Renton Startup ZILA BioWorks Wins $250K in International Competition

Renton, Washington, November 15, 2025

ZILA BioWorks, a startup from Renton, Washington, has secured a $250,000 award in the Grow-NY International Food and Agriculture Business Competition. The recognition highlights the company’s innovative conversion of vegetable oils into eco-friendly bio-epoxy resins. This annual competition, designed to bolster economic growth through local startups, showcases the importance of entrepreneurship in sustainable practices. The funding will allow ZILA to expand operations and further develop its environmentally-friendly products.

Renton Startup ZILA BioWorks Wins $250K in International Food and Agriculture Business Competition

Renton, Washington – ZILA BioWorks, a Renton-based startup, has been awarded $250,000 in the Grow-NY International Food and Agriculture Business Competition. The competition, which took place on November 13, 2025, at the Grow-NY Summit in Binghamton, New York, recognized ZILA BioWorks for its innovative approach in the food and agriculture sector.

The Grow-NY competition aims to promote entrepreneurial innovation and support small businesses that contribute to economic growth within the regions it encompasses. By focusing on local startups, the competition highlights the role of entrepreneurship in revitalizing economies and fostering community involvement.

Competition Overview

The Grow-NY competition is an annual event aimed at fostering innovation in the food, beverage, and agriculture industries within Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier regions. This year, the competition offered a total of $3 million in funding to seven finalists, including ZILA BioWorks. The finalists presented their business plans to a panel of judges with expertise in agriculture, food production, and venture development. This supportive environment encourages participants to think outside the box and propose sustainable solutions that benefit both their businesses and the economy at large.

ZILA BioWorks’ Achievement

ZILA BioWorks specializes in converting vegetable oils into high-performance, low-carbon, recyclable bio-epoxy resins. These resins are utilized in industrial composites, coatings, and adhesives, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based products. This innovative approach aligns with the growing market demand for eco-friendly solutions, which bodes well for ZILA’s future growth. The $250,000 award will enhance the company’s capacity to expand operations and further develop its eco-friendly products, showcasing how private investment can lead to significant advancements in sustainability.

Other Notable Winners

Other winners of the Grow-NY competition exemplified similar innovative approaches, indicating a vibrant ecosystem focused on sustainability and economic resilience:

• Mothership Materials, New York, NY – Awarded $500,000 for transforming agricultural waste into carbon-negative feedstocks, such as glucose and cellulose, powering future foods, fuels, and fabrics.
• Seen Nutrition, Ithaca, NY – Awarded $500,000 for its patented dietary calcium chew made with dairy produced in Central New York, targeting the menopause market with a focus on bone health.
• Living Ink Technologies, Berthoud, CO – Awarded $250,000 for repurposing renewable biomass waste, like algae, into sustainable black printing inks and pigments.
• Trebe Biotech, Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina – Awarded $250,000 for using insect larvae to produce faster, more scalable, and cost-efficient bioproducts for animal health, such as recombinant proteins and vaccines.

Background on Grow-NY Competition

The Grow-NY competition is administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement and aims to stimulate economic growth in the participating regions by supporting innovative startups in the food and agriculture sectors. Winners are required to operate in the regions for at least one year and provide a small equity investment stake to Grow-NY. This framework not only incentivizes startups to root themselves locally but also fosters a culture of accountability and growth that benefits the community. The competition has been instrumental in attracting and nurturing high-growth companies that contribute to the local economy and promote sustainable practices in the industry.

Conclusion

The success of ZILA BioWorks and other winners in the Grow-NY competition underscores the vital role of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic development. By investing in local startups that prioritize sustainability and technological advancement, New York can continue to foster a thriving economic environment. We encourage readers to support local businesses and stay informed about the entrepreneurial landscape as it evolves.

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