Growcer

Growcer is an agricultural technology company based in Ottawa, Canada, specializing in modular hydroponic vertical farms housed in 40-foot shipping containers.

Founded in 2016 by Corey Ellis and Alida Burke, the company aims to address food insecurity and high food prices in remote Northern and Indigenous communities. Growcer operates as a 100% employee-owned social enterprise, focusing on decentralizing the food system and making local food accessible year-round, regardless of climate. The company has deployed over 70–85 farms across more than 35 communities in Canada, producing over 10 million servings of local greens. Growcer's offerings include custom-built hydroponic container farms that use nutrient-rich water instead of soil, requiring 95% less water than traditional farming. They also provide Farming as a Service (FAAS), where they manage farming operations for clients, along with training programs and remote monitoring support. Growcer primarily serves B2B customers, including Indigenous communities, retailers, schools, and municipalities, with a strong emphasis on social impact and sustainability.