Brekland Wins $1M Grand Prize in 2025 Grow-NY Competition

By Blake Jackson

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that Brekland, based in Brooklyn, New York, has won the grand prize in the seventh annual Grow-NY business competition. This year’s event awarded a total of $3 million to seven finalists, including the $1 million top prize.

Twenty finalists participated in the Grow-NY accelerator, culminating in the Grow-NY Summit in Canandaigua, where teams presented their business concepts to a panel of expert judges. As part of the competition requirements, each winner will establish operations in the region for at least one year and provide a small equity stake to Cornell University to support future food and agriculture innovation.

The competition is run by Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement and aims to strengthen the growing food, beverage, and agriculture innovation ecosystem in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier.

“The round seven winners of the Grow-NY competition represent some of the most innovative and forward-thinking agribusiness entrepreneurs from around the world that will take our state’s food and agriculture sector to the next level,” Governor Hochul said.

“Through Grow-NY, my administration is doubling down on its commitment to driving economic growth in every part of our state, sparking innovation, and creating the jobs and opportunities that will move New York forward.”

Brekland earned top honors for developing a biodegradable foam coating that enhances the performance of crop protection products. “Winning the $1 million grand prize at the Grow-NY Summit is an incredible honor and a defining moment for our team. This recognition affirms the strength of our team, our technology, and our mission to move the crop protection industry forward," Founder and CEO Eric Bellefroid said.

"The Grow-NY community, our mentor, and the connections we have made in the region have prepared us to continue growing in upstate New York. With this award, we look forward to making an impact on the Grow-NY region and beyond.”

Other winners included two $500,000 awardees-Mothership Materials of New York City and Seen Nutrition of Ithaca-as well as four companies receiving $250,000 each: Living Ink Technologies, Trebe Biotech, Whipnotic, and ZILA BioWorks. Finger Foods Farm earned the $10,000 “Wegmans Audience Choice” award.

This year’s competition drew 270 applicants from 41 countries, demonstrating strong global interest. With nearly half of applicants including a female founder and 74 percent representing historically underinvested communities, Grow-NY continues to prioritize inclusive innovation as winning teams begin implementing their business plans in New York.

For completed information, click here.

Photo Credit: grow-ny