Athena®

At its core, Athena® operates as a vertically integrated formulator and manufacturer of liquid and dry fertilizer blends, integrated pest management, and EPA-listed sanitization products specially designed for cannabis cultivators. The company’s mission is clear: to support the modern grower, no matter the scale, with superior products that improve quality, reduce costs, and drive consistency.

The cannabis industry has undergone a significant transformation, marked by shifting public perception and evolving legal frameworks. As legalization gains momentum across the United States, the industry continues to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators eager to capitalize on its growth potential.
Projections indicate the U.S. legal cannabis market will exceed $45 billion by 2029. However, amidst this rapid expansion, the industry faces challenges maintaining a consistent supply of high-quality products.

In response to these challenges, Athena® is leading the charge in revolutionizing the cannabis cultivation industry by providing unparalleled support and innovative solutions to growers of all sizes. From small-scale craft cultivators to expansivecommercial operations, Athena is paving the way for a thriving industry that benefits all stakeholders, including producers and consumers.

Building a Robust Infrastructure for Global Expansion

As the market shifts, and global legislation continues to pass, Athena has persevered to build a strong foundation to support its growth in North America and internationally. The company’s extensive sourcing, manufacturing, production and distribution network ensures that it can scale to meet the demands of new markets quickly and efficiently, making Athena a first mover in emerging markets. This robust infrastructure provides the confidence that the company can support its partners’ growth on a global scale. Between 2023 and 2024, Athena has invested 13 million into a 50,000 sq ft state-of-the-art corporate manufacturing, distribution and administration office in Sacramento, California to complement their 42,000 sq ft distribution warehouse in Riverside, California.

With growing domestic and international demand, Athena has expanded its operations to guarantee that its customers continue to receive the same high-quality products and services that they've come to expect. This ensures that even in the event of an unscheduled production line shutdown, Athena can maintain its steady supply of products. “The agriculture fertilizer game is a commodity business where raw inputs are sourced based on price,” says Brandon Burkhart, owner and Founder of Athena. “We don’t source on price, we source on consistency and quality. Our inputs in our formulas never change. Many companies can offer a budget cost per mixed gallon. This is because they use contract blenders, and contract middlemen to source raw materials from anywhere they can find the cheapest prices. There is no quality in this equation. This can lead to failed COAs, sediment in tanks and above all, inconsistent yields.”

Unmatched Quality Control

Athena’s commitment to quality is unwavering. The company is on track to receive ISO 9001 certification by the end of 2024, a testament to its dedication to maintaining the highest standards in manufacturing. This certification will position Athena as the first in the cannabis industry to achieve this level of recognition, reinforcing its status as a leader and innovator.

Key to this commitment is Athena’s rigorous quality control measures, which include end-to-end traceability on every production lot, robust documentation for all quality checks, and in-house and third-party validation on all raw materials and finished goods. The result is a level of reliability that is crucial for large-scale cultivators, with an RMA rate of less than 1 ticket per 10,000 bags sold.

“Our dedication to quality is unmatched,” says Robert Schneider, Chief Product Officer. “We have built a robust quality management system, led by former Proctor & Gamble and Intel QA professionals, that includes rigorous supplier validation and thorough batch testing of raw materials and finished goods.”

The cornerstone of a thriving nutrient program lies in the purity and quality of its raw ingredients. Opting for high-quality raw materials isn’t just about what’s included, it’s about what’s left out, too. Heavy metals, insolubles, and organic matter; these hidden culprits can hinder plant’s growth, clog irrigation systems and possibly lead to failed tests. Athena advocates for premium ingredients, meticulously sourced and perfectly formulated to ensure plants receive only the best. Every ingredient used undergoes rigorous qualitative and quantitative testing before being considered acceptable and is continuously retested to ensure suppliers maintain the highest level of quality that our growers demand. From carefully curated nutrients to clean, contaminant-free supplements, every part of the Athena program plays a vital role in nurturing plants to their fullest genetic potential allowing cultivators, owners, operators, and stakeholders to devote their full attention to the crop and business.

Driving Innovation through Research & Development

Athena’s commitment to innovation is evident in its ongoing investment in research and development. The company has recently opened a dedicated R&D facility featuring three fully-controlled replicated growing chambers, allowing for large-scale production testing under real-world conditions. This state-of-the-art facility is a testament to Athena's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cultivation.

In addition, Athena has established partnerships with leading institutions, such as UC Davis, to conduct IPM efficacy trials that have confirmed up to a 99% kill rate among common pests.
A Legacy Rooted in Agriculture

Athena’s success is deeply rooted in its connection to the agricultural community. The company’s grassroots origin is reflected in its partnerships and its dedication to the success of every grower. Both founders of Athena started in a small home grow under the laws of prop 215 in California and have adapted to set the groundwork to support future markets. Through its comprehensive product development, data collection, SOP guide and facility advisor program, Athena empowers growers with the knowledge and support they need to achieve high-quality, high-yield crops.

“It’s not just about the nutrients” says Burkhart. “While having a balanced formula is crucial, true benefits come from the right procedures, irrigation strategies, and climate management. Unlike others in the industry, we never pushed overpriced bottles with empty promises. Instead, we focus on guiding growers with shared knowledge and tested procedures.”