Open Call for Food and Agriculture Startup Competition

The competition focuses on high-growth food and agtech startups, early-stage and scalable business models, innovation in the Food and Agriculture Field, job creation and regional economic growth, mentorship and customized business development support, and annual funding awards totaling $3 million including a $1 million top prize.

Funded by Empire State Development, Grow-NY attracts innovative startups from around the world and integrates them into the region’s expanding startup ecosystem. Up to 20 finalists are selected and matched with experienced mentors, while also receiving customized business development trips to the region to strengthen their growth strategies and local connections.

Finalists pitch their food and agtech business ideas for a chance to win a share of $3 million awarded annually to seven startups, with the top prize set at $1 million. Winning companies are required to implement ambitious plans to create jobs, collaborate with local industry partners, and contribute to a thriving Upstate economy.

The competition is open to startups worldwide that operate within the defined Food and Agriculture Field and are in the formative stage with scalable business models. Eligible applicants must be registered business entities such as corporations or LLCs and meet at least two qualifying criteria, including being less than seven years old, having a product in testing or pilot production, generating pre-revenue or early revenue, or maintaining a leadership team focused on commercialization and profitability.

The Food and Agriculture Field includes products, technologies, services, or processes related to food production, fuels, fibers, raw materials, and systems that improve development, growth, production, distribution, or processing, as well as innovations that benefit agriculture, food, or related industries.

For more information, visit Grow-NY.