The annual Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Summit is set to take place on November 6-7, 2024, in Ithaca, New York, featuring a robust lineup of global startups and innovators competing for $3 million in prize money. As the premier competition for food and agriculture businesses, the event will take place at the newly inaugurated Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, with options for both in-person and virtual attendance.
This year’s theme, “Grow, and Lead Change,” emphasizes the critical role that entrepreneurs play in driving sustainability and addressing global challenges through innovation. The Summit will not only showcase live business pitches but also offer thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and an Ecosystem Expo that highlights initiatives supporting New York State’s growing innovation ecosystem in food and agriculture.
Supporting Innovation to Solve Global Challenges
At the heart of the two-day Summit is the pitch competition, where 20 global startups, selected from a pool of 312 applicants, will vie for the top prize of $1 million. Two additional prizes of $500,000 and four prizes of $250,000 will also be awarded, bringing the total prize pool to $3 million. Each finalist will present their business plan live before a panel of judges, followed by a Q&A session. The finalists have spent months preparing for this moment, working closely with mentors to develop strategies that leverage the resources of Upstate New York to scale their operations.
“Grow-NY finalists and Symposium speakers bring their fresh ideas about strengthening our food system and building our regional economy to life at the Summit. Anyone who wants to see solutions in the food and ag landscape can be a force for change if they register and attend.”
The startups competing represent the cutting edge of food and agricultural technologies, tackling pressing issues such as sustainable farming, food waste reduction, and innovative protein production methods. The Summit is open to entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, students, and anyone interested in the future of food and agriculture.
Summit Highlights
The Grow-NY Summit offers a dynamic schedule that includes:
- Live Pitches: Finalists will each have 10 minutes to pitch their startups, followed by 10 minutes of questions from the panel of judges.
- Ecosystem Expo: A showcase of organizations that are part of New York State’s innovation landscape, fostering networking opportunities among industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors.
- Symposium Panels: In-depth discussions with industry leaders on topics such as food waste diversion, sustainable farming, biomass fermentation, and future trends in food production.
Attendees can participate in-person for $75 (general admission) or $25 (students), with virtual attendance being free. Registration is required for both options, ensuring that the event remains accessible to a wide audience interested in agricultural technology and sustainability.
An Opportunity to Lead Change
The Grow-NY competition is a testament to New York State’s commitment to fostering innovation in the food and agriculture sectors. Finalists from around the world are focused on transforming traditional farming practices, improving food systems, and promoting environmental sustainability. In recent years, advances in areas such as precision agriculture, plant-based proteins, and waste management have attracted significant attention from both investors and governments.
This year’s Summit will also serve as a platform to explore the broader implications of these innovations. The event’s panels and keynote sessions will highlight how startups can play a pivotal role in addressing some of the most urgent global challenges, from climate change to food security.
Award Ceremony and Networking
The Summit will culminate in an Awards Ceremony on November 7 at the State Theatre of Ithaca, where the winners will be announced. The event, free and open to the public, will feature a reception with locally sourced food and beverages, further emphasizing the region’s agricultural heritage and commitment to sustainability.
Empowering Entrepreneurs in Upstate New York
Grow-NY is a vital part of the state’s broader effort to drive economic growth and job creation in Upstate New York, particularly through the support of entrepreneurial ventures. Empire State Development (ESD), the organization behind Grow-NY, plays a key role in advancing the state’s economy by providing resources and support for new and existing businesses.
With partnerships like the one between ESD and the Cornell Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA), Upstate New York is positioning itself as a hub for food and agricultural innovation, leveraging its rich natural resources, agricultural traditions, and cutting-edge research capabilities.
