Ithaca, NY, November 22, 2025
Seen Nutrition, a food technology startup specializing in menopause-related bone health, has won $500,000 in the Grow-NY competition. This funding will help advance their patented dietary calcium chew, crafted from locally sourced dairy in Central New York. The competition, held by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, encourages entrepreneurship and job creation in the agrifood sector, showcasing a range of innovative startups from around the globe.
Seen Nutrition Wins Big in 2025 Grow-NY Competition
A $500,000 Boost for Menopause-Related Bone Health Innovation
Ithaca, NY – Seen Nutrition, a food technology startup focused on menopause-related bone health, has recently secured $500,000 in the 2025 Grow-NY Food and Agriculture business competition. This significant funding will assist the company in advancing its patented dietary calcium chew, made from locally sourced dairy in Central New York, further emphasizing the region’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative food solutions.
The Grow-NY competition, orchestrated by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, is designed to foster development in the food, beverage, and agricultural sectors across Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. This year’s event attracted an impressive 270 applicants from 41 countries, reflecting the competitive spirit and global interest in agrifood innovation.
Encouraging Local Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth
The success of Seen Nutrition represents not just an individual achievement, but a prominent example of the entrepreneurial spirit that is driving economic growth in New York. The competition encourages startups to establish their operations in the Grow-NY region for at least one year, ensuring that fresh ideas translate into tangible job creation. This model promotes resilience among small businesses, allowing them to thrive within a supportive ecosystem.
Celebrating Innovation Across Various Award Winners
In addition to Seen Nutrition, several other impressive startups were recognized at this year’s competition. They include:
- Brekland from Brooklyn, NY, which received a $1 million grand prize for its biodegradable foam coating aimed at crop protection.
- Mothership Materials, also from New York City, which secured $500,000 for transforming agricultural waste into carbon-negative feedstocks.
- Living Ink Technologies from Berthoud, CO, awarded $250,000 for repurposing renewable biomass waste into sustainable inks and pigments.
- Trebe Biotech from Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina, awarded $250,000 for developing bioproducts for animal health using insect larvae.
- Whipnotic, another New York City company, also took home $250,000 for creating innovative whipped creams made with natural ingredients.
- ZILA BioWorks from Renton, WA, awarded $250,000 for converting vegetable oils into recyclable bio-epoxy resins.
The competition also included a public voting component, with Finger Foods Farm of Bloomfield, NY, winning the “Wegmans Audience Choice” award, gaining an additional $10,000 to further their initiatives.
Promoting Job Creation and Economic Development
The Grow-NY competition serves as a strategic initiative by New York State to drive economic development and innovation within the agrifood sector. By requiring winning companies to operate locally, not only is investment in the community amplified, but it also encourages collaboration and resource sharing among businesses. This model can significantly contribute to the overall economic landscape of the region.
A Future of Opportunities for New York’s Agrifood Sector
As Seen Nutrition and its fellow winners begin their journey in Central New York, the impact of their innovations promises to ripple through the community, creating job opportunities and emphasizing the importance of sustainability in food production. This is not just a win for the individual startups but also a testament to the ingenuity of New York’s small business sector.
Conclusion
The Grow-NY competition underscores the dynamic nature of New York’s agrifood landscape, supporting entrepreneurs who are leading the charge for innovation and economic prosperity. As these companies lay down roots in the region, we encourage local residents and stakeholders to engage with and support their endeavors. Together, we can foster a vibrant community driven by successful small businesses and innovative solutions.
FAQ
- What is Seen Nutrition?
- Seen Nutrition is a food technology startup based in Ithaca, NY, specializing in menopause-related bone health. They produce a patented dietary calcium chew made with dairy sourced from Central New York.
- What is the Grow-NY competition?
- The Grow-NY competition is an annual event administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, aimed at strengthening the food, beverage, and agriculture innovation sectors in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier.
- How many applicants participated in the 2025 Grow-NY competition?
- The 2025 Grow-NY competition attracted 270 applicants from 41 countries and 31 U.S. states.
- What are the other winners of the 2025 Grow-NY competition?
- Other winners include Brekland (Brooklyn, NY), Mothership Materials (New York City, NY), Living Ink Technologies (Berthoud, CO), Trebe Biotech (Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina), Whipnotic (New York City, NY), and ZILA BioWorks (Renton, WA).
- What is the “Wegmans Audience Choice” award?
- The “Wegmans Audience Choice” award is a public voting award in the Grow-NY competition. In 2025, it was won by Finger Foods Farm of Bloomfield, NY, earning them $10,000.
- What is the requirement for winning companies in the Grow-NY competition?
- Winning companies are required to establish operations in the Grow-NY region for at least one year, contributing to job creation and economic growth in the area.
- What is the purpose of the Grow-NY competition?
- The Grow-NY competition is part of New York’s strategy to drive economic development and innovation in the state’s agrifood sector.
| Company | Location | Award Amount | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brekland | Brooklyn, NY | $1 million | Biodegradable foam for crop protection |
| Mothership Materials | New York City, NY | $500,000 | Transforming agricultural waste into carbon-negative feedstocks |
| Seen Nutrition | Ithaca, NY | $500,000 | Calcium chew product for menopause-related bone health |
| Living Ink Technologies | Berthoud, CO | $250,000 | Repurposing renewable biomass waste into sustainable black inks and pigments |
| Trebe Biotech | Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina | $250,000 | Producing bioproducts for animal health using insect larvae |
| Whipnotic | New York City, NY | $250,000 | Creating whipped creams infused with natural fruit juices and flavor essences |
| ZILA BioWorks | Renton, WA | $250,000 | Converting vegetable oils into recyclable bio-epoxy resins |
| Finger Foods Farm | Bloomfield, NY | $10,000 | Wegmans Audience Choice award winner |
Now Happening on X
- @NYSLabor (November 17, 2025): Posts about Governor Kathy Hochul announcing the seven winners of the Grow-NY International Food and Agriculture Business Competition, enhancing New York’s agricultural economy through innovation. View on X
- @drinkubator_ (November 18, 2025): Highlights the Grow-NY Summit awarding $3 million to global startups redefining food, agriculture, and sustainability, as reported by Food & Beverage Magazine. View on X
- @CornellNews (November 19, 2025): Announces Brekland winning the $1M grand prize in the Grow-NY competition for a biodegradable foam coating for crop protection, congratulated by Governor Hochul and Empire State Development. View on X
- @PRN_TopStories (November 18, 2025): Shares news on Governor Hochul announcing the Round Seven winners of the Grow-NY International Food and Agriculture Business Competition. View on X
- @NYSMWBE (November 18, 2025): Invites to the NYS 2025 MWBE Forum for an Opportunity Showcase with Chobani discussing their $1.2 billion dairy facility build-out in Rome, Oneida County, capable of producing over 1 billion pounds of dairy products. View on X
- @GRERochesterBiz (November 17, 2025): Notes the Grow-NY $1M grand prize awarded to Brekland for developing a biodegradable foam coating for crop protection, with details in their Why ROC segment. View on X
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