By Andi Anderson
Anu, co-founded by Purdue University alumni Scott Massey and Ivan Ball, has secured a $175,000 Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
This grant will support Anu’s mission to develop and commercialize Pure Produce® Containers, which enable year-round food production without using pesticides or preservatives.
Anu’s Pure Produce Containers utilize the company’s Rotary Aeroponics® technology, a system that combines compact design and high yield.
These containers can grow fresh produce from compostable Self-Nurturing™ Seed Pods, containing all necessary nutrients. Each container can support up to 3,920 plants, providing a yield density that is 20 times greater than traditional farming methods.
Additionally, these systems use advanced LED lights and aeroponic misting to reduce water usage by 90%.
The USDA grant enables Anu and its commercial partner, ekō Solutions, to develop and expand their system for various settings, including urban and rural communities, military bases, schools, and healthcare centers.
Peter Rodriguez, president of ekō Solutions, stated that the partnership aims to maximize yield efficiency and make sustainable farming accessible and affordable.
Scott Massey, Anu’s CEO, highlighted the importance of local food production in reducing food waste and enhancing food quality. He explained that many vegetables lose nutrients and flavor during distribution, while Anu’s technology allows communities to grow food locally and access fresh produce when needed.
Anu’s pilot program in Evansville has demonstrated the success of these containers, which can begin producing crops within days of installation. Surplus produce from this pilot program is donated to local food desert relief organizations.
In addition to USDA funding, Anu has received support from the National Science Foundation, Elevate Ventures, and Conexus Indiana, which awarded a $200,000 grant to scale seed pod production.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy