Grow-NY®
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.
Startups
High-growth food and agriculture startups from across the globe are encouraged to enter the competition.
Growth
Up to 20 finalists are matched with experienced mentors and receive customized business development trips to the region.
Funding
$3 million will be awarded each year to seven startups. The top prize is $1 million.
Competition Timeline
Applications Open
April 15, 2022
Applications Close
July 1, 2022
Finalists Selected
September 2022
Mentoring & Business Trips
Fall 2022
Pitch Competition & Summit
(Winners Selected)
November 2022
New York Food & Agriculture
The Grow-NY region of Upstate New York is filled with leading-edge academic and commercial resources in food and agriculture. These resources fuel the rapidly-growing startup culture and innovation hub that is thriving in the region.
The Grow-NY competition will leverage the region’s existing resources and firmly establish New York state as one of the best communities in the world for food and agriculture companies to put down roots.
New York is fertile ground for big ideas
Learn more about what makes the Grow-NY region the nation’s best climate for startups to take root and turn into something big
Learn More