A high-tech farm housed in an upcycled shipping container was the top winner at this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Colorado contest by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce.
The top 10 nominees were joined by 300 attendees at the annual awards ceremony Oct. 23 at the Seawell Ballroom in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, including state dignitaries, business leaders, chamber staff, students and supporters. 
The controlled-climate container farm — manufactured in Colorado by FarmBox Foods — has been deployed worldwide to enable people and organizations to sustainably grow food in places where farming is typically not possible, whether due to short growing seasons, poor climate conditions, limited space or infertile soils.
“A recognition like this is a true honor and shows that we’re on the right track,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods. “Since the beginning, we have led with our mission and values and followed our instincts, and it’s brought us to this point.”
Walker said having a spotlight like the one that comes with the ‘Coolest Thing’ award could be a catalyst to inspire others to adopt the ag technology and feed people. He promised the company would be “good stewards” of the award and what it stands for.
Jason Brown, vice president of operations for FarmBox Foods and the original designer and builder of the company’s prototypes, said he’s grateful for the excitement generated by something that started with a simple idea: using tech and science to grow food using fewer resources.
“Our role has been designing, building and delivering the technology. It’s our customers who are doing great things with it, and having the privilege of watching them impact their community in a positive way will never get old,” Brown said.
The Vertical Hydroponic Farm is a 320-square-foot container farm that reduces water usage and energy consumption associated with food production. It allows users to grow healthy food year-round, no matter the climate, and eliminates the variables that often come with traditional farming, including impacts from weather and pests. Growing near the consumer also reduces food miles and preserves shelf life. The company delivers the farms anywhere in the world they’re needed.
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado contest to highlight Colorado’s booming manufacturing industry.