How exactly is this innovative? The article doesn't make it clear what aspect is an "innovation" over others in the same field. These people don't seem to be first to use LEDs, or grow microgreens...<p>EDIT: the title of the submission has changed since I wrote this.
What are the possibilities for this in areas that are far too hot/dry for crops? Underground growing retains water and can be more easily temperature controlled.<p>Given that photosynthesis does not use the full spectrum, how efficient do LEDs and solar panels have to be before you have a net gain on solar energy converted into photosynthesis?
Good preparation for space exploration, moon/mars colonies, where energy might be abundant, but surface access and water will be resources in short supply.
There is absolutely no way this will be commercially viable or environmentally sustainable. I think the real business opportunity is finding out why high end chefs are using 48-hour produce- that sounds like a supply problem and there should be no real supply problem for such greens (these are luxury items with a known level of demand), since they grow natively in the area.
TL;DR; The novelty of plants grown underground, plus the appearance of extra freshness = $ from an entertainment point of view.<p>Which is cool, people love the idea of doing things underground. It unfortunately almost never makes practical sense but neither does most entertaining things.