Why

While working full-time as a mechanical engineer, David Ashton spent his nights developing the idea for an automated, robotic farm. Determined to bring this vision to life, he crafted a 30-page business plan and shared it with Justin Gravett. The two, who met as dorm mates at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2015 and became roommates during their sophomore year, quickly recognized the potential of this concept and decided to apply for a grant.

In 2021, a Phase I National Science Foundation grant was awarded to David and Justin and Canopii was created. David and Justin spent a year developing a sub-scale prototype to demonstrate their novel concept. In a windowless warehouse space in the St. Johns neighborhood of Portland, OR, the concept was validated.

With a successful sub-scale prototype, Canopii gained the support of Oregon investors and was awarded a Phase II. With additional funding, Canopii hired Sam Pepperwood full-time to help design and build the full-scale prototype.

Canopii began a partnership with GK Machine and moved to Hubbard, OR to build the full-scale prototype. Believing in the concept, GK Machine renovated an old shed on their property and provided land for Canopii to build their first farm.

Over a year and a half, Canopii designed and built their first farm. With the help of GK Machine, J&R construction, and an additional employee, Lewis Drapete, Canopii completed construction of their prototype in 2024.