#United States #Rochester #Food Innovation #Agribusiness #Grow-NY

The 2025 Grow-NY Business Competition: A Showcase of Agricultural Innovation

On August 28, 2025, Empire State Development (ESD) and Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) revealed the 20 finalist startups selected for the prestigious Grow-NY competition. With a total prize pool of $3 million, this competition spotlights transformative innovation in the food and agriculture sectors, aiming to foster economic growth in Upstate New York.

The Significance of the Grow-NY Competition

The Grow-NY competition, now in its seventh year, forms part of New York State's Upstate Revitalization Initiatives. It aims to invigorate communities and bolster economic development by encouraging startups to establish and expand operations in the region. These contenders are not just vying for monetary prizes; they are also committing to create jobs and build partnerships, ensuring their ventures contribute meaningfully to the region's economy.

Hope Knight, ESD's President, emphasized the competition's importance by stating, "Each year, the Grow-NY competition attracts top-quality startups and talent from around the world to Upstate New York. Through continued support from New York State, these Grow-NY innovators will create jobs and generate new investments that will drive economic growth in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier for years to come."

Finalists Reflecting Diversity and Innovation

This year's competition attracted a remarkable level of interest, with 270 startups from 41 countries submitting applications. Among them, 46% had female founders, while 74% featured founders from culturally diverse backgrounds, highlighting the inclusive nature of the competition. A panel of 40 judges, experts in various fields including agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and economic development, meticulously chose the finalists.

Some of the notable finalists include:

• - Brekland (Brooklyn, NY): Innovating biodegradable foam coatings for crop frost protection.
• - DeepAgro (Rosario, Argentina): Developing AI solutions for agriculture, focusing on precision spraying and monitoring.
• - Finger Foods Farm (Bloomfield, NY): Crafting health-oriented frozen soups from locally sourced ingredients.
• - Living Ink Technologies (Berthoud, CO): Creating sustainable inks from renewable biomass waste.
• - PollenSmartHive Ltd (Nairobi, Kenya): Empowering farmers with AI-powered smart hive technology for precision pollination.

These startups exemplify the variety and ingenuity present in today’s agricultural landscape, from sustainable food sources to innovative technologies aimed at enhancing productivity.

Accelerator Program: Preparing for Success

The finalists will undergo a rigorous 10-week business development accelerator program, receiving tailored mentorship to refine their business strategies. This includes insights from regional experts, connections to local partners, and preparation for live pitches at the Grow-NY Summit. Jenn Smith, Program Director of Grow-NY, expressed excitement about the upcoming competition, stating, "Our team spends months searching for novel food and ag startups making valuable changes to our food systems that could thrive and create opportunity in Upstate NY."

The Grow-NY Summit: A Hub for Innovation

Set for November 12-13, the Grow-NY Food and Ag Summit in Canandaigua, New York, will serve as a convergence point for innovators, investors, farmers, and industry leaders. The event will feature pitch contests, expert-led symposiums, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and drive forward-thinking discussions in the food and agriculture sector.

Winners of the competition will be announced during the summit, with a total of $3 million in prize money distributed among seven victorious startups. This not only recognizes the hard work and innovation of the teams but also seeks to propel them into greater success in their respective fields.

Conclusion

As the Grow-NY competition evolves, it remains a testament to New York's commitment to rural development and agricultural productivity. With such diverse and innovative startups leading the charge, the future of food and agriculture looks bright. As we approach the summit in November, anticipation builds for what promises to be a pivotal moment for the finalists and the wider community relying on advancements in agri-tech and sustainable practices.