Forbes Magazine has unveiled its prestigious 30 Under 30 list of young entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and game changers for 2020, and among those in the Science category is 29-year-old Alex Fotsch, Vice President of Agricultural Operations at Locus Agricultural Solutions.
Forbes recognized Fotsch for his work managing the Locus AG’s product development team from “concept to launch and involvement in the company’s successful funding rounds.” His efforts, which are helping to redefine innovation and leading by example, include educating and engaging impact investors about backing Rhizolizer, a technology that can immediately grow more food on less land, fight climate change, and reduce the use of other inputs in agriculture.
“I’m ecstatic and honored to be named to Forbes 30 Under 30 class in Science for 2020. It is thanks to my family and Locus AG team that I was able to achieve this preeminent recognition,” Fotsch said. “Congratulations to my fellow classmates. I look forward to seeing what we accomplish in 2020 and beyond.”
Locus AG’s technologies are made using a microbrewery-type fermentation process to address interrelated challenges of fighting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from soil and increasing food security by higher-yielding crops.
Fotsch, who lives in San Diego, joined Locus AG in 2016 as Director of Agricultural Operations. He was promoted to vice president in January 2019 and is responsible for managing a 15-person team that tests and coordinates trials for the company’s biological soil amendments and biopesticides. Fotsch leads the development and launch of new products that can solve industry pain points and provides sales and marketing support. His many achievements include launching Rhizolizer in over 40 states and Terradigm, a soil microbial “probiotics” treatment that improves the quality and resiliency of turf and ornamentals while reducing carbon footprints, in 20 states.
Each Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree receives an in-depth evaluation as part of a vetting process that leverages the organization’s wide-reaching community of skilled reporters and trusted judges. According to the organization, being named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree carries a lifelong reputation of embodying the revolutionary, innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that the organization represents.
The Forbes recognition comes on the heels of AgGrad naming Fotsch as one of its 30 Under 30 last year.
