Michael Key is the founder and CEO of Impello Biosciences, a Colorado-based biotechnology company that specializes in the research and development of plant biostimulants. Their speciality line of biostimulant products currently includes growth-promoting bacteria, amino-acid rich organic fertilizers, and unique biochemical elicitors.  Michael’s role in the company includes overseeing business development, creating strategic partnerships, and directing new product innovation, research, and development. Prior to co-founding Impello, Michael worked as the Director of Horticultural Research and Development for Functional Remedies, a vertically-integrated Colorado hemp company, where he developed and implemented agricultural protocols on 50+ acre farms in both Colorado and Kentucky. Additionally, Michael worked as a Research Assistant in the Center for Rhizosphere Biology at Colorado State University, where he also received his degree in Horticulture. There, Michael co-authored research focused on nematology and bacteriology with particular emphasis on plant-parasitic nematodes and their microbial symbionts. He was involved in the development of a novel screening and isolation method designed to identify potential biocontrol agents from native soils. Other research topics of interest to Michael include plant-stress physiology and plant immunity.