On October 21st, 2025, Parallax/OAI and LANDWERX hosted a live virtual Urban Ag Tech Pitch Day as part of the Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative. Parallax/OAI selectively invited several dozen companies that demonstrated viable business models and technology readiness levels appropriate for potential investment to ensure each presentation aligned with both community-driven goals and commercialization pathways.
From the initial pool of candidates, three companies were selected to pitch—each representing a feasible commercialization opportunity and strong alignment with the initiative’s community and technology integration goals—ensuring a focused, high-quality lineup for investor engagement.
- Mike Stewart, founder of Spectrasense, presented his solution borne of NASA technology thatprovides real-time, inline concentration measurement systems using laser-based spectroscopy to monitor chemical composition in corrosive or hazardous liquids.
- Don Scipione, the founder of Roll-a-Rack, presented his solar array racking system ideal for small-mid size farms that minimizes the land requirement without damaging the land, allowing it to return to be returned to farming.
- Derin Fasipe is the founder of Anabaena — which is developing technologies to using bacteria to produce hydrogen in oil and gas wells to meet the needs across a variety of industries.
The Urban Ag Tech Talk virtual pitch day convened more than 25 attendees, including innovation leaders from academia, federal agencies, and several private investment and technology firms.
Due to the diverse participant base, the event was a success in establishing the Precision Urban Agriculture Initiative as a credible bridge between Ohio’s ag-tech entrepreneurs, the resources they require to grow, and the broader national innovation ecosystem.
This work was performed under the following financial assistance award 60NANB24D146 from U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology.
###
About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute
Parallax Advanced Research is an advanced research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements across Ohio and the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development.