Twenty food and agriculture startups from New York and around the world will pitch for $3 million in prizes at the Grow-NY Summit Nov. 12-13 in Rochester.
The two-day event will be held at the DoubleTree hotel, where attendees can network, see product demonstrations and taste products, according to an announcement.
The finalists’ ideas include a biobased replacement for plastic, artificial intelligence robots that monitor crops plant by plant, and a hydration drink made with maple water.
Seven prizes for startups
Now in its eighth round, Grow-NY invests $3 million each year in food and agriculture technology startups with growth potential. One winner receives $1 million, two receive $500,000 each and four receive $250,000 each.
The 20 finalists will explain how they plan to make a positive economic impact in upstate New York as part of their pitches.
The program is administered by Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement and funded by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation.
Grow-NY Program Director Jenn Smith said the relationships finalists develop through the program can be as valuable as its financial investment.
Each day will begin with networking roundtables on subjects including what retail buyers want, agricultural technology for the Northeast, packaging innovations, and partnerships between farmers and startups.
A showcase will give attendees the chance to meet the finalists.
Registration and networking
Farm Credit East will hold daily “Ask an Expert” sessions with team members discussing issues facing businesses that produce or use food and agriculture technology.
A Nov. 12 networking reception will highlight work by New York State Grown & Certified and the New York Farm Viability Institute to support farm innovations through the Infrastructure and Technology Grant Program.
The summit is open to anyone interested in food and beverage production, agricultural technology or sustainability. Students, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, farmers, media and service providers are among the intended participants.
Admission for both days costs $85, or $25 for students. One-day admission is $65, or $15 for students, and virtual registration is free.
Information and registration are available at grow-ny.com.
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