Thirty Under 30: Scott Massey

By Donna Heiderstadt

Indoor farming in your kitchen? Yes, it’s possible thanks to an AI-powered, rotary aeroponic undercounter appliance capable of growing Pure Produce© leafy greens right at home. Its proprietary technology was designed and manufactured by Scott Massey, Founder and CEO of Evanston, IN-based Anu™, who has raised millions of dollars in seed money (literally) from venture capital groups, angel investors, and federal research grants and now spends his days collaborating with his team to innovate sustainable solutions for indoor farming.

A 2017 graduate of Purdue University, Scott initially envisioned his patented technology helping to end hunger in the U.S. and around the globe. “One of my most memorable moments was installing a hydroponic farm in Tepe Park, Evansville, as part of a community initiative,” he says. “Seeing the impact of fresh produce in a food-insecure area was both humbling and motivating.” And yet he’s now equally inspired by the potential to integrate indoor farming into residential spaces, allowing individuals to grow fresh produce in their kitchens. “The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, and I believe bringing sustainable agriculture into this space will empower people to make healthier choices,” he says.

Scott, who says the word that best describes him is “resourceful,” has gravitated toward green initiatives and innovation from a young age. “My room had a biophilic, emerald design aesthetic with a complement of jungle and savannah animals inspired by my mother, a naturalist mixed-media artist,” he says. “I also had several engineering and legal parliamentary procedure books from my grandfather, who conducted research for NASA, and my attorney father respectively.” The aspiring entrepreneur also loved to build things, from LEGO structures to small machines, resulting in his focus on engineering and sustainable design.

Naturally, Scott gravitates toward sleek, modern designs with sustainable materials and biophilic beauty integration. “I admire the industrial and mid-century modern aesthetic for its simplicity and functionality,” he notes.

In his free time, Scott enjoys hiking, reading about sustainable innovations, and experimenting with new indoor farming techniques. “Any other free time is spent on philanthropic endeavors combatting nutrition insecurity,” he says. Even his travels have purpose. “I love Lesotho in Southern Africa for its raw natural beauty and the resilient, welcoming spirit of its people,” he says. “The culture, delicious food, and resourcefulness of this mountain kingdom are truly inspiring.” As for his ultimate life goal, Scott is steadfast in his mission: “Feed the world, eradicate hunger, or die trying.”