Canopii looks to succeed where past indoor farms have not

David Ashton, inspired by his experiences growing up near Sacramento, California, has embarked on a journey to transform the indoor farming landscape through his startup, Canopii. This venture emerged from his observations of vast lettuce farms thriving amid California's severe drought conditions, which sparked his determination to create a more efficient agricultural model. Based in Portland, Oregon, Canopii specializes in developing robotic greenhouses capable of autonomously managing the entire crop-growing process—from seeding to harvest—without the need for human oversight. These advanced greenhouses are designed to yield an impressive 40,000 pounds of produce annually, requiring just a single water spigot and occupying the same space as a basketball court. Ashton’s drive to establish Canopii intensified after a setback; he was en route to join an agtech company in Portland when it unexpectedly declared bankruptcy. During the transition, he dedicated his evenings to refining the concept of Canopii while his wife pursued her medical studies. After three years of hard work, Ashton successfully secured a $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to build a prototype, followed by a $1 million grant for a full-scale version. “Five years later, we have achieved a significant milestone with our autonomous farm, capable of growing crops without any human assistance,” Ashton remarked. He noted that this accomplishment was achieved with a small team and minimal funding, contrasting with the broader industry experience. To date, Canopii has raised approximately $3.6 million, including $2.3 million from grants. Ashton is cognizant of the skepticism surrounding the indoor farming sector, which has witnessed the rise and fall of companies like Bowery Farming and Plenty. He asserts that Canopii’s approach is distinct from traditional vertical farms, as the company has opted for a deliberate pace and avoided venture capital, thus navigating potential pitfalls. Ashton emphasized, “The capital stack must extend beyond venture capital. We are currently focused on refining our first farm, which has provided invaluable insights. Rapid scaling driven by VC funding could jeopardize our food infrastructure.” Interest in Canopii’s technology has surged from diverse sectors, including schools, restaurants, and casinos. With its automation milestone now achieved, Canopii is preparing to establish its first commercial farm in downtown Portland. Looking ahead, the company envisions franchising its innovative farms while considering venture capital once they are fully operational. “We aim to produce at scale, much like automobile manufacturing,” Ashton stated. “A remarkable feature of our farm is its efficiency, operating on just 100 AMPs and 240 volts—equivalent to household power. This means our farms could potentially fit into a backyard, showcasing our commitment to resource management.”