Meet Ledgnd Pantelis Kleanthidis

At the intersection of horticulture and technology, you’ll find Pantelis Kleanthidis, a passionate Plant Physiologist and Developer at Ledgnd. With a strong background in crop science, Pantelis has been pivotal in integrating data-driven strategies into modern greenhouse agriculture. His journey from Greece to Ledgnd is a testament to his dedication and expertise in optimizing cultivation techniques through innovative methods.

Pantelis’s career in agriculture began in his home country, Greece, where he worked as a consultant for a local union, providing advice on pest management and cultivation strategies. His passion for plants and science led him to pursue higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a master’s in crop science and plant science. “I strive to optimize the best cultivation strategy based on plant responses to climate conditions. Finally, I follow a data-driven cultivation approach and use crop growth models to verify, support, and elevate cultivation strategies to a new level,” says Pantelis, reflecting on his academic and professional journey.

His path to Ledgnd was paved during an internship at B-mex, where he was involved with developing a crop growth model for gerberas. This project involved creating an algorithm to balance gerbera growth with environmental factors, a task that required both scientific knowledge and innovative thinking. “I was drawn to Ledgnd because of their commitment to data-driven cultivation, sensor technology, and practical applications,” Pantelis explains. His first impression of Ledgnd? “It’s a small company with a relatively big impact. The close communication with clients allows us to tailor our analysis to their needs, which is both challenging and rewarding.”

Pantelis’s role at Ledgnd is dynamic, as a Plant Physiologist and Developer, he juggles a wide array of responsibilities. “There is no typical day. My tasks range from visiting clients and preparing and installing sensors to meeting partners or working on data analysis and coding for MyLedgnd.”  Additionally, Pantelis is involved in customer support, project management, and business development.

Collaboration is key to Pantelis’s work. He regularly teams up with colleagues like Maarten and Thijmen on platform development, discussing sensor technology, and tackling challenging trial cases. He also dedicates time to B-mex, contributing to code development. “The collaboration is great; everyone brings something different to the table, which makes our work more effective,” he says. This teamwork is essential for Ledgnd’s success, as it allows the team to prioritize and organize their tasks efficiently.

Pantelis finds working at Ledgnd fulfilling, not just because of the interesting work but also because of the environment. “The feedback we received during a business trip to China in my first months here was empowering and motivated us to continue our hard work,” he recalls. He also takes pride in how the platform’s development has aided growers in transitioning to data-driven cultivation, a significant milestone for both him and the company.

The collaborative spirit at Ledgnd, where team members bring different strengths and ideas, is something Pantelis deeply values. “We have clear communication channels and try to prioritize and organize our tasks efficiently, which really enhances our work,” he notes. This synergy among colleagues is one of the key reasons Ledgnd can make such a significant impact despite being a relatively small company.

As for the future, Pantelis has ambitious plans. “I aim to have a fully developed MyLedgnd team and to work on crop models,” he shares. He sees Ledgnd continuing to evolve, further integrating technology with greenhouse agriculture to deliver even more sophisticated solutions for growers.

For those considering a career at Ledgnd, Pantelis offers this advice: “It’s a great opportunity if you’re looking for a new challenge that will give you the chance to prove yourself.”