The startups vying for $3 million in prize money at this year’s Grow-NY Food and Agriculture Competition aren’t just bringing revolutionary innovations to market, and working to solve the problems confronting agri-food systems – winners are required to make a positive impact on the region, too.

Now in its fourth iteration, Grow-NY is a global business competition that seeks to bring innovative food and agriculture startups to New York state, specifically the Central New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions. The competition is funded by Empire State Development and administered by Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement.

Twenty finalists were selected from a record 385 applicants, including 92 from New York state, 31 of whom hail from the Grow-NY region.

Over the next several weeks, the finalists will receive business development support, networking introductions and one-on-one mentorship from industry experts. They’ll then pitch their startups to a live audience at the Grow-NY Summit, Nov. 15-16 at the Oncenter in Syracuse, New York. Four winners will be awarded $250,000, two will win $500,000 and one grand prize winner will receive $1 million.

“Round four of the Grow-NY business competition has once again attracted a group of exceptional startups and entrepreneurial talent from around the world,” said Hope Knight, Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner. “Through this agri-business focused competition, New York State continues its dedicated, focused efforts to support agriculture innovation that will create jobs and grow the Central New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier economies.”

Over half of this year’s finalists have connections to the Cornell community, including:

This year’s Grow-NY Summit, featuring a pitch competition, educational symposium and Summit Showcase with services for startups, will feature an all-access, in-person component, as well as the option to view virtually. All-access registration is $50, $25 for students, Virtual registration is free. To register, and for more information on the Grow-NY Summit, visit grow-ny.com.

Lauren Simpson is a marketing and communications coordinator for the Center for Regional Economic Advancement.

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