Former Aimpoint Research, Farm Credit, and Amazon executives launch Idealyst Innovation

COLUMBUS, OH - Idealyst Innovation, a pioneering agricultural solutions company, today announced its official launch, introducing a revolutionary approach to aligning ag innovation with the needs of farmers of the future.

The new company solves two critical issues that have historically challenged ag innovation efforts - identifying challenges that are core to a producer's future success and developing a distribution network to scale curated solutions to the farm gate.

Idealyst takes a producer-centric approach, connecting innovative solutions to farmers through their trusted partners, such as cooperatives, retailers, and capital providers.

"Idealyst Innovation is helping American farmers optimize risk and unlock opportunity by aligning ag innovation and solving the distribution problems restricting their access to solutions that address their biggest challenges," said Brett Sciotto, Idealyst Innovation CEO. "We look forward to working with both solution providers and distribution partners alike on this important mission. Ultimately, we believe the success of U.S. producers is vital for national security and America's food power. At Idealyst, we are dedicated to putting producers first, helping them navigate an escalating risk environment."

Research demonstrates farmers and ranchers need better tools, technologies, and solutions to overcome their most pressing challenges and remain resilient in the compounding risk environment of the future. They want their trusted partners to help them develop, discern, and adopt the right solutions for their operations.

Idealyst works with existing solution providers to curate and vet solutions first-focused on the areas associated with growth, adoption, and digital risk for producers, such as:
• Risk assessment and management tools
• Data management
• Climate modeling
• Artificial intelligence tools
• Reducing adoption risk

Founding partners of Idealyst Innovation include executives with long and notable careers in agriculture and innovation.

"The team's extensive, direct experience provides invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing farmers today. Their understanding of on-the-ground realities, coupled with their technical expertise, is crucial in identifying solutions that truly address the needs and constraints of the agricultural community," said Sciotto.

The leadership team includes:
Brett Sciotto, CEO
Before launching Idealyst, Brett founded and led Aimpoint Research, a global, strategic intelligence firm. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a former Army Intelligence Officer, Brett Sciotto brings a practical, results-oriented approach to the civilian business world. His training in, and emphasis on, mission-critical information-gathering and targeted research methodologies make him unique in his approach to problem-solving in a corporate environment.

With over two decades of leadership and service to agriculture, Brett's deep understanding of the dynamics facing our industry, clear view of the future, and relentless pursuit of solutions that strengthen American Food Power make him a trusted advisor to corporate leaders, government officials, and state and national organizations at all levels.

Greg Somerhalder, President & COO
Greg has dedicated his career to empowering American farmers and ranchers by addressing on-farm challenges and opening new avenues of opportunity.

His most recent role was the President and Chief Operating Officer of American AgCredit, ACA. His prior experience and leadership were instrumental in various positions, including Chief Risk Officer of CoBank, ACB, and Chief Risk Officer of U.S. AgBank, FCB.

Growing up in Oklahoma, he was deeply involved with local cooperatives and worked alongside relatives on farms and ranches. Greg has a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma State University in agricultural economics, and his leadership style is characterized by his proactive approach to problem-solving and his commitment to fostering a culture of innovation.

Elizabeth Fastiggi, Chief Product Officer
Elizabeth Fastiggi previously served as the Global Head of Agriculture at Amazon Web Services, collaborating with clients across the agri-food industry to align transformative initiatives with digital innovation powered by data science and artificial intelligence. She has also led Market Development at Indigo Agriculture and Farmers Business Network and was a private equity investor with GE Capital and Ziff Brothers Investments, structuring investments in the energy and agriculture sectors.

Elizabeth began her career at the Environmental Defense Fund, developing partnerships with market-leading corporations, such as McDonald's and FedEx, to improve environmental and financial performance. Elizabeth holds a BS in Environmental Science from the University of California, Berkeley, an MBA and MS in Environmental Science from the University of Michigan, and studied international policy and economics at the University of Oxford, UK.


For more information visit the Idealyst Innovation website. https://www.idealystinnovation.com/