Grow-NY will host its annual Food & Ag Summit on Wednesday, November 12, and Thursday, November 13, in Canandaigua, New York, at the Hotel Canandaigua. Attendees will have the option to participate in the Summit either in person or virtually. The two-day event will feature 20 global startups competing for $3 million in prize money, including a $1 million grand prize.
The Summit will showcase live pitches and symposium discussions with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It will be open to startups, investors, researchers, students, media, and anyone interested in agricultural technology, food production, and sustainability.
This year's Summit will feature startup-focused networking with a series of interactive roundtable discussions designed to spark bold conversations and actionable insights. From uncovering real-world applications of AI on the farm to revealing inside strategies for breaking into Whole Foods Market, these sessions will give attendees direct access to experts and industry insiders. The roundtables will offer rare opportunities for media to capture unfiltered perspectives and storylines at the forefront of food and agriculture innovation.
In addition to hosting a roundtable discussion on AI and machine learning applications on farms, Farm Credit East will sponsor "Ask an Expert" luncheons on both days of the Summit. Farm Credit experts will be available during lunch to offer one-on-one consultations on pressing topics that impact businesses commercializing, purchasing, or utilizing food and agriculture technology.
"Grow-NY is more than a competition — it's a catalyst for innovation in food and agriculture, and Farm Credit East is proud to be a sponsor. The region's unique blend of natural resources, research institutions, and collaborative networks creates an ideal launchpad for startups. As a judge, I've seen firsthand how this ecosystem empowers entrepreneurs to scale solutions that strengthen our food system and drive meaningful change," said Anthony Colangelo, Farm Credit East Senior Innovation & AI Lead and Grow-NY competition judge.
Registration is now open. All-access, in-person admission is $85 for general attendees and $25 for students. Discounts for schools may be available, and no one will be turned away due to the inability to pay. The full pitch competition and symposium panels will also be broadcast live online, and virtual attendance will be free of charge. Registration will be required for both in-person and virtual participation.
© Grow-NYLast year's winners, Unibaio
This year, 270 startups from around the world applied for the competition. The 20 finalists were selected in August and have each since been paired with a mentor to guide them through the business development phase of their startup plans. Each finalist has focused on exploring the regional resources available to help grow and scale their startups in Upstate New York and ultimately support their business pitches. During the live pitch, each finalist will receive 10 minutes to present their business plan, followed by 10 minutes of questions from the panel of judges.
"The Summit is a must-attend event for startups wanting to scale their food and ag businesses. It is a chance to connect with resources that help them make it into customers' hands, network with thought leaders and potential strategic partners, and hear live pitches from the most innovative and high-growth potential ventures in the world," said Jenn Smith, Program Director, Grow-NY.
The event will culminate with an Awards Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on November 13 at The Lake House in Canandaigua, where winners of the $1 million top prize, two $500,000 prizes, and four $250,000 prizes will be announced. The Awards Ceremony will include a reception featuring a locally sourced and regionally inspired dinner. Advanced registration, separate from the Summit, will be required and cost $75. Registration is available at the link here.
For more information:
Grow-NY
Email: [email protected]
www.grow-ny.com
