Grow-NY was launched in 2019 by the State of New York in collaboration with regional academic and economic partners, with the goal of transforming the agrifood ecosystem of Upstate New York in a lasting way. This annual, international competition is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the region through innovation, entrepreneurship, and support for high-potential industries. Grow-NY serves as a strategic lever to attract emerging companies, stimulate private investment, and generate local job creation in historically agricultural areas.
The organization also acts as a public funding intermediary, playing a key role in channeling regional support toward innovative entrepreneurial ventures. Through an impact-driven approach, it aligns public investment with high-potential economic, technological, and social initiatives. With a clear focus on agrifood value chains, Grow-NY contributes to building a center of excellence where digital transformation, sustainable agriculture, and local resource enhancement are top priorities.
Each year, up to twenty finalists are selected to join an intensive acceleration program that includes mentorship, training, strategic support, and immersion in the regional ecosystem. These companies, drawn from around the world, gain access to a robust network of experts, researchers, investors, and industrial partners. The highlight of this journey is the annual Grow-NY Summit, where finalists pitch their ventures to a panel of experts in hopes of winning a share of the $3 million prize pool.
Beyond funding, Grow-NY is built on strong regional engagement: winners commit to establishing and growing their businesses in the area, hiring locally, and building long-term partnerships with economic and agricultural stakeholders. This reciprocal, impact-based model has helped attract a wide range of innovative companies in just a few years, sparking an entrepreneurial momentum that is reshaping the local economy. As a powerful driver of change, Grow-NY is helping position Upstate New York as an international benchmark for agrifood innovation.
