Grow-NY®
Food & Agriculture Competition

Grow-NY is a business competition focused on growing an enduring food and agriculture innovation cluster in the Grow-NY region. The competition attracts innovative, high-growth food and agriculture startups from across the globe and engages them in the region’s rapidly-growing startup ecosystem.

Finalists will pitch their business ideas for a chance to win up to $1 million.

Winning companies will be required to execute bold plans to grow jobs, connect with local industry partners, and contribute to a thriving Upstate economy.

A Black man and white woman with masks and hairnets on take notes in a beverage bottling facility, and a yellow arrow points right

Startups

High-growth food and agriculture startups from across the globe are encouraged to enter the competition.

Mush Foods stands with their mentor at the Grow-NY Food and Agriculture Competition Summit in November 2023, and a green arrow points right

Growth

Up to 20 finalists are matched with experienced mentors and receive customized business development trips to the region.

Hypercell Technologies receives the $1 million award at the 2023 Grow-NY Food and Agriculture Competition, and a blue arrow points right

Funding

$3 million will be awarded each year to seven startups. The top prize is $1 million.

Competition Timeline

Grow-NY Applications Open

Applications Open

March 1, 2024

Grow-NY applications closed

Applications Close

May 15, 2024
at 5 p.m. ET

Grow-NY Competition Teams Selected

Finalists Selected

August 13, 2024

Grow-NY Pitch Competition

Mentoring & Business Trips

Late August – Nov. 2024

trophy symbol

Pitch Competition & Summit

(Winners Selected)

Nov. 6-7, 2024
Ithaca, NY

Economic Impact

Since launching Grow-NY in 2019, finalist companies have:

$100M

Raised over $100M in follow on funding, including investments and SBIR/STTR grants

289

Created 289 jobs

Meet the 2024 Finalists

View the finalists