251. Pod in, produce out

This is a podcast episode titled, 251. Pod in, produce out. The summary for this episode is: <p>Only 9% of adults eat the recommended amount of vegetables, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a startling statistic that one agbioscience innovator is seeking to improve through at-home technology. Today we are joined by Scott Massey, founder and CEO of Anu, to talk about his gropod technology paving the way for greater food access and sustainability.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>From delivering the student newspaper at Purdue University at night to cover costs of growing his business, Scott talks about habout his entrepreneurial journey, his Purdue roots helping to get his innovation off the ground and what consumers could expect from the company’s gropod system in their home – from leafy greens to tomatoes and herbs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>With momentum on his side, including a READI grant to manufacture his systems, the question remains: what’s the long-term goal for Anu? Scott gets into his vision for the company and the rewarding feeling of connection consumers to nutrition.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>About Anu</p><p><br></p><p>Anu™ is a health and wellness brand that empowers consumers to grow Pure Produce® within the convenience&nbsp;of their homes through their proprietary Rotary Aeroponics® technologies.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>This 'Nespresso for plants' business model supplies consumers with recurring seed pod subscriptions to sustainably grow Pure Produce that has superior flavor, nutrition, and food safety.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Anu was founded by former Purdue University NASA research engineers, and is now commercializing these technologies funded by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2019/Q1/purdue-plant-science-startups-receive-100,000-in-investments.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Purdue University Research Foundation Venture Capital Fund</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2023/Q1/anu,-previously-gropod,-awarded-nearly-1-million-competitive-grant-from-the-national-science-foundation.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NSF (National Science Foundation) to develop computer vision AI algorithms</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2023/Q3/anu-awarded-200,000-grant-to-mass-manufacture-its-aeroponic-seed-pods-that-grow-produce-in-controlled-environments.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">State of Indiana Manufacturing Grants</a>&nbsp;accelerating their seed pod mass manufacturing capabilities to support commercial partnerships.&nbsp;</p>