Key Takeaways
- The University of Wyoming (UW) has launched the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Network, focused on workforce training, innovation, and collaboration.
- The initiative aims to connect industry, academia, and communities to advance modern food production systems.
- The CEA Network is part of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, supporting statewide economic diversification.
- Early collaborators include Vertical Harvest, Crop King, RAYN Growing Systems, Rooted Robotics, and Bluelab.
- The program provides hands-on training, research opportunities, and technology testing through UW’s Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility.
University of Wyoming Launches the CEA Network
The University of Wyoming (UW) has announced the launch of its Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Network, a new initiative designed to foster innovation, research, and workforce development in one of agriculture’s fastest-growing sectors.
According to Parag Chitnis, UW’s Vice President for Research and Economic Development, the program “connects people, ideas, and resources to build a thriving ecosystem for innovation and workforce development in Wyoming and beyond.” The network is intended to strengthen collaboration between academic researchers, private companies, and local communities while preparing students for careers in CEA and sustainable agriculture.
Hands-On Learning and Industry Collaboration
CEA is an advanced form of agriculture where crops are grown under controlled conditions to optimize yield and resource use. Leveraging the capabilities of UW’s Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility, the CEA Network will provide participants with access to training, applied research, and technology demonstration opportunities.
Participants will also be able to collaborate on research projects, share knowledge, and engage in joint grant initiatives. Students will gain exposure to emerging CEA systems through internships, hands-on experiences, and partnerships with local and global companies.
Part of Wyoming’s Innovation and Economic Diversification Efforts
The CEA Network is part of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership (WIP), a statewide effort to strengthen and diversify the state’s economy through education and research. The initiative also aligns with UW’s Center for CEA, housed within the university’s Science Initiative, which focuses on developing sustainable and scalable agricultural systems.
The network’s creation was led by Carmela Rosaria Guadagno, Director of the Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility and UW’s newly appointed Director of the Center for CEA. Guadagno noted that the initiative was “fueled by significant state investments, which have been instrumental in advancing infrastructure, research, and workforce development in this rapidly expanding field.”
Building a Collaborative Ecosystem of Industry Partners
The network’s early partners include a diverse group of companies across different segments of the CEA industry. These include:
- Vertical Harvest, working in partnership with Central Wyoming College.
- Wyoming-based producers Papa Joe’s Produce and Tén Galon.
- Established technology providers Crop King and RAYN Growing Systems.
- Startups such as Harvest Today, Rooted Robotics, and PAGE Technologies.
- International participants including European Photon Systems Instruments and Bluelab from New Zealand.
Michael Baldwin, Assistant Research Scientist and Facility Manager at UW, has supported industry engagement, emphasizing the importance of aligning academic expertise with business perspectives to drive innovation.
Outlook and Impact
The CEA Network will serve as a collaborative hub to accelerate applied research, technology testing, and talent development within controlled environment agriculture.
“The enthusiasm from industry partners has been truly inspiring,” said Guadagno. “This represents a win-win—companies provide exposure and hands-on opportunities for students while working together to address challenges in this evolving industry.”
