The Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) announced today that Vienna-based agricultural technology firm, KAPPA AgTech, is the recipient of a Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (CCF) grant amounting to $75,000. This recent funding is part of VIPC’s broader commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Virginia, having disbursed more than $49 million to local startups and university-based inventors since 2012.
KAPPA AgTech has emerged as a pioneer in developing innovative agricultural solutions to promote sustainability and cost-effectiveness in cultivation. The company’s unique, patented technology integrates canopy ventilation within high-efficiency LED light fixtures, enabling remarkable improvements in power consumption, lighting uniformity, and microclimate control. Moreover, KAPPA AgTech's innovative food-grade silicone substrate, poised to replace peat and other disposable growing media in Controlled Environment Agriculture, presents a significant stride toward sustainability.
The grant will enable KAPPA AgTech to create production prototypes of this food-grade silicone substrate. It will also aid in assessing the substrate's potential as a sustainable alternative to the disposable growth medium for greenhouse and indoor farming. Furthermore, the funding will facilitate engaging customer feedback and acquiring early adopters.
KAPPA AgTech's founder, Mr. Schuyler Milton, expressed his enthusiasm about the grant, highlighting its potential to advance sustainability within Controlled Environment Agriculture. “Reusable silicone substrate replaces peat and all other forms of disposable growing media in hydroponics. The VIPC’s support allows us to make major strides in simplifying global supply chains, reducing carbon footprints, and competing more efficiently with conventional field production, enabling us to deliver fresher and safer products,” Milton said.
Jeanette Townsend, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation Director for Private Sector Grants, also expressed satisfaction at awarding the CCF grant to KAPPA AgTech. “We aim to support Virginia-based companies, like KAPPA AgTech, to lead the nation in innovation, opportunity, and job creation. Their work directly impacts the agricultural sector and paves the way for increased sustainability in indoor cultivation,” Townsend stated.
CCF grants, which can go up to $75,000, are awarded on a rolling basis to Virginia's small businesses and university-based innovators. The competitive program targets high-potential, early-stage tech companies based in Virginia, assisting them in critical stages such as developing prototypes, customer pilots, and intellectual property protection.
Image provided by Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation
