TechFarms derives great satisfaction in helping early-stage startups bloom, grow and add to the economic vitality of Northwest Florida. While we are focused on the tech sector, that universe admits a limitless galaxy of possibilities — and produces stars. Here are three diverse examples of businesses that TechFarms has been pleased to work with.
// Chaos Audio
Chaos Audio
Out of Chaos,
a New Musical Order
Landon McCoy was a Gulf Coast State College student when he met TechFarms founder Steve Millaway and impressed him with his plans for a programmable, multi-effects guitar pedal. Over the next six years, McCoy and friends, with Millaway as their mentor, developed and marketed STRATUS, a plugin platform that makes it possible for players store a catalog of tones and access them hands free. Stratus was well received, but McCoy was far from done. Next up in the Chaos Audio product line was NIMBUS, billed as a “studio in a box.” The highly portable, all-in-one-box, 70-watt/Bluetooth speaker systems replaces entire guitar setups. Most recently, McCoy has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence in introducing AI FX BUILDER 2.0. The product enables music creators to describe a guitar effect — say “a warm echo with repeats that slowly drift away” — submit it to AI FX BUILDER as a prompt and enjoy immediate results. Tweaks are easily accomplished with additional instructions. Words shape sound! Experience the DEMO FX BUILDER and learn more about STRATUS and NIMBUS at chaosaudio.com.
Better Greens Farms
Fresh, Crisp and Rich in Nutrients
Sometimes, less truly is more. Courtney and Zac Harshbarger, in partnership with TechFarms and Steve Millaway, established Better Greens Farms with the aim of fostering healthy lifestyles and sustainable eating. Their product is microgreens — baby vegetables that are 10 to 40 times more nutrient rich than fully mature produce. Consider: a mature cabbage head of three pounds contains the same nutrients that were present in the baby plant. (If you’re going to eat an entire cabbage head, it helps to be a manatee.) Better Greens’ catalog includes mustard, pea, sunflower, radish, broccoli, beet, carrot and more. Courtney’s description of mustard microgreens is representative: “Bold, spicy greens packed with nutrients like vitamins C, A, and K, calcium, and antioxidants. Their sharp flavor adds a zesty twist to salads, sandwiches, burgers, soups, and tacos. They support immune health, strong bones, and glowing skin while making meals more exciting.” In the works at Better Greens are plans to automate cultivation and harvesting as a way to limit costs and labor and ensure consistency. Learn how you can order and receive microgreens at bettergreens.farm.
// Better Greens Farms
// ATOR Labs
ATOR Labs
Devices That Mimic Human Respiration
As a retired Navy diver, Rob Moran is someone who learned long ago not to take his next breath for granted, especially when it is dependent upon a machine. He also was trained to find solutions when things don’t go according to plan. In 2014, Moran and a partner established Mine Survival Inc. at TechFarms with plans to develop and market gear capable of saving coal miners trapped in life-threatening circumstances. But, as the coal industry began to sputter and choke, MSI recognized that it would have to retool its business model to survive. It spun off a subsidiary, ATOR Labs, whose niche emerged during the COVID-19 years. The pandemic illuminated a need for respiratory protective device certification machines. Enter ATOR. In 2018, after years of iterative design and consultation with industry stakeholders, ATOR Labs (atorlabs.com) fielded its flagship product — the Automated Breathing and Metabolic Simulator (ABMS). The most advanced simulator of human respiration made to date, the ABMS helps companies in multiple industries track their products’ performance against global standards established by OSHA, the International Standards Organization and others.