Global food and biotech startups compete for $3 M at Grow-NY Summit
Twenty food and biotech startups from around the world will compete for a total of $3 million in prize money at the upcoming Grow-NY Summit. The event takes place on November 12 and 13 in Canandaigua, New York, and highlights innovation in agriculture and biosciences.
The competition aims to promote economic growth by supporting startups focused on advanced food tech, sustainable agriculture, and biotech solutions.
The finalists were selected from 270 applications representing 41 countries and 31 U.S. states, including 53 from New York State. A panel of 40 judges from agribusiness, economic development, and food systems selected the finalists for a 10-week accelerator.
The startups include companies developing biodegradable crop coatings, AI-powered agrochemical solutions, and plant-based proteins. Other finalists are working on agricultural waste conversion, precision nutrient management, and sustainable food ingredients.
Some startups are innovating in biotech, like Ergo Bioscience, which uses AI and genetic engineering for plant cell culture.
Others, such as Knead Technologies, leverage software to optimize food rescue and reduce food waste through technology.
Several finalists focus on sustainable packaging, like Medium Well Technological Solutions, which produces biodegradable bioplastics.
Bio-based solutions are also represented, with companies like Mothership Materials transforming agricultural waste into eco-friendly materials.
The accelerator program will provide mentorship, regional partnerships, investor connections, and pitch coaching for finalists.
The summit aims to boost Upstate New York’s leadership in food tech, biotech, and sustainable agriculture sectors. Seven winners will be awarded prizes, including a $1 million top prize, two $500,000 awards, and four $250,000 prizes.
Grow-NY continues to attract strong global interest, emphasizing biotech and bioscience innovations for future food systems.
