#United States #Grow-NY #Canandaigua #Brekland #Agriculture Startups

Governor Hochul Announces Round Seven Winners of the Grow-NY International Food and Agriculture Business Competition

On November 18, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul revealed the winners of the seventh annual Grow-NY business competition, highlighting innovative entrepreneurs focused on revolutionizing the food and agricultural sectors. Brooklyn-based startup Brekland took home the grand prize of $1 million, part of a total prize pool of $3 million awarded to seven groundbreaking startups.

Held at the Grow-NY Summit in Canandaigua, New York, this two-day event gathered 20 finalists to pitch their business models in front of industry experts. Each winning startup is now tasked with establishing operations in New York for at least one year while also providing a small equity stake to Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement. This partnership aims to foster future entrepreneurship in the food and agriculture fields.

The competition, which administers the prize money, has seen a range of submissions from global entrepreneurs, illustrating the creativity and potential in the agribusiness landscape. Governor Hochul emphasized the significance of these startups in driving innovation and economic growth throughout New York.

Brekland's unique offering is a biodegradable foam coating designed to enhance crop protection products, showcasing promising advancements in sustainable agriculture technology. Headed by CEO Eric Bellefroid, Brekland's win represents a pivotal moment for the team. Bellefroid stated, "Winning the grand prize at the Grow-NY Summit validates our mission and the strength of our team. We are excited about the potential impact we can make in upstate New York and beyond."

Other notable winners included Mothership Materials, which received $500,000 for converting agricultural waste into carbon-negative feedstocks, and Seen Nutrition, focused on creating dietary products for menopausal health. Living Ink Technologies, Trebe Biotech, Whipnotic, and ZILA BioWorks also garnered significant awards for their innovative approaches within the agricultural and food industries.

The competitive landscape was sharp, as the Grow-NY competition attracted 270 applicants from a staggering 41 countries. This year, 46% of applicants featured a female founder and 74% represented historically underinvested communities, mirroring a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in agribusiness innovation.

Award recipients are anticipated to contribute significantly to job creation while strengthening community ties and enhancing local economies. As emphasized by Grow-NY Program Director Jenn Smith, the competition’s objective is not merely the distribution of funds but cultivating a thriving agricultural ecosystem that supports new ventures and fosters inclusive economic development.

The judges based their selections on several criteria, including the startup's business model viability, team diversity, customer value, growth potential, innovation in agrifood technology, and economic impact on the region. This structured judging process ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each business's potential to succeed in the competitive landscape.

Looking ahead, the winners are now geared up to execute their business strategies aimed at driving both individual and regional growth. As highlighted by Empire State Development President Hope Knight, the ongoing support for the Grow-NY initiative underlines New York's dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems within its rich agricultural landscapes.

In conclusion, the Grow-NY Competition marks a vital step in establishing New York as a leader in agrifood innovation, further supported by initiatives such as Finger Lakes Forward, CNY Rising, and Southern Tier Soaring. As these startups turn ideas into action, New York stands on the brink of a sustainable and economically vibrant future in food and agriculture.