News Summary
The Grow-NY Competition is poised to foster innovation in food and agriculture startups with a prize pool of $3 million. Attracting 270 startups from 41 countries, the competition emphasizes inclusivity with a diverse group of 20 finalists. These startups will engage in a 10-week accelerator program to boost business development in Upstate New York, culminating in a summit where winners will be awarded significant prizes aimed at enhancing the agricultural economy and promoting community growth.
Canandaigua, New York – The seventh edition of the Grow-NY Competition, an annual event dedicated to supporting food and agriculture startups, is set to take place on November 12-13, 2025, with a total prize pool of $3 million. This competition highlights innovation in the agricultural sector by providing funding and resources to new ventures, encouraging growth and job creation in Upstate New York.
This year’s competition attracted significant global interest, featuring applications from 270 startups across 41 countries. Out of this competitive pool, 20 finalists were selected, showcasing a diverse range of founders, including 46% female founders and 74% founders from diverse cultural backgrounds. Such figures underscore the Grow-NY Competition’s commitment to fostering inclusive innovation within the industry.
Finalists selected for the competition are required to pursue expansion goals within a 22-county region of Upstate New York, focusing on job creation, partnership development, or operational growth in the area. By doing so, the competition aims to benefit local economies and enhance the agricultural landscape of the region.
Critical Support and Resources
The Empire State Development (ESD) and Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) manage the Grow-NY Competition, facilitating the process for startups to receive needed support. A panel of 40 judges with expertise in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and related fields evaluated the applicants, ensuring that selected finalists have the potential to succeed.
The finalists will participate in a 10-week business development accelerator program. This program provides comprehensive mentoring, business development support, and coaching, equipping participants with the tools they need to thrive in the competitive agricultural landscape.
Summit Highlights and Awards
The annual Grow-NY Summit will serve as a platform for finalists to present their innovative ideas and products, fostering discussions among global innovators, investors, farmers, and researchers. The event aims to spotlight critical advancements in the food and agriculture sectors while strengthening community and regional connections.
During the Summit’s closing ceremony, winners will be announced, with awards distributed as follows: a top prize of $1 million, two additional prizes of $500,000 each, and four prizes of $250,000 each. These financial rewards are designed to propel innovative food and agriculture startups into successful enterprises, catalyzing further investment and growth.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
The Grow-NY Competition is funded through New York State’s Upstate Revitalization Initiatives. This funding aims to revitalize communities and stimulate economic development in the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Southern Tier regions. ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner emphasized the potential of this competition to attract talented individuals and innovative ideas to Upstate New York, thereby invigorating the local economy.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has acknowledged the competition’s integral role in enhancing New York’s agricultural economy, emphasizing the importance of supporting new ideas that can lead to substantial advancements in the field.
Registration for the Grow-NY Summit is open to the public, allowing options for both in-person and virtual attendance. This initiative not only supports startups but also engages the wider community in the conversation around food and agriculture innovation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Finalists Announced for Grow-NY Food Competition
Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Grow-NY Competition Finalists Announced
- Rochester Beacon: Australian Firm Wins Grow-NY Grand Prize
- Farm Progress: How a Farm-Grown Idea Got Its Breakthrough
- Google Search: Grow-NY Competition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Agriculture
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