By Andi Anderson
Scott Massey, founder of Anu and a Purdue Polytechnic alumnus, has been recognized for his leadership, innovation, and contributions to agriculture and food security. He recently received the Class VIII Outstanding Fellow Award from the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation during its 2026 annual event in Indianapolis.
The award honors Massey's achievements through his fellowship capstone initiative titled "Nurturing Hoosier Hearts and Minds: From Cradle to Career." The project focused on bringing together leaders from agriculture, healthcare, education, and business sectors to develop solutions that promote healthier food systems and stronger communities. Through these collaborative efforts, the initiative successfully secured $1 million in federal grant funding to support agricultural innovation in Indiana.
Massey's work highlights the growing importance of partnerships between industries to address challenges related to nutrition, sustainability, and economic development. By encouraging cooperation among different sectors, the initiative aimed to create long-term opportunities that benefit both producers and consumers.
In addition to his leadership accomplishments, Massey is widely recognized for his contributions to agricultural technology. Alongside Ivan Ball, electrical engineering technology alumnus, he co-founded Anu, a company dedicated to developing advanced indoor growing systems. The company produces fully automated smart gardens that allow users to grow fresh produce indoors throughout the year.
The technology used by Anu is based on rotary aeroponics, a method that enables crops to grow without soil. This innovative system significantly reduces resource use and is designed to improve efficiency. According to the company, the technology uses 98% less water than conventional field farming methods, making it an environmentally responsible approach to food production.
The story behind the company's success began at Purdue University, where Massey and Ball met while working as undergraduate research engineers. During their studies, they participated in a NASA-funded project focused on growing food aboard the International Space Station. The experience inspired them to adapt the technology for practical applications on Earth.
Their efforts extended beyond commercial products. The founders also implemented off-grid, solar-powered growing systems in countries including Togo, Cameroon, and Lesotho. These projects were designed to help communities facing food insecurity by providing reliable and sustainable methods for producing fresh vegetables in challenging environments.
Massey's achievements have gained national recognition. In 2024, Forbes included him on its prestigious 30 Under 30 list in the manufacturing and technology category. The recognition highlighted Anu's innovative agricultural solutions and its commitment to improving access to food in vulnerable regions.
The Outstanding Fellow Award further reflects Massey's dedication to combining technology, leadership, and agricultural innovation. His work demonstrates how modern farming solutions can support sustainability, strengthen food security, and create positive impacts for communities both in the United States and around the world.
Photo Credit: istock-ekkasit919
Categories: Indiana, Sustainable Agriculture