Diego Castillo
Ag-tech founder turning field problems into hardware solutions. First prototype to investor demo in 90 days.
5
Projects
2
Machines
200
Hours
1
Programs
Built in the Shop
Real projects. Real contributions. Not a simulation.
Automated Floodgate Mechanism
Functional prototype of an automated floodgate for a local ag-tech application. Demonstrated to investors for seed funding.
What I did
Designed the full mechanism in Fusion 360, managed design-for-manufacturability review with shop mentors, and coordinated waterjet cutting and assembly.
Process
Electronics Enclosure — Rev 2
Weatherproof aluminum enclosure for field control electronics. Designed for assembly by non-engineers in the field.
What I did
Iterated through two enclosure designs, managed waterjet cuts and hardware procurement, and validated seal performance.
Process
Valve Actuator Bracket Series
Custom mounting brackets for integrating commercial linear actuators with existing irrigation valve bodies.
What I did
Designed brackets to accommodate field variance in valve dimensions. Ran waterjet under supervision.
Process
Capability + Access
Machines
Processes
Software
Program Affiliation
Industry Background
Relevant experience that informs what this builder can do now.
Tesla
Manufacturing Engineering Intern
2018
Supported production equipment improvement and fixture development for high-volume manufacturing. First exposure to design-for-manufacturability in a real production environment.
Pacific Irrigation Systems
Field Engineer
2019–2021
Installed and maintained commercial irrigation systems across Central Valley farms. Identified the automation gap that became the basis for the current startup.
Independent Startup Work
Founder / Hardware Lead
2021–Present
Designed and built early prototypes using personal tools before joining the incubator. Developed skills in rapid iteration and field validation.
Growth Timeline
Mar 2023
Joined the Incubator
Applied with a working concept and a rough prototype. Accepted into the first incubator cohort.
Apr 2023
First Machine Use
First supervised waterjet session — cut initial prototype parts.
Jul 2023
First Working Prototype
Floodgate mechanism completed and tested in simulated field conditions.
Sep 2023
Investor Demo
Demonstrated the working prototype to seed investors. Secured follow-on funding.
2024
Rev 2 Hardware — Field Testing
Deployed electronics enclosure and actuator brackets in live field environments.
2025
Active — Moving to Production
Transitioning from prototype to small-batch production for first customer deployments.
Active Work
Current Projects
- Small-batch production planning for floodgate system
- Rev 3 electronics enclosure (improved sealing)
- Field validation with first pilot customers
Currently Learning
- DFM for contract manufacturing transition
- IP protection for hardware products
- Supply chain for low-volume hardware
Looking For
- Contract manufacturing partners for small-batch runs
- Investors with ag-tech or infrastructure focus
- Farmers and water managers interested in early deployment
Work with Diego
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