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.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7, 2025

Contact: CynthiaE@cochamber.com

Top Ten Finalists for 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Colorado Contest Announced

DENVER – The Colorado Chamber of Commerce today announced the top ten finalists for its fourth annual Coolest Thing Made in Colorado competition sponsored by FirstBank.

“This year’s top ten finalists represent Colorado innovation in so many ways,” said Loren Furman, President and CEO of the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. “From breakthroughs in space technology to products that support our farmers, protect our environment, and celebrate our love for the outdoors, these finalists reflect what makes Colorado such a unique place to live and work. We’re proud to highlight these amazing companies and look forward to celebrating them in October.”

The finalists were chosen by an independent selection committee who reviewed and assessed each nomination. The finalists will be honored at the Colorado Chamber’s Coolest Thing Awards Banquet on October 23, where the 2025 winner will be announced and presented with the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado trophy. The Chamber will also announce special categories of winners, including a “People’s Choice” award based on an online voting tool that will launch in the coming weeks.

The Coolest Thing Made in Colorado top ten finalists are as follows:

AE.1 Cosmos by Lightship

The AE.1 Cosmos is the first all-electric aero-electric travel trailer with a 77 kilowatt-hour battery and rooftop solar panels that create a fully self-contained power system. Made in Broomfield, its aerodynamic design and TrekDrive assist system improve towing efficiency and provide up to a week of off-grid living, offering a quiet and low-maintenance option for travel.

AIEye by HapWare

AIEye is a wearable assistive technology that translates nonverbal communication cues such as facial expressions, gestures and body language into discreet haptic feedback for people who are blind, low vision or autistic. The device pairs smart glasses with an integrated camera and a wristband to detect over 25 visual social cues and translates them into distinct, intuitive vibration patterns on the wrist. Made in Golden, AIEye is built for real-world durability, speed and ease of use.

Austere Remediation Unit (ARU-10T) by Austere Environmental

The Austere Remediation Unit (ARU-10T) cleans 10 tons of diesel-contaminated soil per day, removing 99.99% of pollutants and recovering the diesel for reuse. Developed in Golden, Colorado, the system helps prevent water contamination, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps contaminated soil out of landfills, offering a cleaner and more sustainable solution for waste management.

Autonomous Nano Tractor (ANT) by Barn Owl Precision Agriculture

The Autonomous Nano Tractor (ANT) is a fully electric, self-driving mini tractor engineered in La Junta, Colorado, for small to midsize farms. It handles precision row-crop tasks like weeding, targeted spraying, and planting support, cutting manual labor by more than 50% and reducing input costs by about 30%. Its modular design and advanced computer vision make it a scalable, low-maintenance solution for both regenerative and conventional farms.

Clarity-1 by Albedo

Clarity-1, developed by Albedo in Broomfield, is the first commercial very-low-Earth-orbit (VELO) satellite to 10-centimeter visible imagery and 2-meter long-wave infrared data in a single pass. Launched in March 2025, it marks a breakthrough in multispectral imaging, providing unprecedented detail for applications from city planning to climate research.

Innovaflex Arrays by InnovaFlex Foundry

The InnovaFlex Arrays, manufactured in Colorado Springs, are complex electrical systems built on glass or flexible materials that enable the measurement or application of electrical signals. These arrays have multiple uses, including “Organ-on-a-Chip” applications that allow researchers to study how human tissue responds to pharmaceuticals or treatments, reducing the need for animal testing and supporting more personalized medical approaches.

Laser Maze Challenge by Funovation

The Laser Maze Challenge, manufactured in Longmont, is an interactive attraction where players navigate glowing laser beams, racing against time in three unique game modes that test agility, speed and strategy. With immersive lighting, video replays, and a live leaderboard, it delivers an action-packed experience for families, thrill-seekers and competitive gamers.

Spectra Optia Apheresis System by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies

The Spectra Optia Apheresis System, developed in Lakewood, is an industry-leading platform for therapeutic apheresis, cell processing, and cell collection, capable of separating and returning blood components while targeting specific cells for treatment or research. First introduced in 2007, it’s now used in over 125 countries to support procedures for hematologic disorders, rare diseases and emerging cell therapies.

