The overall objective of the Hy4Dense project was to develop a soil-free cultivation system to grow densely sown crops (such as lamb’s lettuce, watercress, spinach, rocket, etc.) by upgrading existing early-stage prototypes to efficient hydroponic growing systems. This technological innovation allows soilless cultivation of densely sown crops, reducing pesticide use and promoting economic sustainability of the sector by at least maintaining yield and market share. Technology transfer allows for uptake at manufacturers and growers level. Densely sown crops are important for the local economy in the Programme area. Increasing demand steers production. Development of a novel hydroponic system for densely sown crops enables producers throughout the 2 Seas area to address the challenges they faced regarding efficient management of crop cultivation and capacity to deal with diseases that reduce yield/quality and revenue. The system provided for an environmentally and economically viable cultivation, sustainable for producers and more aesthetically and hygienically acceptable to consumers.

The project's success was facilitated by the unique expertise brought by each partner, fostering a collaborative environment right from the beginning. Each partner made valuable contributions based on their specific areas of specialization and knowledge. This collaborative approach allowed for a comprehensive and well-rounded execution of the project, ensuring that all aspects were effectively addressed. The cooperation among project partners was greatly enhanced by the unique expertise brought by each organisation, which facilitated efficient progress in the project. 

The complementary knowledge and insights provided by each partner significantly expedited progress, as decades of experience were represented within each organization. This minimized the time spent on challenges that had already been addressed by other partners, leading to a more efficient and productive collaboration. The partners have greatly deepened their understanding of the co-creation methodology, recognizing its immense value in addressing the needs and demands of diverse stakeholders in their respective projects. The lessons learned from co-creation have been successfully applied in other projects, leading to improved solutions and outcomes. Additionally, the practical experience gained from developing a new hydroponic system has provided valuable insights into the fundamental requirements for a hydroponic system that can be effectively automated. These insights will inform future endeavours in advancing automation within the field of hydroponics.

Moreover, the lessons learned from the successful implementation of co-creation in Hy4Dense have been embraced by the partners, leading to its adoption in other projects as well. This methodology has become increasingly common, facilitating the gathering of valuable stakeholder feedback, and implementing them. The widespread use of co-creation allows for a more seamless integration of stakeholder perspectives, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness and impact of the projects.