Ag summit to feature 20 startups competing for $3M in prize money

Global food and agriculture business competition Grow-NY’s annual Food & Ag Summit is set for Nov. 6-7. Both in-person and online participation options are available.

The conference, which will take place at the Ithaca (N.Y.) Downtown Conference Center, features 20 startups competing for $3 million in prize money, including a $1 million grand prize.

This year’s theme, “Grow, and Lead Change,” focuses on innovation, sustainability and leadership in the food and agriculture sectors. The summit will showcase live pitches, an Ecosystem Expo, and a symposium featuring panels and discussions with industry leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.

Registration is now open at this link.

The 20 startup finalists were narrowed down from 312 applications, according to a news release. Each finalist focused on exploring the regional resources available to help grow and scale their startups in Upstate New York.

During a live pitch, each finalist will receive 10 minutes to present business plans and an additional 10 minutes to answer judges’ questions.

“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,” Jenn Smith, program director at Grow-NY, said in the release. “Anyone who wants to see solutions in the food and ag landscape can be a force for change if they register and attend.”