Key Takeaways
- Anu™ partners with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana to manufacture compostable seed pods for its AI-powered produce growing system.
- Indiana Governor Mike Braun and state legislators visited the Yost Avenue facility to mark the announcement and tour the site.
- Manufacturing is set to begin in Fall 2025 at Goodwill’s Bloomington facility, providing job opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment.
- The seed pods are a critical component of Anu’s Rrotary Aaeroponics® system, supporting high-efficiency and sustainable food production.
- The partnership reflects shared commitments to health, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Anu™ and Goodwill Announce New Manufacturing Collaboration
On May 5, 2025, Anu™, an Evansville-based ag-tech company, and Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana formally announced a strategic manufacturing partnership at Goodwill’s Yost Avenue facility in Bloomington, Indiana. The agreement will see Goodwill Commercial Services Manufacturing Division produce Self Nurturing™ Seed Pods for Anu’s patented Rotary Aeroponics® growing systems.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun, along with Senators Koch and Yoder and Representatives Heston, Mayfield, and Pierce, participated in the announcement and toured the facility to learn about the project’s local and statewide impact.
Anu™ Seed Pod Manufacturing Set to Begin Fall 2025
The manufacturing initiative will focus on Anu’s compostable seed pods, a core component of its AI-driven produce systems designed to grow Pure Produce®—food that is grown sustainably and locally. The system aims to improve nutrition, reduce environmental impact, and expand access to healthy foods.
“This partnership with Goodwill marks a giant leap forward in our vision to make Indiana healthy again,” said Scott Massey, Founder & CEO of Anu™. “It’s not just about seed pods—it’s about nutrition sovereignty and empowering communities.”
The partnership will support Anu’s growing demand while offering Goodwill an opportunity to provide meaningful employment to individuals with barriers such as disabilities, limited education, or prior justice involvement.
Shared Mission: Innovation Meets Workforce Inclusion
According to Shawn Lange, Vice President of Manufacturing and Contract Services at Goodwill, the collaboration extends beyond production: “This represents more than a manufacturing partnership; it’s an opportunity to further our sustainable practices while creating meaningful employment.”
Goodwill’s integrated workforce model includes on-the-job training, mentorship, and career support to help individuals achieve long-term success. This aligns with Anu’s broader mission of driving change not only through agriculture but through equitable access to opportunity.
Kent Kramer, President and CEO of Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, highlighted the broader community impact: “Our partnership with Anu™ shows how innovation and shared values can create lasting change—not just in the workplace, but across entire communities.”
Government Support Highlights Community Value
Governor Mike Braun and state legislators expressed support for the partnership, citing its role in promoting health, sustainability, and economic opportunity in Indiana. During the visit, they observed the seed pod manufacturing process and met with company leadership to discuss the initiative’s potential.
Production at the Yost facility is scheduled to commence in early Fall 2025, reinforcing Indiana’s position at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and agricultural innovation.