Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2026 

Competition is funded through Upstate Revitalization Initiatives – Finger Lakes Forward, CNY Rising and Southern Tier Soaring – regional comprehensive strategies to revitalize communities and grow the economy

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that the application window is now open for the eighth round of Grow-NY – the New York State supported international food, beverage and agriculture business competition. Up to 20 high-growth potential food and agriculture startups from around the world will be selected as finalists to compete for $3 million in total prize money. Through the accelerator program, finalists will undergo a business development phase, receiving dedicated mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and introductions to potential regional partners. Winning companies must commit to making a positive economic impact in the 22-county Grow-NY region, which includes The Finger Lakes, Central New York and the Southern Tier.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Grow-NY accelerator continues to be instrumental in attracting cutting-edge agribusiness companies from around the world to New York State. The first seven competitions have spurred private investment in the three targeted regions, and the eighth round will build on those successes, as the dynamic innovations and ideas from each round’s winners support new economic growth throughout Upstate.”

Up to 20 finalists will be selected to participate in the business development accelerator, where they will receive tailored mentorship from industry experts and guidance to refine their regional growth plans. They will also make connections with potential partners and investors. Later this year, finalists will present their business plans in Grow-NY’s pitch competition, where seven winners will be selected to receive a portion of $3 million in prize funding. One grand prize winner will receive $1 million; two others will be awarded $500,000 prizes; and four more will win $250,000 prizes.

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. ET on May 15, 2026. Startups focused on food and agriculture innovation, including production, processing, distribution, ag tech, climate resilience, workforce solutions, and related sectors—are encouraged to apply.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “From farming to food production, New York is an innovative, world-class leader in agriculture. The Grow-NY competition has consistently given many cutting-edge, diverse food businesses from around the world not only an opportunity to showcase their work, but also a place to call home right here in New York. Now in its eighth year, this competition is an exciting annual tradition that highlights New York agriculture as we know it today as well as a snapshot of what’s coming down the pipeline for the future of our industry, and I look forward to seeing the terrific competitors this year.”

The Grow-NY region is home to more than 40% of New York State’s farms, and is supported by world-class research institutions, abundant freshwater resources, and a deeply rooted agricultural heritage. In its first seven rounds, the competition attracted more than 1,800 applications from 44 states and 95 countries. In 2025, 46% of applicants included a female founder, and 74% included a founder from a historically underinvested background—reflecting the competition’s continued role in broadening access to innovation and capital.

Since launching in 2019, Grow-NY’s 49 winning companies have created hundreds of jobs and raised more than $127 million in follow-on funding. Forty of those companies remain operational in the region, outperforming national startup survival averages and demonstrating strong regional staying power.

Grow-NY program director Jenn Smith said, “Grow-NY and our bountiful region have become a launchpad for agricultural companies evaluating where to grow next. Our applicants are developing solutions for challenges that didn’t even exist five years ago. With the support of our mentors, investors, and regional partners, we are helping New York State become one of the most strategic agrifood innovation corridors in the world.”

Funding for Grow-NY is provided through New York State’s Upstate Revitalization Initiative’s three regionally developed comprehensive strategies that aim to revitalize communities and grow local economies. The competition is administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA).

To learn more about the Grow-NY competition, visit www.grow-ny.com.

To learn more about the Cornell Center for Regional Economic Advancement, visit http://crea.cornell.edu/.

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward  

Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here.

Accelerating CNY Rising 

Today’s announcement complements “CNY Rising” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. More information is available here.

Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring  

Today’s announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving next-generation innovation. More information is available here.

About Empire State Development 

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.