Key Takeaways
- Brekland was awarded the $1 million grand prize at the seventh annual Grow-NY competition.
- The event distributed $3 million in total awards to seven startups working across food, agriculture, and biotechnology.
- All the event winners will establish operations in the region for at least one year and provide an equity stake to Cornell University.
- The 2025 competition attracted 270 applicants from 41 countries, with strong participation from women founders and underinvested communities.
- Winners were announced during the two-day Grow-NY Summit in Canandaigua.
Grow-NY Awards Announced at Annual Summit
Grow-NY has named Brekland of Brooklyn, New York, the grand-prize winner of its seventh annual business competition. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the results at the Grow-NY Summit, where 20 finalists pitched their innovations to a panel of expert judges. The competition awarded a total of $3 million, including the $1 million top prize, to seven companies now committed to establishing operations within the Grow-NY region.
Competition Highlights Regional Innovation
Administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, the company aims to strengthen food, beverage, and agriculture innovation across Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. This year’s finalists received months of mentorship leading up to the summit, culminating in two days of pitches before a seven-member judging panel.
“The round seven winners of the Grow-NY competition represent some of the most innovative and forward-thinking agribusiness entrepreneurs from around the world,” Governor Hochul said. “Through Grow-NY, my administration is doubling down on its commitment to driving economic growth in every part of our state.”
Brekland, which develops biodegradable foam coatings for crop protection products, secured the top award. “Winning the $1 million grand prize at the Grow-NY Summit is an incredible honor and a defining moment for our team,” said Founder and CEO Eric Bellefroid.
Recognizes Six Additional Winners
Other 2025 Grow-NY awards included two $500,000 prizes and four $250,000 awards:
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$500,000 Winners:
• Mothership Materials (NY) – Converts agricultural waste into carbon-negative feedstocks.
• Seen Nutrition (NY) – Develops patented dietary calcium chews produced with local dairy.
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$250,000 Winners:
• Living Ink Technologies (CO) – Produces sustainable black inks from algae-based biomass.
• Trebe Biotech (Argentina) – Uses insect larvae to produce bioproducts for animal health.
• Whipnotic (NY) – Creates whipped cream products with patented nozzle technology.
• ZILA BioWorks (WA) – Converts vegetable oils into recyclable, low-carbon bio-epoxy resins.
The “Wegmans Audience Choice” award went to Finger Foods Farm of Bloomfield, NY, earning a $10,000 prize.
Grow-NY Expands Global Reach and Regional Impact
More than 900 people registered for this year’s summit. The 2025 event cycle attracted 270 applicants from 41 countries and 31 U.S. states, with 46 percent including a female founder and 74 percent featuring founders from historically underinvested communities. Winners will now begin executing their business plans in New York state while leveraging connections formed throughout the competition.
Grow-NY Program Director Jenn Smith commented, “Grow-NY exists to create lasting economic development by attracting startups and investors into our world class agrifood ecosystem.”
