Transforming Agriculture with Vertical Farming Technology: A Deep Dive with Sam Bertrand

In the quest to solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges, few industries are as ripe for transformation as agriculture. Sam Bertrand, co-founder of OnePointOne, is leading the charge with cutting-edge vertical farming technology that promises to revolutionize how plants are grown, nourished, and even used to improve human health.

In his recent appearance on Visory’s The Elephant in the Room Podcast, Bertrand shared the inspiring journey of OnePointOne, it’s groundbreaking innovations, and the mission that drives their work.

A Vision Born in Academia

Sam Bertrand’s journey began with a question: How can we make the greatest difference in the shortest period of time? While completing his master’s degree in robotics, this question guided Sam and his brother John to focus on food insecurity. They were struck by the staggering reality that 1.1 billion people started the millennium malnourished, a statistic that ignited their passion to find solutions.

Their research led them to vertical farming, a concept that grows plants indoors in stacked layers. Unlike traditional farming, which is plagued by inefficiencies such as water waste, land overuse, and pollution, vertical farming offers a controlled environment that minimizes these drawbacks. Sam and John realized the potential for innovation in this field and saw an opportunity to develop a sustainable and scalable alternative to conventional agriculture.

The Technology Behind OnePointOne

At the core of OnePointOne’s vertical farming system are robotics, artificial intelligence, and aeroponics, a method that noursihes plants with nutrient-rich mist rather than soil. This innovative setup allows plants to grow faster and with fewer resources, addressing key issues like labor costs and water usage. Inside their farms, towering structures house rows of plants, illuminated by artificial light and maintained by robots that perform tasks like moving plants, inspecting growth, and cleaning infrastructure.

“Our goal is to build a box inside a warehouse that pumps out the highest quality and quantity of plants possible,” Bertrand explained. From ROI modeling to financing guidance, OnePointOne takes clients’ specific specifications to design a vertical farm that meets their unique needs.

Scaling for Global Impact

Based in Avondale, Arizona, OnePointOne has already raised $60 million in funding and employs a team of over 80 people. They recently unveiled their flagship, 80,000-square-foot facility that demonstrates their technology at scale and serves as a model for global deployment.

But OnePointOne’s ambitions don’t stop at growing leafy greens. Bertrand envisions a future where their technology extends into producing pharmaceuticals. By using plants as bioreactors, OnePointOne aims to create affordable and accessibel treatments for diseases like COVID-19 and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, further enhancing the role of plants in human health.

A Mission Rooted in Humility

Despite the company’s rapid growth and success, Bertrand’s humility stands out. He attributes much of his drive to an awareness of life’s fragility and the privileges afforded to him. “You’re been afforded more resources than 99.99% of people on the planet. Do something,” he urges listeners. For Bertrand, this perspective fuels both his work and his efforts to inspire the next generation of innovators.

As OnePointOn scales its operations, Bertrand prioritizes fostering a company culture that reflects the mission’s core values: innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven work. “We want to eliminate ego and focus on how we can make the greatest impact together,” he said. By valuing heart and motivation as much as intellect, OnePointOne aims to build a team capable of tackling the challenges ahead.

The Future of Vertical Farming Technology

Looking ahead, Bertrand’s vision is clear: to grow plants that nourish and heal 1.1 billion people worldwide. While he acknowledges that this ambitious goal may take time, the foundation is being laid. Over the next decade, OnePointOne hopes to touch the lives of over 100 million people through food, medicine, and technology.

Sam Bertrand and OnePointOne exemplify how technology and innovation can be harnessed to address critical global issues. From reducing food insecurity to pioneering pharmaceutical applications, their work is a testament to the transformative power of vision and determination. As Betrand succinctly put it, “Doing nothing will cost us everything.”

To learn more about Sam Bertrand and OnePointOne, listen to his full story and insights on The Elephant in the Room podcast.

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