Heliponix

Heliponix LLC, doing business as anu™, was founded in 2016 by Purdue University graduates Scott Massey and Ivan Ball. The idea for the company came about when Massey and Ball, while students, realized that their concept for an aeroponic system, which they had been sketching out on napkins, was a novel one. They were later joined by Dr. Jiwei Zhou, who serves as the company's Chief Technology Officer.

The company is focused on addressing the issues of food waste and water conservation through its primary product, the anu™. Previously known as the Gropod, the anu™ is a smart garden appliance designed for in-home use. It is a fully automated, dishwasher-sized unit that utilizes aeroponic technology to grow fresh produce, particularly leafy greens. This computer-controlled system is designed to make it easy for consumers to have a constant supply of fresh vegetables and fruits, while minimizing the environmental impact typically associated with agriculture.

Heliponix operates on a direct-to-consumer business model, selling the anu™ appliance to individuals who want to grow their own food at home. The company also positions itself as a seed company, likely supplying the necessary seed pods or materials for use with their device. The primary market for Heliponix is the home consumer, particularly those interested in sustainable living, healthy eating, and technology-enabled solutions for everyday life. The company has received significant support for its development, including a nearly $1 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation.

Keywords: aeroponics, agtech, indoor farming, smart garden, food waste reduction, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, home appliance, direct-to-consumer, seed company