Mach Focused on Scaling Autonomous Solutions for OEMs

When it comes to autonomy in off-road applications, Mach is carving out its place as a premier supplier of cutting-edge technology to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The company provides a full technology stack—from software to hardware—to help companies in agriculture, construction, defense, and utilities integrate automation into their machinery. But behind Mach’s success is more than just engineering prowess—it’s also been spurred by the robust support ecosystem centered in Ames and the Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP).

For Mach CEO Colin Hurd, the environment has served as a springboard for a series of entrepreneurial endeavors.

A Solution for a Growing Market Need

Mach’s work addresses a fundamental challenge facing many mid-sized OEMs: the increasing demand for autonomous machinery without the capacity to develop the technology in-house. As larger companies like John Deere, AGCO, and CNH have recently acquired many of the technology providers in the market, there is a growing need for OEM independent technology partners like Mach. Mach steps in by providing OEMs with the tools they need to make their vehicles autonomous—quickly and efficiently.

"Our core business is supplying both the software and hardware that allows manufacturers to automate their equipment," Hurd says. “We've solved fundamental challenges like navigation, path planning, connectivity, and obstacle detection, which allow us to bring autonomy to these machines much faster than traditional development would allow.”

This speed to market has proven critical. Hurd notes that what once took 24 months to achieve can now be done in under 6 months thanks to the standardized interfaces and ruggedized hardware Mach has developed.

"For OEMs, being able to go from a non-autonomous vehicle to one that is fully autonomous in such a short period is game-changing," Hurd says.

Ames and the ISU Research Park: A Foundation for Innovation

Hurd's relationship with the ISU Research Park spans multiple companies and a decade of entrepreneurial activity, beginning with his first venture, Smart Ag, which was ultimately acquired by Raven Industries. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Hurd recognizes the unique advantages Ames offers to growing businesses like Mach.

“There are so many resources in Ames and at the ISU Research Park that help facilitate growth,” Hurd says. “A core part of our business is in agriculture, and being in Ames allows us to be close to our customers, many of whom are drawn to the university and the research park for other reasons. Having that accessibility is invaluable.”

But it's not just proximity to customers that makes Ames a hotbed for innovation. According to Hurd, the ecosystem at ISURP provides essential networking and collaboration opportunities that help Mach stay ahead of the curve.

"The Research Park fosters connections among different companies, and it’s incredibly useful to be in an environment where innovation is constantly happening,” Hurd says. “We can leverage that."

Access to Iowa State University’s expertise also plays a role in Mach’s success.

“Being able to tap into the knowledge coming out of Iowa State and the work being done by researchers like Matt Darr is critical to staying on the cutting edge of agricultural innovation,” Hurd says. “It’s not just about running a business—it’s about keeping pace with the advancements happening right here.”

Building on a Culture of Support

Hurd has built a career on scaling companies from the ground up, and for him, the ISU Research Park has been a cornerstone of that growth. From his earliest days with Smart Ag to Mach’s current trajectory, Hurd points to the research park's flexibility and network of resources as key factors in his companies' ability to thrive.

“I’m not an engineer, but I love building companies that solve real problems,” Hurd says. “At the Research Park, whether it’s space, funding, testing facilities, or finding partners, I know that the support is there. That’s huge for someone like me who’s trying to build something impactful.”

As Mach continues to grow, Hurd is also heavily involved in the Ag Startup Engine, a program located in the ISU Research Park that fosters innovation by helping early-stage companies gain traction.

“It’s a self-reinforcing system,” Hurd says of the Research Park ecosystem. “You start small, with just the resources you need, and as you grow, you scale alongside the support structure here.”

Looking Toward the Future

Hurd believes that autonomy in off-road machinery is no longer a distant dream but an emerging reality.

“We're in the early stages of deployment, and while it might not come from the biggest names in the industry first, smaller, agile companies like ours are going to lead the way,” he predicts. Mach is well-positioned to capitalize on this emerging trend, with fast-track solutions and the unique ability to serve mid-sized OEMs that are ready for autonomy but lack the all of the required resources to develop it in-house.

As Hurd continues to drive Mach forward, his relationship with Ames and ISURP remains an integral part of the journey.

“Ames is home,” he says. “It’s where I’ve built companies before, and it’s where I’ll continue to build. The community, the support, and the innovation hub that is the Research Park make this the best place to scale something that’s truly transformative.”

For more information about Mach and the work they’re doing to advance off-road autonomy, visit mach.io.