Key Takeaways
- ANU, formerly GroPod, is evolving from a product-focused company to a health and wellness brand.
- The company has refined its mission to empower communities with sustainable, self-sufficient food production.
- ANU is forming key partnerships, including a collaboration with Eko Solutions for modular vertical farming.
- The rebranding reflects a shift towards integrating technology and nature in everyday life.
- Scott Massey emphasizes the importance of modular, scalable solutions for food production.
ANU’s Mission: Beyond Growing Systems
Scott Massey, CEO and co-founder of ANU, joined Harry Duran on the Vertical Farming Podcast to discuss the company’s transformation. Originally known as GroPod, ANU has redefined its vision as a health and wellness brand focused on self-sufficient food production.
“We are not just a box that grows food—we are a system that makes health accessible through fresh, locally grown produce,” said Massey.
The company started with an emphasis on yield density, power efficiency, and labor reduction in hydroponic growing systems. However, feedback from users highlighted a deeper value: fresh, high-quality food as a pillar of wellness. ANU’s systems provide accessible and sustainable food solutions for residential and commercial applications alike.
ANU’s Rebranding and Technology Advancements
The company’s evolution has also included a rebranding effort to better align with its broader mission. The name ANU, inspired by the Celtic goddess of good harvest and fertility, reflects the company’s vision of sustainable, high-quality food production.
Massey shared how ANU’s approach differs from traditional indoor vertical farming: “Consumers don’t want more chores; they want more experiences and conveniences. Our systems simplify indoor food production, making it accessible to anyone, regardless of expertise.”
Partnering for Growth: ANU and EcoSolutions
A major milestone for ANU is its partnership with Eko Solutions, a company specializing in upcycling shipping containers for modular buildings. Together, they are developing modular vertical farming units that can be deployed rapidly in various settings.
This collaboration addresses the growing need for scalable food production solutions, particularly in communities where food security is a challenge. “The ability to deploy a farm in hours, plant within a day, and harvest within a month changes the game for food accessibility,” Massey explained.
Food as Medicine: A Growing Movement
Massey also highlighted the Food as Medicine movement, which is gaining momentum in the healthcare and insurance industries. Organizations like Elevance Health are recognizing the role of fresh food in preventative healthcare.
“The true cost of poor nutrition is not just in food prices—it’s in healthcare expenses, worker productivity, and overall well-being,” Massey said. ANU’s mission aligns with this movement by providing a nutritious and sustainable alternative to traditional food supply chains.
What’s Next for ANU?
Looking ahead, Massey envisions a future where modular food production systems become integral to various institutions, from schools and hospitals to corporate cafeterias and government agencies.
“We’re just at the infancy of what’s possible,” Scott Massey said. “In the coming years, we expect to see food production integrated into places we never imagined.”
ANU is also actively seeking pilot partners for its containerized systems and expanding its team in fields like material science, plant science, nutrition, and AI-driven agriculture.
For those interested in joining ANU’s mission, Massey encourages reaching out via social media: @GrowANU on all platforms. Discover in our directory as well here.
