06D" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/557FCB71-09C0-4726-8B6D-54A792708E08" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/557FCB71-09C0-4726-8B6D-54A792708E08" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-04-29T23:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/687C58AD-533C-4319-A0F7-FAA7DED8E3FF" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2025-11-01T00:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10172295</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>AI-Powered Precision Fermentation Control System</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Fast Start Response</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>We are creating a smart fermentation controller that empowers home enthusiasts and small-scale producers to maintain optimal conditions for food fermentation. The compact, low-cost device can both heat and cool a chosen container, regulate humidity, and manage airflow and air quality-- environmental factors critical to fermentation success.

Designed for versatility, the system supports a wide range of fermentation types, including kombucha, koji, kimchi, kefir, sourdough, yoghurt, and mushrooms. Users can deploy the device in diverse environments, from repurposed coolboxes to desktop greenhouses, and network multiple units to control larger fermentation containers. Built with sustainability in mind, the system uses standardised, repairable components to reduce waste and cost.

A key innovation is the integration of AI-powered modelling to track and interpret the fermentation process. By analysing real-time environmental data and learned patterns, the system can estimate the current life stage of a ferment, assess its overall health, and predict time to completion. This insight is especially valuable for ensuring consistency across batches, identifying problems early, and optimising recipes and schedules.

The product includes remote monitoring and control through a mobile app, allowing users to view fermentation progress, receive alerts, and adjust conditions on the go. This combination of automation and intelligence removes much of the complexity and guesswork from fermentation, making it more accessible for beginners and more efficient for experienced users---promoting both personal wellbeing and small-scale food entrepreneurship.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>