A local Tucson startup goes into production
Grafted Growers™ won local and national awards, SBIR grants from the USDA, and was then founded in 2014.
rafted Growers™ was developed in the top ranked McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship in the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona. Through consistent and dedicated work while in graduate school, the co-founders were able to transform a venture concept into reality – what is now a full production agriculture technology company.
“Owners John Jackson ’00 ’13 and Ricardo Hernandez ’12 met in the highly ranked McGuire Program for Entrepreneurship at the UA, where they began collaborating on their idea for Grafted Growers™. Hernandez received his Ph.D. from the School of Plant Sciences and Jackson received his MBA from the Eller College of Management.”
– UA Alumni Association, University of Arizona
Working through the rigorous one-year program, Dr. Ricardo Hernandez and John Jackson, M.B.A. conceptualized and validated the idea of a 100% controlled environment horticulture business in vegetable plant grafting. Realizing the need for cost effective propagation of high quality grafted trans-plants, Grafted Growers™ combined technology and agriculture to create the perfect solution.
“Had we not had the early support and recognition from the ecosystem in Arizona, our company would’ve not be where it is today. Today, we’re able to support other entrepreneurs and encourage innovation at partner institutions.”
– John Jackson, Co-Founder and CEO
A Special Thank You!
Our founders and team have received advisement, professional services, and recognition since our conception. We are truly thankful for the support we have received from our fans, friends, family, and support in the ecosystem to bring our solutions to market and grow. Here are some of our favorites.
Here are some of our early videos!
5 Key Questions
Grafted Growers’ CEO and Co-founder John Jackson discusses entrepreneurship with the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship for their 5 Question Series.
1st Place, IdeaFunding 2014
Grafted Growers won 1st place at the 2014 IdeaFunding event, hosted by Startup Tucson! See our winning pitch here.
NewVenture Competition, 2013
Grafted Growers’ pitch at the 2013 McGuire New Venture Competition and Showcase
Innovation Day 2013
Check out this video introduction of Grafted Growers on Innovation Day at the University of Arizona in 2013!
Born at McGuire
Learn more about the McGuire Entrepreneurship Program that helped Grafted Growers get started!
awards & milestones
2018-2019
Raleigh Facility LIVE and E-Commerce Open for Orders
2017
Raleigh UpFit Grant Award for Economic Development and installation of technology in primary production facility in Raleigh, North Carolina.
2016
USDA SBIR Phase I completion and won USDA SBIR Phase II.
2015
Accepted into the Arizona Center for Innovation incubator at the University of Arizona, and won a USDA SBIR Phase I grant.
2014
Founded in Tucson, Arizona, winning New Venture Competition awards, the HURST Grant, and Idea Funding.