Meet the Team

The Brains Behind the Robots

Our lives revolve around farming, just like yours.

How it all started

Farmers Helping Farmers

Mike Jacob

Founder

Founded in 2024 by Michial J. Jacob, P.E., a farmer turned engineer and entrepreneur, TerraForce solves labor challenges for farmers by enhancing efficiency and profitability. Our cutting-edge technology, which includes advancements in AI, image processing and recognition, and robotics set the standard in operationally efficient specialty crop production.

Mike grew up on a farm in Indiana and holds an engineering degree from Purdue University. He founded Veritas Engineering Group in 2015, led the company through several years over 100% annual growth, and successfully exited the company in 2023. His on-farm, technological, and entrepreneurial experiences make him uniquely suited to solve the needs of today’s producers.

Miheer S. Diwan

AI & Robotics Developer

Miheer is an AI & Robotics Developer at TerraForce, where he builds the autonomy stack for our harvesters. His work spans perception, planning, and AI, with a focus on developing systems that perform reliably under uncertainty in field environments. He is driven by a passion for translating advanced robotics research into practical, scalable solutions with real-world impact.

He holds a Master’s degree in Robotics Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, complemented by experience across simulation and deployed robotic systems.

Drew Garretson

Advisor

Drew Garretson, Vice President of Innovation and Sustainability, has spent over 18 years in the cooperative system serving in roles for Keystone Cooperative and Land O’Lakes Inc. in both agricultural technology development and digital strategy, leading teams across the United States. He is currently working to drive innovation into the business, creating sustainability opportunities for the member, and cultivate meaningful relationships with key stakeholders at one of the largest farmer-owned cooperatives in the U.S.

Drew serves as a local leader for many organizations in his community including past board President of the Knox County Community Foundation, Pantheon Board of Directors and chairman of the ag technology committee, Purdue College of Ag Alumni Board of Directors and local chapter President. He is a graduate of the Indiana AgrIInstitute Leadership Program, past chairman of the board for the Agribusiness Council of Indiana, where he led the charge of Indiana adopting nutrient stewardship standards across the state. Drew has served on several committees for economic development including the B R and E Taskforce, ROZI Taskforce, and is currently co-chairing the Rural Broadband Taskforce on behalf of the Pantheon.