Q&A with Grow-NY Mentor Derek Simmonds

This year’s 20 Grow-NY finalists have hit the ground running as they prepare to pitch at the annual Grow-NY Food & Ag Summit this November. Each team is working with a dedicated mentor whose industry expertise and regional knowledge help founders refine their strategies, expand their networks, and craft strong pitches. 

New mentor Derek Simmonds is a Business Development Specialist at the NYS Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech, where he mentors ag tech companies and connects them with entrepreneurial resources across New York’s food and agriculture ecosystem. He also serves as a mentor for the Soft Landing New York Program at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator in Binghamton. 

Derek brings a deep background in food systems, economic development, and international service. Prior to his current role at Cornell, he worked for the Cayuga Economic Development Agency, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Seneca and Onondaga counties, and the United States Agency for International Development, where he supported livelihood diversification and local capacity building in Ecuador. He also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi as a natural resource extension specialist. 

Throughout his career, Derek has focused on strengthening communities through agriculture, education, and entrepreneurship. He holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management and an MS from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His experience bridging local and global food systems makes him a valuable guide for founders working to scale impact-driven innovations in agriculture.  

Read our Q&A with Derek below to learn how his experience shapes his approach to mentoring ag tech founders.  

Question: What is your experience in food and ag innovation? 

I bring a mix of science, business, agriculture, and entrepreneurship to food and ag innovation. My background includes degrees in Biology, Natural Resources Management, and an MBA, giving me both technical and business perspectives. 

I’ve worked directly with farmers in my work with Cornell Cooperative Extension, supported entrepreneurs and business growth while at the Cayuga Economic Development Agency, and gained international experience in Malawi and Ecuador. In my current role with the New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech, I help food and ag tech startups to make connections in the region and work with them on commercialization, business strategy, and growth. Together, these experiences have given me a strong understanding of how to help innovative companies move from idea to market. 

Question: What do you think makes the Grow-NY region the ideal place for startups to put down roots? 

The Grow-NY region is a great place for food and ag tech startups to locate. The region has many things companies need to succeed, including access to industry, access to innovation, and access to markets. Companies can work directly with producers, processors, and other industry partners across a diverse agricultural economy while leveraging world-class research and extension resources from institutions like Cornell. At the same time, they are positioned within driving distance of some of the largest consumer markets in North America, and proximity to New York City provides access to one of the largest investment centers in the world. Perhaps most importantly, the region has built a highly collaborative support network that brings together industry, academia, government, and economic development organizations to help startups move from promising ideas to successful businesses. 

Question: What should food and ag startups keep in mind as they grow? 

Starting a food or agriculture business can be a long journey with many twists and turns. Food and agriculture startups should always be learning — about their customers, about their product, and about what is going on in the wider community — and be ready to adapt. Understanding the environment and adapting to changes is essential for continued long-term success. 

Question: What excites you about mentoring a Grow-NY finalist? 

Grow-NY is such a great event. I’ve worked with so many amazing companies and had the opportunity to meet so many interesting people through my past involvement with Grow-NY as a Business Development Specialist with the Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture. I’m very excited to get the opportunity to deepen my involvement with Grow-NY as a mentor. 

Registration is now open for the 2026 Grow-NY Summit! The two-day event will take place November 12-13 in Rochester, NY and virtually. Register here.