By Andi Anderson
Anu, a health and wellness brand specializing in controlled-environment agriculture systems, won first place and a $20,000 prize at SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition held in Des Moines, Iowa.
Competing among 10 small businesses, anu stood out for its innovative approach to indoor farming. Founded by Purdue University alumni Scott Massey and Ivan Ball, anu has gained financial support from the Purdue Research Foundation.
According to CEO Scott Massey, the funding will be used to boost sales and accelerate the growth of their intellectual property portfolio.
The company focuses on AI-driven computer vision control systems to enhance yield and energy efficiency in its cultivation containers.
Anu's mission is to empower individuals and communities to grow high-quality produce with better nutrition, enhanced safety, and less waste.
Their unique seedpod subscription, compared to “Nespresso for plants,” works alongside Rotary Aeroponics technology, making indoor farming accessible and easy for anyone.
The competition required contestants to present their business plans, which were evaluated on presentation effectiveness, brand uniqueness, scalability, and sustainability.
Massey was the only Indiana-based entrepreneur to compete, and all participants received guidance from SCORE mentors to refine their pitches.
Anu’s success is backed by several achievements, including National Science Foundation grants for AI control algorithms, an Indiana Manufacturing Readiness Grant, and partnerships aimed at commercializing its Pure Produce containers.
These containers offer the performance of a vertical farm in a modular, deployable shipping container, designed to make institutions, hospitals, and other environments self-sufficient in food production.
Massey emphasized the potential of indoor farming to combat nutrition insecurity, stating that anu’s systems maximize space and reduce costs, offering a practical, energy-efficient solution for growing fresh produce closer to consumers.
Photo Credit: karolina-grabowska
Categories: Indiana, General