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.
COVID-19 Update
During this unprecedented pandemic, economic development programs like this competition identify and support innovative, high growth potential startups, so that they scale, create new jobs, and leverage the region’s wealth of food and ag assets. Grow-NY will provide a boost to the economy at a time when it is urgently needed.
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.
Applications are now closed
Competition Timeline
Applications Open
March 31, 2020
Applications Close
July 15, 2020
Finalists Selected
August 2020
Mentoring & Business Trips
Fall 2020
Pitch Competition & Summit
(Winners Selected)
November 17-18, 2020
The competition will run again in 2021
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.
Summit 2020
Get ready to see the finalists pitch their startups. Save the date for Summit 2020: November 17-18.
Summit 2020