The Narwhals by Apex Cool Labs

Manufactured in Boulder, the Narwhals are portable cooling devices designed to quickly reduce core body temperature by targeting specialized vasculature in the palms. Used by professional athletes, firefighters, construction workers, and others exposed to extreme heat, Narwhals help improve heart rate recovery, extend work capacity and provide lasting relief from heat stress in demanding environments.

Vertical Hydroponic Farm by FarmBox Foods

The Vertical Hydroponic Farm, manufactured in Aurora, uses patented vertical farming technology inside upcycled shipping containers to maximize growing space while minimizing water and energy use. These solar-capable, climate-controlled farms enable year-round cultivation of mushrooms, leafy greens and herbs almost anywhere in the world.

Learn more about the Coolest Thing Made in Colorado contest at www.CoolestThingColorado.com. 

The Colorado Chamber of Commerce champions free enterprise, a healthy business environment and economic prosperity for all Coloradans. It is the only business association that works to improve the business climate for all sizes of business from a statewide, multi-industry perspective. What the Colorado Chamber accomplishes is good for all businesses, and that’s good for the state’s economy. It was created in 1965 based on the merger with the Colorado Manufacturers’ Association.

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FarmBox Foods is thrilled to announce the official launch of FarmBox Foods Fresh, a new subsidiary dedicated to cultivating high-quality, chef-grade gourmet mushrooms right here in Sedalia, Colorado. With weekly harvests and an unwavering commitment to freshness and sustainability, FarmBox Foods Fresh is redefining what it means to eat locally.

From restaurants looking for unique ingredients to food lovers seeking fresh flavors, FarmBox Foods Fresh offers a delicious variety of mushrooms that are grown with care and precision. These gourmet mushrooms are harvested throughout the week and are available for both pick-up and delivery, Monday through Friday.

Now Available: A Flavorful Assortment

Our current June harvest includes a colorful selection of gourmet mushrooms:

• Blue Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
• Black King Trumpets – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
• Lion’s Mane – $12/lb (5-20 lbs), $10/lb (21+ lbs)

Coming Soon

• Chestnut – $10/lb (5-10 lbs), $9/lb (11-20 lbs), $8/lb (21+ lbs)
• Golden Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
• King Blue Oyster – $10/lb (5-10 lbs), $9/lb (11+ lbs)
• Pink Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)
• King Trumpets – $12/lb (5-10 lbs), $10/lb (11+ lbs)
• Snow Oyster – $9/lb (5-10 lbs), $8/lb (11-20 lbs), $7/lb (21+ lbs)

Whether you’re a chef sourcing premium mushrooms for culinary creations or a home cook on the hunt for nutrient-rich, flavorful ingredients, these mushrooms are as versatile as they are visually stunning.

Exciting new varieties are also in the works, with pre-orders now being accepted. Keep an eye on our website for updates as we expand our offerings.

Visit or Contact Us

Located at 5389 Plum Ave, Sedalia, CO 80135, FarmBox Foods Fresh offers convenient pick-up and delivery options to make fresh, local food more accessible. For ordering, questions, or pre-orders, reach out to us:

sedalia@farmboxfoods.com
(303) 285-4076
farmboxfoodsfresh.com

To learn more about each mushroom’s flavor profile and recommended culinary uses, visit our website and explore how FarmBox Foods Fresh is bringing gourmet fungi to your table — fresh from Sedalia.

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Anyone who knows Rusty knows that he is all about relationships, whether it’s with customers, partners, vendors, colleagues, advocates or friends. It’s those strong relationships — some of them decades old — that have served him well throughout his influential and distinguished career as CEO of FarmBox Foods and president of Absolute Logistics, among other positions. There are few (if any) more deserving of this recognition, and we collectively tip our hats to the captain of this FarmBox ship.

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CORE’s Vertical Hydroponic Farm is housed inside an upcycled, insulated shipping container that FarmBox is using for research and development, with the goal of replanting blue spruces and ponderosa pines, both native species in Colorado, in places impacted by wildfires within CORE’s service area.

Guided tours of the box and interviews were provided by subject matter experts. CORE and FarmBox Foods’ executive teams also attended, as did research advisers from CSU-Spur and members of the media from 9News and The Denver Channel/KMGH.

“CORE’s partnership with FarmBox has given us an innovative way to support Colorado’s natural resources and continue our dedication to environmental stewardship,” said Pam Feuerstein, CORE’s Interim CEO.

