Pulaski County, VA – The business ecosystem in Virginia’s New River Valley is built to help startups innovate and change the landscape of industry. One startup, MOVA Technologies, has just installed their second commercial A/B comparative trial in Rockingham County.
Developed and manufactured in Pulaski County, MOVA’s product, the FEATHER system, is designed to capture and reduce ammonia levels inside of poultry houses, providing a healthier environment for birds. The product will allow the poultry industry to improve bird performance without increasing energy costs.
“MOVA is a rapidly developing startup that has accelerated in the precision agriculture, green-tech space, and their proven technology has the potential to transcend well beyond the poultry industry and meaningfully impact numerous other industry sectors”, stated Jonathan Sweet, County Administrator, Pulaski County. “There is unlimited growth potential for MOVA as they perfect the FEATHER system and develop new practical applications, and it is the opportunities their technology solutions universally bring to agriculture and other industries as a whole that should truly excite the NRV.”
MOVA has tapped into several assets that make the New River Valley a natural fit for startups and agribusiness to create a unique air filtration product that has been funded by investors and USDA grants. The company participated in the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council’s RAMP program, which helped them with market research, customer discovery, and building key relationships with regional investors. They also have strong connections to the talent pipeline at Virginia Tech, as several board members and staff are alumni. MOVA has also received support from the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to make important connections in the poultry industry.
“We’ve had strong support from investors across the region, the Commonwealth, and the country who recognize the need for practical innovation in food production”, said Luke Allison, Chief Advancement Officer, MOVA Technologies, Inc. “That support has enabled us to move into real-world deployment, and we’re excited about the value this technology can deliver to poultry producers.”
The company continues to pick up momentum as they just announced that in their latest round of funding, they surpassed their goal of $2 million, reaching $2.5 million. The funds will be used to expand field trials and continue research and development.
Full commercial deployment of the FEATHER system is expected either later this year or early next year.
Read MOVA’s press release about their recent round of funding here.
Discover why Virginia’s New River Valley is A Natural Fit for anyone in the food processing and agribusiness industry here.
Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small-town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”
Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world-class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
