ITHACA, N.Y. — Empire State Development (ESD) says it’s now accepting applications for the 7th round of the Grow-NY food, beverage and agriculture business competition.
Organizers will select up to 20 “high-growth potential” food and agriculture startups from around the world as finalists and compete for $3 million in total prize money, per ESD’s Monday announcement.
Those interested must submit applications by 5 p.m. ET on May 15. To apply, click here.
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During the accelerator program, finalists will undergo a business-development phase, receiving dedicated mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and introductions to potential regional partners. The Grow-NY region is a 22-county area spanning Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier.
“The Grow-NY accelerator has been instrumental in attracting cutting-edge agribusiness companies from around the world and spurring private investment in the three targeted regions,” Hope Knight, president, CEO, and commissioner of Empire State Development, said in the announcement. “The seventh round will build on the foundational success of previous competition winners whose dynamic innovations and ideas are generating economic growth throughout Upstate.”
Grow-NY winners must commit to making a positive, measurable impact to the targeted region’s economies through job creation, strategic partnerships and other economic development activities. One grand-prize winner will receive $1 million, while two others will be awarded $500,000 prizes. Also, four more winners will take home $250,000 prizes.
The selected finalists will present their business plans to a panel of expert judges during the Grow-NY Summit on Nov. 12-13 in Canandaigua, in Ontario County. The event will also include a symposium of panel conversations and keynotes and a showcase of service providers for food and ag startups.
The program will also feature a student-stage portion in which middle-school and high-school students pitch their food and ag tech ideas, ESD noted.
