Lewis & Clark AgriFood

IUNU, Inc. is an agricultural technology company that specializes in developing an AI and computer vision platform for greenhouse management. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, IUNU offers a comprehensive software-as-a-service solution that provides growers with actionable insights and enhanced production management capabilities. The company's flagship product, LUNA, utilizes computer vision to monitor and analyze crop growth, helping farmers identify issues early and improve accountability in their growing practices. By connecting plants, facilities, and personnel through a unified interface, IUNU aims to transform commercial greenhouses into efficient, demand-driven operations. The company also has offices in San Francisco and San Diego, further expanding its reach within the agricultural sector.

AgroSpheres develops novel technologies that aim to set a new standard for bio-based delivery of active ingredients. It uses a unique platform technology for crop protection solutions and other industrial applications. The company is an encapsulation and delivery technology that dramatically enhances the performance of a broad range of crop protection products including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. AgroSpheres was founded in 2016 and is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

AgroSpheres develops novel technologies that aim to set a new standard for bio-based delivery of active ingredients. It uses a unique platform technology for crop protection solutions and other industrial applications. The company is an encapsulation and delivery technology that dramatically enhances the performance of a broad range of crop protection products including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. AgroSpheres was founded in 2016 and is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Lingrove, LLC is a manufacturer of bio-composite materials based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2014. The company specializes in high-performance natural fiber composites made from plant-based materials, utilizing a proprietary process to create products that mimic the appearance and properties of wood. Its flagship product, Ekoa, combines flax linen fibers with resin derived from industrial waste, and is primarily used in the production of musical instruments, as well as in the furniture, transportation, and construction industries. Lingrove aims to address the challenges posed by diminishing wood supplies and seeks to reduce deforestation and the carbon footprint associated with the built environment by offering sustainable, carbon-negative alternatives.

Arzeda Corporation is a synthetic biology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the development and manufacture of proteins and enzymes for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, polymers, and industrial chemicals. Founded in 2008, Arzeda utilizes advanced technology that combines physics-based protein design with artificial intelligence algorithms to create and validate new designer proteins and enzymes. The company aims to provide innovative solutions that offer competitive performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability, addressing the needs of clients in diverse industries.

P2 Science a venture-backed, renewable specialty chemicals company, co-founded by Yale scientists, a chemical industry CEO and Elm Street Ventures, an early-stage venture fund. P2 Science has developed a unique process technology for converting renewable feedstocks—including vegetable oils—into high-value, specialty chemicals. These include flavor, fragrance and cosmetics ingredients. Many of their products are today available only from petrochemical sources. Among the first products to be produced by P2 are vegetable-derived, cost-effective versions of current petrochemical fragrance ingredients. Major users and formulators of specialty chemicals have a strong interest in substituting renewable for petrochemical ingredients. Patrick Foley, a Yale graduate of the PhD program in Environmental Engineering, is P2′s Chief Scientific Officer. Neil Burns, an executive with 20+ years experience in the specialty chemical industry, is the company’s CEO. P2 has a laboratory in New Haven, CT to support this technology’s development and commercialization, as well as partnerships with major companies at a number of points along the supply chain.

Stony Creek Colors, Inc. is a manufacturer of bio-based colorants specifically designed for the textile industry. Founded in 2012 and based in Springfield, Tennessee, the company collaborates with small farmers in the Southeast U.S. to produce plant-based dyes, including indigo. Stony Creek Colors aims to provide clean and safe natural dyes that replace hazardous chemicals traditionally used in textile manufacturing. By focusing on sustainable practices, the company enables the textile and fashion industries to offer environmentally conscious premium products to consumers.

AgroSpheres develops novel technologies that aim to set a new standard for bio-based delivery of active ingredients. It uses a unique platform technology for crop protection solutions and other industrial applications. The company is an encapsulation and delivery technology that dramatically enhances the performance of a broad range of crop protection products including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. AgroSpheres was founded in 2016 and is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Brightseed, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in the discovery of bioactive compounds in plants to enhance human health. Utilizing its advanced Forager platform, which employs artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, Brightseed accelerates the identification and validation of clinically beneficial molecules. This innovative approach enables the company to uncover connections between natural compounds and health outcomes, revealing the potential of bioactives that have previously remained uncharted. By integrating these discoveries back into the food supply chain, Brightseed collaborates with various companies across the consumer health continuum to develop science-backed health solutions aimed at managing chronic diseases and improving overall quality of life. Founded in 2017, Brightseed is committed to exploring the untapped resources of the plant kingdom to address pressing health challenges.

Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, specializes in the manufacturing and supply of sustainable fabrics and materials derived from plants. The company has developed a circularity platform that produces high-performance, plastic-free materials suitable for various industries, including fashion, footwear, automotive, and upholstery. By integrating its innovative technology into existing supply chains, Natural Fiber Welding enables brands to design and scale eco-friendly products effectively.

Arzeda Corporation is a synthetic biology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the development and manufacture of proteins and enzymes for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, polymers, and industrial chemicals. Founded in 2008, Arzeda utilizes advanced technology that combines physics-based protein design with artificial intelligence algorithms to create and validate new designer proteins and enzymes. The company aims to provide innovative solutions that offer competitive performance, cost efficiency, and sustainability, addressing the needs of clients in diverse industries.

