Arizona Startup Uses AI and Vertical Farming to Target Micronutrient Deficiencies

OnePointOne, an Arizona-based agriculture startup, is developing vertical farming systems that use artificial intelligence to grow crops with targeted micronutrient profiles. Co-founder and CEO Sam Bertram described the approach in an interview published by Forbes on April 19, 2026.

Bertram said most global food programs emphasize macronutrient calories while micronutrient shortfalls remain widespread. He stated that vertical farming can control growing conditions to increase specific vitamins and minerals in produce.

The company integrates sensors and machine-learning models to adjust light, nutrients, and climate variables during each growth cycle. Bertram said these controls allow repeated production of crops with consistent micronutrient levels. OnePointOne operates facilities in Arizona. The interview did not include production volumes, customer contracts, or financial results.

Public health data have documented deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamin A in multiple regions. Bertram argued that addressing these shortfalls requires changes in crop composition rather than increases in total food volume. The interview contained no independent verification of yield claims or comparisons with conventional agriculture.