Planting the Future

Welcome to Tech to Table – Growing Cleveland’s Future, a five-part podcast series exploring how innovation is reshaping urban farming in our city. Hosted at Cleveland State University, the series shines a light on the Precision Urban Agriculture initiative, led by the Ohio Aerospace Institute in partnership with Parallax Advanced Research, with support from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (award 6SONANB24D146). This opening episode, Planting the Future, introduces listeners to the vision and impact of the initiative. Host Anthony Gillespie, Director of Strategic and Technology-Based Partnerships and the Technology Transfer Office at Parallax/OAI, brings more than three decades of experience in technology transfer and commercialization across government, academia, and industry. As program director of the Urban Agriculture Initiative, he guides us through the project’s mission to connect Cleveland’s farmers, technologists, and community leaders, while showcasing how advanced tools and collaborative approaches can transform local food systems. Joining Anthony is Dr. Stephanie Brooks, the inaugural dean of Cleveland State University’s College of Health. A licensed clinical social worker and marriage and family therapist, Dr. Brooks is a nationally recognized leader in health equity, integrated care, and workforce development. Her career reflects a commitment to eliminating disparities, promoting inclusive education, and advancing community-based solutions. Together, Anthony and Dr. Brooks discuss how urban agriculture intersects with public health, workforce opportunities, and the future resilience of Cleveland’s neighborhoods. Through this conversation, listeners will gain an inside look at how Precision Urban Agriculture not only tackles food security but also creates pathways for innovation, health equity, and community empowerment. It’s the beginning of a series that celebrates Cleveland’s agricultural past, highlights today’s technological breakthroughs, and looks ahead to a more resilient and sustainable food future.