Lewis & Clark AgriFood

IUNU, Inc. is an agricultural technology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in developing an AI-driven computer vision platform for greenhouse management. Founded in 2013, IUNU offers a comprehensive SaaS-based solution known as LUNA, which monitors crop growth and provides growers with actionable insights to enhance production management. The platform connects plants, facilities, and personnel through a unified interface, enabling farmers to efficiently manage crop cycles and identify potential issues before they impact yield. By promoting accountability in growing practices, IUNU empowers clients to optimize their operations and improve overall productivity in commercial greenhouse environments.

AgroSpheres, LLC, founded in 2016 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technology aimed at improving crop protection products. The company develops engineered bio-particles that efficiently deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, significantly reducing the waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. By employing a unique encapsulation and delivery platform, AgroSpheres enhances the effectiveness of various crop protection solutions, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. The firm focuses on creating biodegradable technologies that minimize harmful pesticide residues on plants, utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques to produce biomolecules and chemicals that target toxic materials. This approach not only benefits agricultural businesses but also promotes the health and well-being of plants and their products.

AgroSpheres, LLC, founded in 2016 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technology aimed at improving crop protection products. The company develops engineered bio-particles that efficiently deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, significantly reducing the waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. By employing a unique encapsulation and delivery platform, AgroSpheres enhances the effectiveness of various crop protection solutions, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. The firm focuses on creating biodegradable technologies that minimize harmful pesticide residues on plants, utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques to produce biomolecules and chemicals that target toxic materials. This approach not only benefits agricultural businesses but also promotes the health and well-being of plants and their products.

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.

Bushel Inc. is a Fargo, North Dakota-based company that develops software solutions for the agricultural industry, specifically targeting the grain trading sector. Established in 2011, Bushel offers a comprehensive platform that connects grain companies and growers through various digital tools. Its product suite includes a mobile application, websites, trading tools, market feeds, and API services, all designed to facilitate efficient transactions and enhance communication between farmers, grain buyers, protein producers, and food companies. The platform provides users with instant access to essential information such as scale tickets, contracts, commodity balances, and cash bids, while prioritizing data privacy as a fundamental aspect of its operations.

P2 Science, Inc. is a bio-renewable chemistry company based in Woodbridge, Connecticut, specializing in the development and production of specialty chemicals derived from renewable feedstocks, such as vegetable oils. Founded in 2009 by a team that includes Yale scientists and an experienced chemical industry executive, the company focuses on creating high-value ingredients for flavors, fragrances, cosmetics, and other applications. P2 Science aims to provide sustainable alternatives to traditional petrochemical products, catering to diverse markets, including personal care, household cleaning, agriculture, and environmental remediation. Their innovative technology enables the conversion of renewable resources into cost-effective chemical solutions, addressing the increasing demand for greener options among major users in the specialty chemicals sector. The company also maintains a laboratory in New Haven, Connecticut, to support ongoing research and partnerships throughout 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, LLC, founded in 2016 and based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializes in innovative pesticide delivery technology aimed at improving crop protection products. The company develops engineered bio-particles that efficiently deliver pesticide-degrading enzymes, significantly reducing the waiting periods between pesticide application and harvest. By employing a unique encapsulation and delivery platform, AgroSpheres enhances the effectiveness of various crop protection solutions, including fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. The firm focuses on creating biodegradable technologies that minimize harmful pesticide residues on plants, utilizing bioengineering and industrial fermentation techniques to produce biomolecules and chemicals that target toxic materials. This approach not only benefits agricultural businesses but also promotes the health and well-being of plants and their products.

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 based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in developing an AI-driven computer vision platform for greenhouse management. Founded in 2013, IUNU offers a comprehensive SaaS-based solution known as LUNA, which monitors crop growth and provides growers with actionable insights to enhance production management. The platform connects plants, facilities, and personnel through a unified interface, enabling farmers to efficiently manage crop cycles and identify potential issues before they impact yield. By promoting accountability in growing practices, IUNU empowers clients to optimize their operations and improve overall productivity in commercial greenhouse environments.

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 focuses on developing innovative processing technologies for food and bio-materials, aiming to enhance global health and wellness through sustainable practices. The company specializes in designing and engineering aseptic facilities and advanced thermal processing equipment tailored for food manufacturers. Additionally, SinnovaTek provides continuous flow microwave processing systems that assist in ingredient sourcing, product development, and end packaging. Through engineering, research, and development support, the company enables consumer packaged goods brands to effectively launch and test new products in an aseptic format, promoting the delivery of healthier food options.

Bushel Inc. is a Fargo, North Dakota-based company that develops software solutions for the agricultural industry, specifically targeting the grain trading sector. Established in 2011, Bushel offers a comprehensive platform that connects grain companies and growers through various digital tools. Its product suite includes a mobile application, websites, trading tools, market feeds, and API services, all designed to facilitate efficient transactions and enhance communication between farmers, grain buyers, protein producers, and food companies. The platform provides users with instant access to essential information such as scale tickets, contracts, commodity balances, and cash bids, while prioritizing data privacy as a fundamental aspect of its operations.

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 Inc. is an agricultural technology company based in Kitchener, Canada, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing an Internet of Things (IoT) solution that provides software and solar-powered sensors to monitor feed bins for feed mills and livestock producers. BinSentry's platform enables effective tracking of on-farm inventory, automating logistics and inventory management to enhance operational efficiencies. By utilizing predictive technology and integrating artificial intelligence, the solution helps streamline supply chains and optimize trucking routes, reducing the risk of supply disruptions and increasing overall profitability in livestock and grain management.