IUNU, Inc. is an agricultural technology company that specializes in developing an AI and computer vision platform for greenhouse management. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, IUNU offers a comprehensive software-as-a-service solution that provides growers with actionable insights and enhanced production management capabilities. The company's flagship product, LUNA, utilizes computer vision to monitor and analyze crop growth, helping farmers identify issues early and improve accountability in their growing practices. By connecting plants, facilities, and personnel through a unified interface, IUNU aims to transform commercial greenhouses into efficient, demand-driven operations. The company also has offices in San Francisco and San Diego, further expanding its reach within the agricultural sector.

Plastomics Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in chloroplast genetic engineering to enhance crop performance. Founded in 2016 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, the company focuses on gene stacking and rapid breeding to improve yield production and nutritional quality. Its innovative technology platform allows for the precise insertion of beneficial traits into the chloroplasts of plant cells, facilitating the development of more effective biotech crops. This approach not only addresses current industry challenges but also eliminates cross-pollination, enabling clients to achieve trait expression in plants more reliably. Additionally, Plastomics' unique method of maternal inheritance streamlines breeding timelines and reduces costs, making it a valuable partner for seed companies in the agricultural sector.

Gencove is a software platform that focuses on high-throughput and cost-effective genome sequencing through the use of low-pass sequencing technology. The company aims to revolutionize genomics research and diagnostics across various species by providing fast and affordable whole-genome sequencing solutions. Gencove develops both molecular and computational tools that facilitate low-cost genome sequencing, making genomic data accessible to researchers in diverse industries, including agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

Beta Hatch Inc. specializes in the production of insect protein primarily for animal feed, utilizing innovative rearing technology that converts organic waste into nutritious insect protein, oils, and fertilizers. The company focuses on farming mealworms and produces insect manure, or frass, as a by-product for use in fertilizers. Additionally, Beta Hatch transforms spent brewery grains into insect feed, contributing to a sustainable and zero-waste agricultural system. With a commitment to advancing food systems, the company also explores potential applications for insect exoskeletons in bioplastics and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2015 and based in Cashmere, Washington, Beta Hatch serves a diverse clientele that includes farmers, ranchers, and researchers, aiming to establish insects as a valuable commodity crop in the agricultural landscape.

SinnovaTek is a developer of processing technologies for foods and bio-materials. The company engages in designing, building, and engineering aseptic facilities, advanced thermal processing equipment for food manufacturers and to aid in the development of new product concepts.

Tortuga AgTech focuses on enhancing agricultural practices through innovative technology, primarily by using robots to perform labor-intensive tasks such as harvesting, packing, and trimming. The company aims to empower growers to produce unique, nutritious food while promoting environmental sustainability. By integrating advanced digital horticulture systems that utilize robotics, automation, and precision data analytics, Tortuga AgTech enables farmers to adopt more efficient growing methods that improve yields and reduce manual labor requirements. This approach not only helps growers compete with large-scale agriculture but also fosters the creation of full-time local technical jobs. Ultimately, Tortuga AgTech is dedicated to delivering fresher and healthier produce to communities, thereby contributing to a healthier society and a thriving ecosystem.

Stony Creek Colors, Inc. is a manufacturer of bio-based colorants specifically designed for the textile industry. Founded in 2012 and based in Springfield, Tennessee, the company collaborates with small farmers in the Southeast U.S. to produce plant-based dyes, including indigo. Stony Creek Colors aims to provide clean and safe natural dyes that replace hazardous chemicals traditionally used in textile manufacturing. By focusing on sustainable practices, the company enables the textile and fashion industries to offer environmentally conscious premium products to consumers.

BlueNalu, Inc. is a cellular aquaculture company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in the production and marketing of cell-based seafood products, cultivating fish tissue from cells to meet the growing global demand for seafood while promoting sustainability. By utilizing innovative techniques, BlueNalu produces healthy, safe, and tasty seafood dishes that are free from plastics, pathogens, toxins, and other contaminants. The company aims to support ocean diversity and sustainability, providing consumers and restaurants with trusted seafood options that align with ethical and environmental standards.

Hortau Inc. is a Canadian company specializing in wireless and web-based irrigation management systems, founded in 2002 by experts in agronomy and soil physics. The company designs and manufactures advanced irrigation solutions, including the WEB-TX4 Field Monitoring Stations, which collect vital soil and weather data, and the 1k Extended Range Sensor, a tensiometer that aids growers in managing irrigation in arid conditions. Hortau also offers Field Control Units for remote operation of irrigation valves and engines, alongside Irrolis, a cloud-based software that provides real-time data analysis for agricultural operations. Additionally, the company produces various sensors for soil tension and environmental conditions, as well as comprehensive Weather Stations to monitor climatic factors affecting crop health. With operations in the United States and a focus on enhancing crop production while reducing water and energy use, Hortau aims to support farmers in optimizing yield and productivity.

Brightseed, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in the discovery of bioactive compounds in plants to enhance human health. Utilizing its advanced Forager platform, which employs artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, Brightseed accelerates the identification and validation of clinically beneficial molecules. This innovative approach enables the company to uncover connections between natural compounds and health outcomes, revealing the potential of bioactives that have previously remained uncharted. By integrating these discoveries back into the food supply chain, Brightseed collaborates with various companies across the consumer health continuum to develop science-backed health solutions aimed at managing chronic diseases and improving overall quality of life. Founded in 2017, Brightseed is committed to exploring the untapped resources of the plant kingdom to address pressing health challenges.

BinSentry is an agricultural technology company developing an innovative Internet of Things (IoT) solution which enables feed mills and livestock producers to effectively monitor on-farm inventory, dramatically increasing operational efficiencies. It was founded in 2017 and is based in Kitchener, Canada.