Grow-NY Seeks Entries from Food, Ag Startups

High-growth food, beverage and ag tech startups can now apply for the eighth round of the Grow-NY business competition.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Grow-NY business competition is now accepting applications for its eighth round, seeking high-growth food, beverage, and agricultural technology startups poised to make a positive impact in the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Southern Tier regions. The competition offers up to $3 million in total prize funding, including a $1 million grand prize, to support innovative ventures and spur economic growth in upstate New York.

Why it matters

The Grow-NY competition has been instrumental in attracting cutting-edge agribusiness companies to New York state, spurring private investment and job creation in the targeted regions. By supporting diverse, high-potential startups, the program aims to position New York as a leading hub for agricultural innovation and strengthen the state's deeply rooted agricultural economy.

The details

Since 2019, Grow-NY's 49 winning companies have created hundreds of jobs and secured more than $127 million in follow-on funding, with 40 of those companies remaining operational in the region. The competition is open to startups focused on food and agriculture production, processing, distribution, technology, climate resilience, workforce solutions, and related sectors. In 2025, 46% of applicants included a female founder, and 74% included a founder from a historically underinvested background, reflecting the program's commitment to broadening access to innovation and capital.

  • Applications for the eighth round of the Grow-NY competition close at 5 p.m. on May 15, 2026.
  • The Grow-NY competition has been running since 2019, with the first seven rounds completed.

The players

Hope Knight

Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner.

Richard Ball

Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Jenn Smith

Grow-NY program director.

Bridget Hagen

Associate manager for innovation communications for Cornell Research and Innovation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Grow-NY accelerator continues to be instrumental in attracting cutting-edge agribusiness companies from around the world to New York state.”

— Hope Knight, Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner

“From farming to food production, New York is an innovative, world-class leader in agriculture. The Grow-NY competition has consistently given many cutting-edge, diverse food businesses from around the world not only an opportunity to showcase their work, but also a place to call home right here in New York.”

— Richard Ball, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

“Grow-NY and our bountiful region have become a launchpad for agricultural companies evaluating where to grow next. Our applicants are developing solutions for challenges that didn't even exist five years ago. With the support of our mentors, investors and regional partners, we are helping New York state become one of the most strategic agrifood innovation corridors in the world.”

— Jenn Smith, Grow-NY program director

What’s next

The deadline for startups to apply for the eighth round of the Grow-NY competition is 5 p.m. on May 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The Grow-NY competition has proven to be a powerful catalyst for attracting and supporting innovative food, beverage, and agricultural technology startups in upstate New York, driving economic growth and positioning the state as a leading hub for agrifood innovation.