Innovation in food and agriculture grows faster with guidance, capital, and strong regional support. Grow-NY brings these elements together through a global startup competition that awards $3 million each year and provides finalists with mentorship, business development support, and the chance to compete for a $1 million grand prize. Participants are welcomed into a network across the Finger Lakes, Central New York, and the Southern Tier, where emerging technologies in food and agriculture continue to gain momentum. We connected with Jenn Smith, Director of Food and Agriculture Programs, Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA), to learn how founders can tap into these opportunities and resources.
How would you describe Grow-NY?
Most people know us as a startup competition with a $1 million top prize, but that’s really the entry point. Our work is about sparking innovation in the agrifood system. We’re an economic development strategy—one that leans on our region’s economic, intellectual, and cultural strengths to drive growth that reaches beyond political borders.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about in how Grow-NY supports our community, and small businesses in particular?
The crossover between Grow-NY startups and industries outside of agriculture often surprises people. Optics and photonics, for example, play a significant role in ag tech and food processing. There’s more synergy between fields than you might expect—and those connections end up creating new opportunities for small businesses here in the region.
What are some examples of how Grow-NY helps entrepreneurs?
We strive to make participating in Grow-NY a valuable experience, whether a startup receives a prize or not. A big part of that is building real bridges by connecting the startups and the value chain players and resource providers they need to thrive. It’s about creating relationships and support networks that last beyond the competition itself.
What is one piece of advice you would give founders who are interested in contacting you for support?
If you want to connect, the simplest advice is to email me at grow-ny@cornell.edu. For broader advice on venture success, I’d say this: Ask with humility, listen with openness, and decide with conviction.
Why do you do what you do?
I like to share and eat good food! My work supports the development of a stronger, more sustainable, and more equitable regional food system.