By Blake Jackson
The Grow-NY competition, focused on fostering innovation in upstate New York's food and agriculture sector, has unveiled its 20 finalists for 2024. These promising startups will compete for a chance to win a share of $3 million in prize money, with the top prize reaching $1 million.
This year's applicant pool was highly competitive, attracting 310 entries from 50 countries, including strong representation from both domestic and international teams. Notably, 44% of applicants had a female founder, and 60% included a founder from a diverse background.
"Once again, the Grow-NY food and agriculture competition has drawn top-quality startups and entrepreneurial talent from around the world," said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. "Through its continued support, New York State is poised to reap the benefits of these Grow-NY innovators, who will create jobs and grow the economy in the Central New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions."
The finalists, selected by a panel of experts, represent a diverse range of innovative solutions across the food and agriculture spectrum. Here are some examples:
- Afterlife Ag (Queens, NY) transforms food waste into fresh mushrooms, tackling food waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Benchmark Labs (Rochester, NY) uses AI to provide weather forecasts and recommendations, helping farmers optimize production and manage risks.
- Earthsense (Champaign, IL) develops AI-powered robots that precisely monitor plant health and minimize chemical use.
- Farmer Lifeline Technologies (Nairobi, Kenya) offers solar-powered, AI-equipped devices for real-time pest and disease detection in crops.
- UdderWays (Albion, NY) uses a unique, brushless technology to gently stimulate cows for efficient milk letdown.
In the coming months, these finalists will participate in a 10-week business development program. This program will equip them with mentorship, connections to regional resources, and training to refine their business plans and pitching skills.
"The thrill of the Grow-NY competition is how each year we accelerate the growth of not only the individual startups...but also of the region itself," said Jenn Smith, Program Director, Grow-NY.
The program culminates in a live pitch competition at the Grow-NY Food and Ag Summit in Ithaca, New York on November 6th and 7th. The Summit will also feature a symposium, expo, and student pitches.
"The Grow-NY competition is a powerful catalyst for science-based innovations that enhance our food economy while promoting climate sustainability," said Benjamin Z. Houlton, Dean of Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
This competition highlights New York's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the food and agriculture industry. The winning startups have the potential to create jobs, promote sustainability, and contribute to a thriving food system in New York and beyond.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: New York, Business