Closed
Source verified September 20, 2026
Food & Agriculture Startup Competition
Competition for food and agtech startups
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Latest source updateLast Update: September 20, 2026Latest change: The FAQs and competition details now describe the winner support as investments rather than prize money, confirm a finalist travel stipend, and update the timeline and regional wording.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 20, 2026
Latest change: The FAQs and competition details now describe the winner support as investments rather than prize money, confirm a finalist travel stipend, and update the timeline and regional wording.
Grow-NY competition terms updated
The FAQs and competition details now describe the winner support as investments rather than prize money, with the award breakdown still shown as a top investment, plus additional investments for two companies and four companies. The FAQs also now say finalists will receive a stipend to cover travel expenses, and the regional description has shifted from western New York to upstate New York. The timeline is now stated more specifically in relation to the application phase and awards presentation, and several process statements were also clarified, including finalist judging, regional-visit participation, and the terminology used for winners.
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Overview
The Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Startup Competition awards up to $1 million to high-growth food and agtech startups. The program supports innovative food and agriculture businesses through mentoring, business development support, and prize money.
Receipt of requests is now closed
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Food and agriculture startup competition.
- Pitching innovative business ideas.
- Mentoring and business development for finalists.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- High-growth food startups
- High-growth agtech startups
- Startups from any country
Who is not eligible
- Sole proprietorships.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Retail businesses.
- Gaming and gambling businesses.
- Residential real estate businesses.
Eligible geographic areas
- Any state or country.
- Grow-NY Region in New York State.
- Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions.
Selection criteria
- Team strength and readiness.
- Commercial viability and business model.
- Customer value and market potential.
- Growth potential and job creation.
- Food and agriculture innovation.
How to apply
- Submit applications via the Grow-NY website at www.grow-ny.com, following all protocols described on the website.
- Applicants needing special accommodations can follow the paper application instructions described on the website.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed and up to 20 finalists are selected.
- Finalists pitch to a judging panel in the region.
- Winners are selected and announced after the pitch competition.
- A prize agreement is required before award payment.
- Payments are made in stages based on milestone completion.
Additional information
- Up to 20 finalists are paired with experienced mentors as part of the competition process.
- Finalists receive customized business development trips to the Grow-NY region.
- A total of $3 million in awards is distributed annually among seven startups, with the top prize being $1 million.
- The Grow-NY Pitch Competition & Summit takes place in Canandaigua, NY on November 12-13, 2025.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food & Agriculture Startup Competition Program
What is the Food & Agriculture Startup Competition?
The Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Startup Competition awards up to $1 million to high-growth food and agtech startups. The program supports innovative food and agriculture businesses through mentoring, business development support, and prize money.
How much funding can be received?
Food & Agriculture Startup Competition Funds up to $1,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Food & Agriculture Startup Competition program?
To be eligible for the Food & Agriculture Startup Competition program, you must:
Registered formative-stage business.
Early-stage, scalable startup.
Food and agriculture focus.
What expenses are eligible under Food & Agriculture Startup Competition?
Food and agriculture startup competition.
Pitching innovative business ideas.
Mentoring and business development for finalists.
Who can I contact for more information about the Food & Agriculture Startup Competition?
You can contact Grow-NY by email at grow-ny@cornell.edu.
Where is the Food & Agriculture Startup Competition available?
The Food & Agriculture Startup Competition program is available across Canada.
Is the Food & Agriculture Startup Competition a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Food & Agriculture Startup Competition is a Loans and Capital investments