Nixon Chen, Founder and CEO of EmersonGrow Inc., and Orient Advantage Inc.
In a world where technology and agriculture converge to solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, Nixon Chen is at the forefront, leading the charge with innovation and vision. As the founder and CEO of EmersonGrow Inc., and Orient Advantage Inc., Nixon is changing the way we think about grow lighting and its potential to transform agriculture.
Nixon Chen’s journey began in China, earning a B.S. in Engineering Machinery from Jilin University. His early career was marked by pivotal roles at global corporations such as Nike and Maersk Sealand. At Nike, Nixon managed quality control, ensuring that products met the stringent standards of one of the world’s most renowned brands. His stint at Maersk Sealand as a shipping specialist further honed his skills in logistics and marketing.
In 1998, Nixon relocated to Canada, driven by a vision to revolutionize the lighting industry. His move marked the start of an entrepreneurial journey that would blend his passion for manufacturing with cutting-edge technology.
The Legacy of Innovation
In 2017, Nixon founded EmersonGrow Inc., specializing in intelligent LED lighting solutions for agriculture. The company quickly established itself as a leader in digital Agri-Grow Lighting Technologies. “We’re changing the way the world thinks about grow lighting,” Nixon asserts. “Our goal is to harness the power of the sun through technology to make agriculture more efficient and sustainable.”
One of EmersonGrow’s standout innovations is the EmersonGrow SunBox. This device transforms any digital-ready LED grow lighting system into a smart energy device, enabling precise control and data collection. “The SunBox is about more than just lighting; it’s about creating a smarter, more sustainable approach to farming,” Nixon explains.
Overcoming Challenges
Nixon’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles he faced was addressing the educational and multicultural aspects of app development. “Creating an app that catered to diverse educational backgrounds and cultural contexts was complex,” Nixon recalls. This experience taught him the importance of incorporating multicultural perspectives in technology development. Through extensive research and collaboration, he integrated multilingual support and culturally relevant content, leading to a more universally appealing product.
Nixon also encountered a specific failure when an early version of an app didn’t resonate with users from different cultural backgrounds. This setback highlighted the value of diversity and inclusivity, ultimately leading to a more effective solution.
Expanding Horizons
Nixon’s entrepreneurial vision extends beyond EmersonGrow. In 2003, he established Orient Advantage Inc. (OAI), a certified UL safety consultant company that provides essential certification for lighting products.
These ventures have allowed Nixon to serve a diverse range of clients, who supply to Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart Canada, Costco, and New York Metro. “My rule of thumb is to develop my companies with passion and innovation,” Nixon states. This approach has guided his business decisions and driven his commitment to excellence in product design and customer service.
Leadership and Accolades
Nixon Chen’s leadership style is collaborative and adaptive, evolving over the years to become more inclusive and empathetic. He believes in empowering his team and fostering a culture of innovation, guided by core values of passion, perseverance, and continuous improvement. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life is crucial for him. He maintains this balance through clear boundaries and effective time management. Prioritizing time for family, exercise, and hobbies ensures a healthy work-life balance. Mindfulness and meditation help him stay grounded and focused, aligning professional goals with personal values.
Nixon Chen’s contributions to the lighting industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur Award for Best Start-up in 2003 and the Most Innovative Award in 2014. These honours underscore his commitment to innovation and excellence. As a UL TC member and CSA ICLP Member, Nixon has been instrumental in advancing industry standards and holds several industrial design patents for LED luminaires, highlighting his pioneering role in the field.
Company Mission and Impact
EmersonGrow is committed to reshaping agriculture through innovative lighting solutions. The company envisions a future where vertical farming is a globally adopted solution for sustainable food production. By maximizing space and resources, EmersonGrow aims to make vertical farming more accessible and cost-effective. The company is actively involved in initiatives like Singapore’s 2030 plan and is developing smart farming technologies that integrate IoT and AI.
EmersonGrow’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community development is evident in its super energy-saving indoor sun system, which reduces energy consumption and carbon footprint. Nixon emphasizes, “Our technology is designed to be not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.” To support community development, EmersonGrow offers training programs, workshops, and internships, ensuring that young professionals gain essential knowledge and skills. The company also organizes educational seminars and participates in industry conferences to promote best practices and advancements in sustainable technology.
A Vision for the Future
Nixon Chen, a visionary entrepreneur, is driven by a compelling vision for the future of agriculture. He believes that technology is the key to revolutionizing the industry and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
To make this vision a reality, EmersonGrow is developing an innovative ‘Digital Indoor Sun’ system. This system will revolutionize the agriculture industry by eliminating the complexities of finding the optimal grow lighting. “By utilizing a versatile Energy Device driven by the ‘IP of Grow Recipe,’ we ensure precise light conditions for optimal crop growth, eliminating the need for constant adjustments. With a single Energy Device, industrial leaders can continue agricultural operations by cultivating diverse produce efficiently and reliably. This innovation will accelerate the transition to a sustainable future by seamlessly transforming energy into food,” elucidates, Nixon.
Nixon’s Digital Sun system has been issued invention method patents in the USA, Canada, and China, with additional new patents currently pending.
Inspiring Future Entrepreneurs
Nixon’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Stay persistent and adaptable. Understand the local market needs and cultural nuances, and build strong networks. Embrace innovation and learn from failures.” His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that vision and dedication can have in shaping the future. Nixon Chen’s story is one of visionary leadership and relentless innovation.
By embracing the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector, he is not just changing the way we think about grow lighting—he is building a legacy that will shape the future of agriculture for generations to come. As he continues to lead EmersonGrow and his other ventures, Nixon remains committed to making a positive impact on the world, proving that with passion and perseverance, the possibilities are limitless.