Evgeny Gubin

Crocus Labs

Head of horticulture

What 3 to 4 professional and/or personal accomplishments are you most proud of?

• Advancing research in horticultural lighting optimization. I established and led an in-house vertical farm dedicated to research and development in lighting, sensor technology and energy optimization. Through collaborations with research partners, I contributed to building a comprehensive database of lighting recipes and treatment strategies, driving innovation in controlled environment agriculture.
• Bringing adaptive lighting technology to market. I played a key role in introducing Crocus Labs’ smart and adaptive lighting technology (4-channel tunability, optical and environmental sensing, and a cloud-based lighting recipe database) to the commercial greenhouse and vertical farming market. By enabling automated lighting applications, I helped growers optimize crop performance and energy efficiency, paving the way for a new era of intelligent lighting solutions in horticulture.
• Building a strong industry network. I have actively built a professional network within the horticulture industry, connecting with experts, researchers and business leaders. This network has allowed me to foster collaborations, share knowledge and contribute to the advancement of sustainable agricultural technologies.
• Leading a nature conservation initiative (Re:Generation e. V.). I co-founded and co-led a nature preservation organization with friends from university, growing it to over 60 members. Several reforestation and biodiversity projects have been realized in the metropolitan region Berlin-Brandenburg.

What led you to work in the horticulture industry?

• My journey into horticulture began with my grandparents’ small floriculture business, which inspired me to pursue an education in the field. I have always been driven by the desire to create rather than to destroy, making horticulture the perfect path for me.
• Along the way, I had the opportunity to connect with brilliant minds, particularly in horticultural research, which further deepened my passion and opened new doors. With a strong affinity for technology and research, I focused on CEA, where I strive to contribute meaningful innovations and support the green industry in growing sustainably and future-oriented.

What’s the best thing about your job? (Please select one)

• It is challenging.

Describe to a 6-year-old what you do in life?

• I help farmers enhance what they already do well, ensuring we have delicious food, beautiful flowers and thriving forests for future generations to enjoy.

What are your favorite hobbies?

• Growing and processing plant material
• Skateboarding
• Climbing, hiking, yoga
• Painting, writing, designing 
• Building wooden furniture

When you’re not working, what are 2 to 3 things we could find you doing?

• Researching
• Meeting friends (from the industry) 
• Sunbathing

Do you have any unusual talents, or can you tell us something interesting about yourself that other people may be surprised to find out?

• It’s challenging to identify surprising talents since many of them are closely tied to my expertise in horticulture, and my hobbies often overlap with my professional life. However, two passions that stand out are cooking — something I have always dreamed of mastering, much like a chef — and my long-standing dedication to sports, particularly skateboarding, which I have been practicing for 19 years, and climbing for 8 years.

One thing you can’t live without?

• Fresh, varied and tasty food.

What are you (un)secretly good at?

• Communicating with younger generations

What are your top three bucket list items?

• Have a farm
• Have a forest
• Visit 100 more countries

What’s your favorite plant variety and why?

• Watermelons bring joy to many, be it through their refreshing consistency on hot summer days or through their exotic sweetness, which evokes a feeling of summer even in the colder months.

You’re buying a vacation package to anywhere in the world without a budget, where are you going?

• From a nature perspective, Central Africa or the Atacama Desert intrigue me. Culturally, Bhutan and Tibet captivate me with their rich traditions and unique heritage.
• From a horticultural standpoint, China and Japan stand out for their deep-rooted agricultural practices and innovative approaches to cultivation.