What's Happening?
Dan and Jenny Berens, a couple from Sheridan, Wyoming, have developed an innovative system called the Hen Hub, designed to automate the care of backyard chickens. The invention, which integrates various functions such as monitoring temperature, tracking food and water levels, and controlling the coop door, won them the 2025 Energy Capital Start-Up Challenge and a $50,000 prize. The Hen Hub connects to a smartphone dashboard, allowing users to manage their chicken coop remotely. The couple, who have a background in design, utilized local maker spaces to develop the technology, which is built to withstand harsh environmental conditions. They have secured a patent for their invention and plan to use the prize money to transition from models to working
prototypes.
Why It's Important?
The Hen Hub represents a significant advancement in agricultural technology, particularly for small-scale and urban farmers who keep backyard chickens. By automating routine tasks, the system can save time and reduce the daily demands of chicken care, making it appealing to busy families and older individuals. This innovation also highlights the role of local entrepreneurship in economic diversification, especially in regions like Campbell County, Wyoming, where traditional industries such as coal are in decline. The success of the Berens' invention underscores the potential for small businesses to drive economic growth and innovation in rural areas.
What's Next?
With the $50,000 prize, the Berens plan to develop working prototypes of the Hen Hub and test them in their own coop and those of friends in Sheridan. They aim to refine the system based on real-world use and feedback. The couple's website, henhub.net, is expected to evolve as development progresses. Additionally, the Energy Capital Start-Up Challenge will continue to support local entrepreneurs, with the next round of applications opening in late summer 2026. This ongoing initiative will provide a platform for other inventors to bring their ideas to market, further contributing to the region's economic diversification efforts.
