Governor Kathy Hochul announced Brekland of Brooklyn, New York, as the grand-prize winner of the seventh annual Grow-NY competition. The event awarded a total of $3 million in prizes to seven finalists out of 20 who competed.
The winners were announced during the two-day Grow-NY Summit in Canandaigua. At the summit, finalists pitched their business plans to a panel of expert judges.
Brekland won the $1 million grand prize for its innovative biodegradable foam coating. This coating adds new functionality to crop protection products. It is designed to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The product aims to improve how farmers protect their crops.
Founder and CEO Eric Bellefroid said winning the prize is a huge honor. He believes it confirms their team’s strength and technology. Bellefroid also said the award will help Brekland grow in upstate New York. They plan to make an impact regionally and beyond.
The Grow-NY competition is managed by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement. It focuses on boosting food, beverage, and agriculture innovation in Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions. The competition aims to create jobs and support new food startups.
Each winning company will operate in the region for at least one year. They will also give a modest equity stake to Cornell University. This helps fund future food and agriculture programs.
Throughout the competition, finalist teams received mentorship and guidance. They worked on their business plans before presenting to the judges. The judges had expertise in agriculture, food production, and venture development. The event highlighted the region’s growing food innovation ecosystem. Brekland’s victory shows how sustainable, innovative ideas can succeed. It also demonstrates the region’s potential to lead in food and agriculture technology.
