Closed
Source verified July 6, 2026
Food & Agriculture Startup Competition
Competition for food and agtech startups
Latest source updateLast Update: July 6, 2026Latest change: Grow-NY now shows the 2026 application window as closed, and the visible apply link and submission portal were removed from the homepage and FAQs.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 6, 2026
Latest change: Grow-NY now shows the 2026 application window as closed, and the visible apply link and submission portal were removed from the homepage and FAQs.
Grow-NY application window closed and portal removed
The Grow-NY FAQs now state that applications for the 2026 Grow-NY Food & Ag Business Competition have closed, replacing the prior instruction to apply online between March 1, 2026 and May 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The main site also no longer shows the Apply for the Competition section or the Apply Now portal link, so the visible submission endpoint and application instructions have been materially reduced. The award agreement PDF also shows updated funding-condition language, including a one-year termination term from the Effective Date, a requirement to refund any unexpended or unobligated advanced Award amounts at termination, and no further disbursements after termination. Prize terms still reference $3 million total, with one $1 million grand prize, two $500,000 prizes, and four $250,000 prizes.
Funding available
$ 1,000,000
Deadline
May 15, 2026
Opened March 1, 2026
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
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
- Applications for the 2026 Grow-NY Food & Ag Business Competition have now closed.
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was May 15, 2026.
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.