Key Takeaways:
- Anu™ (Heliponix LLC) awarded a $175,000 Phase I SBIR grant from USDA NIFA for Pure Produce® Containers.
- The containers use Rotary Aeroponics® technology to enable year-round, pesticide-free food production.
- Anu’s Pure Produce® system is being developed with ekō Solutions, a subsidiary of Land Betterment Corp.
- The modular, compact system provides fresh, locally grown produce with reduced water use, food waste, and supply-chain emissions.
Anu™ Secures USDA SBIR Grant to Develop Modular Food Production Systems
Anu™ (Profile), co-founded by Purdue University alumni Scott Massey and Ivan Ball, has received 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 (NIFA). The grant will support the development of Anu’s Pure Produce® Containers, a modular solution designed to provide sustainable, year-round food production without the need for pesticides or preservatives. If successful, Anu may be eligible for a $600,000 Phase II SBIR grant.
The initiative is supported by ekō Solutions, a subsidiary of Land Betterment Corp., which holds a commercial manufacturing license with Anu. The project aims to make local food production accessible and sustainable, minimizing environmental impact.
Rotary Aeroponics® Technology for High-Density Food Production
The Pure Produce® Containers incorporate Anu’s proprietary Rotary Aeroponics® technology, designed to enable efficient plant growth in a compact format. According to Scott Massey, CEO of Anu, “The containers provide a modular, compact solution for growing fresh produce effortlessly from compostable, Self-Nurturing™ Seed Pods. The pods contain all necessary nutrients for each individual plant.”
With the USDA SBIR grant, Anu and ekō Solutions are positioned to expand this climate-smart technology, which supports fresher food production closer to consumers, reduces food waste, and minimizes resource usage, including a 90% reduction in water use compared to conventional agriculture. The Rotary Aeroponics® system enables a high yield density, capable of growing up to 3,920 plants within a 20-foot container—more than 20 times the yield density of traditional agriculture.
Addressing Supply Chain Inefficiencies
Massey noted that this technology addresses food supply chain inefficiencies, especially the overproduction of vegetables, which often results in nutrient and flavor degradation before reaching consumers. “We empower communities to become self-sufficient, growing food locally without relying on distribution networks,” said Massey. Through Anu’s “Harvesting When Hungry™” approach, consumers can access fresh, nutritious produce directly, supporting health-conscious diets and reducing waste.
The company’s efforts align with the broader “food as medicine” movement, which aims to incorporate fresh produce into health and wellness programs. Supporters of this movement, including Elevance Health and Global Atlantic Financial Group, have contributed to Anu through programs like the AgriNovus HungerTech Challenge and the SBA SCORE Competition.
Expanding Offerings and Market Applications
The USDA SBIR grant will also enable Anu to refine the Pure Produce® modular system and introduce fruiting plants, a development area that has proven challenging within hydroponic container farming. Massey explained, “The grant ensures our system remains effective in various settings, from urban and rural areas to military bases and community gardens.”
Peter Rodriguez, president of ekō Solutions, added, “Our focus on yield, energy, and labor efficiency in container farming aligns well with Anu’s technology, enabling us to introduce productive solutions for diverse environments. Our partnership with Anu accelerates this technology’s impact on modern agriculture.”