FarmBox Foods began successfully growing tree seedlings and saplings in the controlled-climate container farm in 2021, but the Vertical Hydroponic Farm purchased by CORE is the first to be solely dedicated to tree propagation. FarmBox Foods operates the indoor tree farm at its home base in Sedalia and is conducting research on drought resistance, nutrient dosing, lighting and other growing parameters.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to launch a ground-breaking program like this,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods. “CORE is pioneering something that could have a tremendous impact beyond just Colorado, and we have the technology and the team to make it happen.”

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Consumers should keep an eye out for the Colorado Proud logo at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, garden centers and restaurants. By buying locally grown, raised and processed food and agricultural products, you’re receiving high-quality fresh products and helping Colorado’s economy, local farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and processors in your area!

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We don’t often have the opportunity to see people working in our farms or enjoying fresh produce grown in a FarmBox. But that changed with our sponsorship of “Dancing with the Pueblo Starz” on July 15.

The event included active participation by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who work in the farm that was refurbished by FarmBox Foods and purchased by the nonprofit, Pueblo Diversified Industries. The Vertical Hydroponic Farm is used as the centerpiece of its Fresh Greens Colorado business, which doubles as a workforce development center for this underserved population.

The night was nothing short of magical. PDI and the seven couples who performed the featured dance routines raised $75,000, which will go toward supporting their agtech program.  Eric Gostenik (Director of National Sales at FarmBox) had the opportunity to dine with one of the developmentally disabled farmers and witness his reaction when he saw a video of himself talking about working in the farm. The farmers also participated in their own rehearsed dance routines.

Seeing this community rally around their own and around a program with infinite potential to transform lives was an opportunity of a lifetime. It brought the reasons why we do what we do to the forefront. We had the chance to meet city and county leaders, and I got to share a little bit about our company and our mission to the 600+ attendees.

To me, this is only the beginning of our work in Pueblo. There’s a significant need for food access, and when you can include a subset of people who find purpose and joy in helping others, it benefits everyone. We get to tell these stories and, ideally, show people outside of the company just who we are and what we believe.

This partnership was wholy a team effort. Eric shepherded PDI through the sales process, Jason Brown (VP of Deployment) and Jesse Gantzler (Quality Control Manager) put in a lot of work moving and refurbishing the VHF to be in ready condition, and they along with farm trainers Nick Brooks and Mollie Sullivan have provided support during operational challenges. Joseph Cammack (Executive VP) and Eric attended the Saturday night event in Pueblo and represented the company well while thinking about future partnerships with those sitting at our tables. I (Chris Michlewicz, VP of Communications) nervously gave a speech about who and what FarmBox, why we sponsored the event, and I even managed not to tear up when talking about the uplifting videos of those who work in the farms.

This is the ideal customer. They want to do good in the world, they know the impact of our container farms, and they’re serving as our ambassadors in Pueblo. This is what it’s all about.

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The fundraising event at the Pueblo Convention Center benefitted Pueblo Diversified industries and Fresh Greens Colorado, an indoor farming operation in Pueblo that provides job opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

PDI and Fresh Greens Colorado are dedicated to supporting and empowering the community while becoming a catalyst for change. The donated funds will help transform the lives of these extraordinary individuals by enhancing their independence through vocational training and life skills development in a Vertical Hydroponic Farm built by FarmBox Foods. From job training to job placements, the money raised will support this hub where the whole community can connect, share experiences, and find a sense of belonging.

About PDI

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Rusty is featured in the April 1 edition of the Denver Business Journal and was honored during a ceremony on March 31 at Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera House in Denver, alongside other deserving recipients.

Probably the coolest thing about this recognition is that two separate organizations decided to nominate Rusty unprompted. His influence and leadership are a big part of our success story, and we’re glad that people outside of the company see that.

Read more about Rusty Walker here

Proudest accomplishment of the past year?

Helping to feed people in areas of need, because no one should go hungry. I’m also proud of helping build a team at FarmBox that truly believes in our mission of empowering communities to grow their own food.

What impact has the pandemic had on your area of focus? 

Sourcing of materials has become more challenging, but the supply chain disruption has thrust local farming into the spotlight in a good way. Hyperlocal farming provides a secure source of food near the consumer without concern for delays related to supply chain issues. The disruption has brought to everyone’s attention how important having decentralized food production is. This disruption provides a unique opportunity for us to focus on a product that can have a meaningful impact. Our farms have come about at an opportune time to bring attention to just how vulnerable we were as a society.

