When is the next Grow-NY application deadline?

A specific application window for Grow-NY is not yet published. Timing is expected but not confirmed.

How much does Grow-NY invest?

Grow-NY lists an investment of $3,000,000 in prizes per round, including a $1,000,000 top prize.

How much equity does Grow-NY take?

Grow-NY lists equity of 2% to 3% (warrant: 3% of fully diluted capitalization for the $1,000,000 award, 2% for the $500,000 and $250,000 awards; winners may choose a SAFE instead).

Where is Grow-NY located and is it in person?

Grow-NY is based in NY and runs an in person program.

Is Grow-NY still active?

As of our last check on Oct 1, 2026, Grow-NY is active.

ActiveVerified

Grow-NY

AgTech & FoodTech · Run by Cornell Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) · NY

Verified Oct 1, 2026Official website How to apply

Every field is checked against a primary source where we can. How we verify.

The facts

All fields verified Oct 1, 2026

Terms model: Equity for cash
Investment: $3,000,000 in prizes per round, including a $1,000,000 top prize
Equity taken: 2% to 3% (warrant: 3% of fully diluted capitalization for the $1,000,000 award, 2% for the $500,000 and $250,000 awards; winners may choose a SAFE instead)
Program length: Not published
Format: In person
Location: NY
Cohorts per year: 1
Cohort size: up to 20 finalists, 7 winners
Stage focus: early-stage food and ag tech
Sub-vertical: food and agriculture technology
Demographic focus: Not published
Backers: Cornell University, Empire State Development
Notable alumni: Not published

Terms notes: An annual food and agriculture technology business competition run by Cornell's Center for Regional Economic Advancement and funded by Empire State Development. Each round awards $3,000,000 across seven winners (one $1,000,000 award, two $500,000 awards, and four $250,000 awards), paid in stages based on business milestones. Winners must sign a 'Pay It Forward' investment agreement with Cornell University: either a warrant for 3% of fully diluted capitalization (for the $1,000,000 award) or 2% (for the $500,000 and $250,000 awards), or a SAFE; proceeds are reinvested in future rounds. Winners must maintain a presence in the Grow-NY region of upstate New York for at least 12 consecutive months. Round 8 applications ran March 1 to May 15, 2026, with the pitch summit November 12 to 13, 2026.

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Terms in plain English

Grow-NY is an annual food and agriculture technology business competition run by Cornell's Center for Regional Economic Advancement and funded by Empire State Development. It awards $3,000,000 each round across seven winners, with $1,000,000 as the largest single award, paid in stages as business milestones are met. The awards come with an equity requirement: each winner must give Cornell University either a warrant for 3% of the company's fully diluted capitalization (for the $1,000,000 award) or 2% (for the $500,000 and $250,000 awards), or a SAFE, a simple agreement for future equity. Winners also commit to operating in one of the eligible upstate New York regions for at least 12 consecutive months after the award. It is a competition rather than a fixed-length cohort program.

Who this is actually for

Early-stage food, beverage, and agriculture technology founders willing to establish or grow operations in an eligible upstate New York region in exchange for a shot at award funding, knowing that winners grant Cornell University a 2% to 3% warrant or a SAFE. Suited to teams that can pitch a scalable ag or food innovation and are open to an upstate New York base.

Grow-NY application deadlines

Next round (annual competition, applications typically open in early spring): Timing expected, exact dates not yet confirmed.
Verified Oct 1, 2026Source

Frequently asked questions

When is the next Grow-NY application deadline?: A specific application window for Grow-NY is not yet published. Timing is expected but not confirmed.
How much does Grow-NY invest?: Grow-NY lists an investment of $3,000,000 in prizes per round, including a $1,000,000 top prize.
How much equity does Grow-NY take?: Grow-NY lists equity of 2% to 3% (warrant: 3% of fully diluted capitalization for the $1,000,000 award, 2% for the $500,000 and $250,000 awards; winners may choose a SAFE instead).
Where is Grow-NY located and is it in person?: Grow-NY is based in NY and runs an in person program.
Is Grow-NY still active?: As of our last check on Oct 1, 2026, Grow-NY is active.

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Guides that explain these terms

Plain-English mechanics, with worked hypothetical numbers.

Non-dilutive funding for agtech and foodtech startupsGrants, federal R&D money, and farmer-partnership programs that fund agtech and foodtech startups without taking equity, and the eligibility traps to check first.

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Sources

Everything above was checked against these, verified Oct 1, 2026.