By Blake Jackson
Unibaio, a startup based in New York City, has won the $1 million grand prize at the sixth annual Grow-NY Food and Agriculture business competition. Unibaio’s technology focuses on naturally derived particles that enhance the effectiveness of pesticides and fertilizers, enabling deeper penetration into plants. This innovation has the potential to make agricultural practices more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Highlights of the Grow-NY Summit:
- Event Overview: Held on Nov. 6-7 at Ithaca’s Downtown Conference Center and online, the Grow-NY Summit featured presentations from 20 finalists, panels on agricultural innovation, and networking opportunities with exhibitors and industry experts.
- Keynote Quote: "Winning the $1 million grand prize at the Grow-NY Summit is a dream come true,” said Matia Figliozzi, CEO of Unibaio. “It validates our dedication to creating solutions with lasting impact on farming.”
- Competition Scope: Grow-NY focuses on nurturing the food and agriculture innovation sector in central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. This year, 312 startups from 50 countries and 26 U.S. states applied, with 20 finalists selected.
Other Prize-Winning Startups:
$500,000 Awards:
- PureNanoTech (NJ): Develops nanobubble technology to optimize irrigation and reduce energy use.
- UdderWays (NY): Offers a patented vortex system to improve dairy farming by stimulating milk letdown in cows.
$250,000 Awards:
- Clean Crop Technologies (MA): Uses electricity and gases to remove pathogens from seeds, enhancing yield and food safety.
- ClearLeaf (Costa Rica): Creates environmentally safe fungicides and bactericides for crop protection.
- For Bitter For Worse (OR): Produces non-alcoholic cocktails using organic ingredients.
- Zordi (NY): Designs autonomous greenhouses equipped with robotics and AI to grow produce anywhere.
Special Recognition:
- Audience Choice: Bialtec, a microencapsulated livestock feed additive developer, won the $10,000 Wegmans Audience Choice Award.
Impact and Future Plans: Winning startups, including Unibaio, will establish a presence in the Grow-NY region, boosting economic development and job creation. They commit to one year in the area, with plans to set up manufacturing or research facilities.
Applications for the next round of the Grow-NY competition will open in March 2025. Supported by Empire State Development and Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, Grow-NY continues to foster innovation and sustainability in New York’s agriculture sector.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: New York, Equipment & Machinery