Photo: University of Pikeville

The University of Pikeville is working alongside AppHarvest in its goal of making Eastern Kentucky the high-tech greenhouse capital of the U.S. The agricultural startup, founded by Kentucky native Jonathan Webb, will break ground in its first $60 million high-tech greenhouse in spring of 2018. The company selected Pikeville due to its geographic location and access to nearly 70 percent of the US population within a day’s drive. AppHarvest is currently operating from an office in UPike’s new Health Professions Education Building. The university is actively exploring the idea of developing curriculum that aligns with the high-tech agriculture industry. Webb said they have received incredible support from the University of Pikeville, and partnering with them will set them up for success in the long run.