What would you say is the biggest challenge Colorado’s agricultural industry faces today?

Drought conditions would have to be up there. It’s become so much harder for farms to thrive because of weather and climate impacts. Water shortages are a real thing, and we have something that can be part of the solution. Colorado is in a precarious position for a number of reasons and our farms enable people to conserve this important resource. We can help farmers who are struggling with uncertainty and provide a reliable, secure source of nutritious food.

What could the state of Colorado do better to fix it?

Incentivize alternative methods of farming that decrease risk of crop loss, reduce water usage, and have less impact on the environment. We have been embraced by the farming community because we provide a lifeline that enables farmers and ranchers to grow food year-round, and especially during times in which weather negatively affects crop yields. What we’re up against is out of our control, but we provide the ability to focus on things that are in our control.

What’s one thing you wish Coloradans understood about your job that most don’t?

Even though we’re a for-profit company, we’re very much a mission-driven organization. That means people and their right to food security doesn’t get lost in the decision-making process. We’re very intentional about how we have grown, and how we operate, and that’s been key to our success. There are few industries that controlled-environment agriculture doesn’t fit into, and so it’s figuring out where we can have the most impact.

When I was asked to be CEO, it was a blessing. It was taking on the responsibility of carrying on that blessing and all of its challenges, and we have a purpose-driven mission that’s not taken lightly. Anytime you have an opportunity to carry out a purpose like this, you have to know that this is much bigger than myself or this company, because we have something that can have a huge effect on the world. The importance of that is not lost on me or the FarmBox team.

What trends are you watching in your field in 2022? 

We try to take a broad look at trends related to how impactful our farms are in the communities that our farms serve. It’s measuring the impact of our farms in communities where they’re placed, and how that affects those communities, coordinating with local organizations, including 501c3s, in getting these farms where they need to go.

What advice do you have for young professionals in your field?

Continue exploring ways to do more with less by using science and tech to solve concrete problems facing the world. Continued improvement is part of our culture, and I find that’s the best way to go about your professional and personal life. I also think you should never go it alone. You should work on being a team player and surround yourself with people who want to achieve a goal together, and go at it in a selfless way.

What do you do in your free time?

I love to spend time with my family, read, exercise, golf and just enjoy life in Colorado.

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Farming Solutions are needed – It seems every day you come across a news story that paints a very bleak future for traditional farming and the consumers who benefit from it.

We’ll briefly explore the many challenges facing the agricultural industry, but we’ll also posit some potential ways for farming operations large and small to adapt to changing times and conditions.

Shifting climate patterns are making it vastly more difficult to predict whether a crop will make it to harvest. Heat waves, hail storms, cold snaps and floods have become more pervasive and intense in recent years. Even crops that may not be directly affected by catastrophes, like the severe drought currently gripping the western portion of the U.S., are being indirectly impacted by residual factors, like smoke from wildfires.

We’re also facing other crippling issues without a foreseeable fix. Supply chains that support agriculture have been stretched to their limit since the beginning of the pandemic for a variety of reasons, including transportation availability, labor shortages, and associated delays affecting raw material sourcing. And the skyrocketing cost of fertilizer is further complicating matters for traditional farming operations and having an outsized impact on already-thin profit margins.

But what if there was a way to circumvent these issues using innovations in agtech? It sounds impossible, and while it comes with its own set of challenges, indoor growing, especially in urban areas, could be a big part of the answer going forward. 

Science and tech have come a long way in the last decade (hello, sensor technology!), allowing growers to do much more with much less in a smaller footprint. And hyperlocal farming means produce grows near the consumer, eliminating supply chain-related woes. Instead of spending the first half of its shelf life in transit, veggies get to the end user much quicker, resulting in less food waste. Local growing also reduces the need to burn fossil fuels to get food to its destination, and empowers communities to gain more control over their own food supply.

It’s hard to put a value on security and reliability, and we certainly won’t attempt to, but controlled-environment agriculture allows people to harvest large yields year-round without external variables getting in the way. There’s also no need for fertilizers or pesticides, which takes possible contamination of drinking water out of the equation. 

The practice is gaining momentum worldwide and already having an impact on sourcing for grocery chains, hotels, hospitals, restaurants and food banks. Likewise, farmers are embracing the technology because it provides a security blanket in uncertain times.

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