Youngkin was effusive in his praise of Pourtaheri and Shakeel.
“Payam and Ameer founded this business while they were in school – and they finished school,” Youngkin said. “It’s a testament to grit and determination and vision. It’s a testament to believing that you can achieve. And it is a testament, I think, to Virginia.”
Youngkin added: “Agriculture technology is on the move, and these guys are leading it, and Virginia is at the forefront.”
AgroSpheres is a product of the Darden School of Business’ i.Lab Incubator. UVA Assistant Vice President for Economic Development Pace Lochte, whose office supports the region and commonwealth’s efforts to expand and recruit knowledge-based industry, said AgroSpheres is a shining example of how the entrepreneurial ecosystem that the University and community foster can lead to societal impact.
“AgroSpheres shows how meaningful connections between students, faculty, alumni and public- and private-sector partners can lead to dynamic companies that transform markets, create high-quality jobs and contribute to economic vitality in our region and the commonwealth,” Lochte said. “We are delighted to see innovation-based startups thriving in our area’s powerful ecosystem and continuing to grow.”
A benefit of AgroSpheres’s proprietary platform is that it is suitable for all types of crops.
“Enhanced shelf-life and field-stability make it so that any farmer can use the technology with their existing equipment,” Pourtaheri said.
Added Shakeel: “Our vision is local manufacturing, but global impact. Our farmers in Charlottesville can use these products; our farmers in southeast Asia can use these products.”
Looking into the future, Pourtaheri and Shakeel – who were selected to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in 2021 – said they hope AgroSpheres will become a leader in transitioning the crop protection and nutrition space to environmentally friendly practices.
Thanks for reading With Youngkin's Support, UVA-Born Company Announces New ... - UVA Today. Please share...!
0 Comment for "With Youngkin's Support, UVA-Born Company Announces New ... - UVA Today"