Grow-NY Summit Unveils $3 Million in Prizes for Innovative Startups in Food and Agriculture

Introduction

The upcoming Grow-NY Summit, held on November 12-13, 2025, in Canandaigua, New York, is poised to be a pivotal event for startups in the food and agriculture sector. With a whopping $3 million in prize money up for grabs, including a grand prize of $1 million, this summit represents a significant opportunity for up-and-coming companies aiming to make waves in sustainability and innovation within the industry.

Event Overview

As the largest global competition in the food and agriculture domain, the Grow-NY Summit welcomes attendees both in person and virtually. During this two-day event, 20 finalists will pitch their business plans, showcasing their ideas alongside symposium discussions featuring industry thought leaders, innovators, and investors. This unique platform is designed to inspire collaboration, providing ample networking opportunities for startups, investors, researchers, students, and media representatives.

Networking and Discussions

One of the key highlights of this summit is the series of roundtable discussions aimed at fostering bold conversations and innovative thinking. These interactive sessions will cover a variety of topics including the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture and strategies for getting products into major retailers like Whole Foods Market. Participants will benefit from direct access to industry experts, gaining insights and perspectives that could prove invaluable for their own ventures.

Farm Credit East, a prominent sponsor of the event, will host “Ask an Expert” luncheons, providing attendees with one-on-one consultations on relevant challenges in the food and agriculture technology domains. Anthony Colangelo, Senior Innovation and AI Lead at Farm Credit East, emphasized the importance of this event in driving innovation, noting how the unique characteristics of the Upstate New York region create an ideal environment for startup growth.

Registration Details

Early registration is encouraged, with all-access admission priced at $85 for general attendees and just $25 for students. Additionally, scholarships or discounts for schools may be available, ensuring accessibility for all interested parties. The event's full pitch competition will also be streamed online free of charge, with virtual attendance requiring prior registration.

The Finalists

This year, out of 270 startups that applied for the competition, 20 finalists were selected. Each finalist has been paired with experienced mentors to help them refine their business models and strategies in preparation for their live pitch. These startups have focused on leveraging regional resources to bolster their business prospects in Upstate New York. During their 10-minute presentations, they will outline their business plans to a panel of judges, followed by a Q&A session.

Conclusion and Awards Ceremony

The Grow-NY Summit will culminate in an Awards Ceremony on November 13 at The Lake House in Canandaigua, where the victorious startups will be honored. The ceremony will feature a locally sourced dinner, celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of the region. With a landscape ripe for innovation, the Grow-NY Summit stands as a testament to the potential of startups in reshaping the food and agriculture sectors for a sustainable future.

For registration and more information about the competition and its finalists, visit grow-ny.com.