Tough Tech Fast Five: Robigo's Andee Wallace

Fast Five with Tough Tech founders continues! Today, we spotlight Andee Wallace, PhD , Founder and CEO of Robigo .

1. What problem are you working to solve? How are you doing it?

Robigo is working to create a more sustainable and productive agricultural system. Every year, farmers apply over 8 billion pounds of pesticides globally, and still lose 20 - 40% of crops to pests and disease. As the climate changes, these losses are expected to increase 10 - 25% for every degree of atmospheric warming. Robigo is creating a new class of high performing biological solutions that use engineered microbes to protect plants from disease, improve soil health, and help growers maximize crop production.

2. At scale, what impact will your Touch Tech solution have for everyday people?

At scale, Robigo’s microbes will provide safer, healthier produce while significantly reducing the environmental impact of commercial agriculture. By improving soil health, enhancing water quality, and supporting biodiversity, we can design a more resilient food system that lives in harmony with our planet instead of destroying it.

3. What does Tough Tech mean to you? How is this industry ‘tough’?

Tough tech encompasses breakthrough technologies that tackle complex challenges and have the potential to significantly impact industries and benefit society. Ag-biotech seeks to solve massive agricultural challenges using advanced biotechnologies, such as gene editing and synthetic biology.

4. Why is Massachusetts the right home for your Tough Tech company? What unique opportunities exist here?

The density of highly skilled talent, robust venture capital, and collaborative, world-class innovation ecosystem in Massachusetts have helped Robigo put down roots to grow our team and technology. We’ve especially benefited from incubating at The Engine, which has allowed Robigo to flexibly build out lab space that accommodates cutting edge synthetic biology and agricultural research. The Commonwealth’s commitment to sustainability and supporting tough tech innovations have allowed Robigo to tap into several state-funded grant and accelerator programs that have helped Robigo thrive as an early startup.

5. What’s one piece of advice that you’ve either received or would give to another Tough Tech innovator about navigating tough challenges?

Embrace a long-term mindset while remaining adaptable. Stay committed to your vision, but be open to pivoting when challenges arise or new insights emerge. Resilience and flexibility are crucial in navigating the complex and unpredictable nature of tough tech innovation.