The University of Wyoming (UW) has launched the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Network, an ambitious initiative aimed at accelerating workforce development, research, and innovation in one of the most rapidly expanding sectors of modern agriculture.
This new network, established in fall 2025, represents a strategic step toward strengthening Wyoming’s agricultural ecosystem and advancing food production technology.
CEA refers to a cutting-edge approach to farming in which crops are cultivated in optimized, controlled environments that allow for year-round growth and higher yields. Through this initiative, UW aims to bring together industry leaders, researchers, and students to collaborate on technological advancements, research projects, and hands-on learning experiences. The university’s Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility will serve as the core testing and training hub for these efforts, giving students direct access to CEA systems and research-grade technology.
The initiative was developed as part of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership, a state-led effort to modernize and diversify the state’s economy. It also aligns closely with the mission of UW’s Center for Controlled Environment Agriculture, housed within the university’s Science Initiative. While other universities across the country have developed CEA-focused programs, UW’s network stands out for its unique emphasis on workforce development and cross-sector collaboration.
Carmela Rosaria Guadagno, director of UW’s Center for CEA and the Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility, spearheaded the creation and coordination of the network. Her vision emphasizes the importance of uniting academia and industry to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals and innovative solutions in agricultural technology. Supporting her efforts, Michael Baldwin, assistant research scientist and facility manager, has played a critical role in engaging private sector partners and integrating business perspectives into UW’s research ecosystem.
Early partners of the CEA Network include Vertical Harvest (in collaboration with Central Wyoming College), Papa Joe’s Produce, Tén Galon, Crop King, RAYN Growing Systems, Harvest Today, Rooted Robotics, PAGE Technologies, and international firms such as European Photon Systems Instruments and Bluelab from New Zealand. These organizations will work collaboratively to advance CEA research, provide student internships, and contribute to grant-funded initiatives that strengthen Wyoming’s position in agricultural innovation.
The CEA Network is open to participation from companies, educational institutions, and other organizations interested in shaping the future of controlled environment agriculture.
KEY QUOTES:
“The CEA Network connects people, ideas and resources to build a thriving ecosystem for innovation and workforce development in Wyoming and beyond. By fostering collaboration among industry, academia and communities, we’re preparing students for the jobs of the future while advancing CEA technology.”
Parag Chitnis, UW Vice President for Research and Economic Development
“The CEA Network emerged organically from the growing momentum around CEA at UW, around the state and across collaborating states. It has been fueled by significant state investments, which have been instrumental in advancing infrastructure, research and workforce development in this rapidly expanding field.”
“This represents a true win-win, where companies not only provide valuable exposure and hands-on opportunities for our students, but they also connect with one another to address the pressing challenges in this rapidly evolving industry. The enthusiasm from industry partners has been truly inspiring.”
Carmela Rosaria Guadagno, Director, UW Center for Controlled Environment Agriculture
