More than $3 million in prizes were awarded to eight companies during the two-day virtual pitch competition at Grow-NY’s Global Food and Agriculture Business Competition.
Soos Technology of Kidron, Israel, was the $1 million grand prize winner, according to a news release.
The competition — which focuses on attracting innovative food and agriculture companies to the Central New York, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions of the state — drew more than 260 applicants.
“The innovations these companies have helped drive are creating a lasting economic impact on New York’s agribusiness as we continue our work to build our economy back better,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in the release.
Grow-NY gathered its top 20 finalists to pitch their ideas at a virtual summit Nov. 17-18 that more than 500 people registered to attend.
Other awarded teams include:
- $500,000: SoFresh, Pleasant Prairie, Wis., manufactures a packaging material with an organic vapor to extend the shelf life of fresh foods such as bread, berries and cheese;
- $250,000: Halomine, Ithaca, N.Y., developed anti-microbial products to ensure the safety of the food supply; and
- $250,000: Leep Foods, Rochester, N.Y., grows premium organic mushrooms using regenerative soil methods on nutrient-enriched American hardwoods for consumers and restaurants.
Judges based award decisions on the viability of commercialization and business model; customer value; food and agriculture innovation; regional job creation; and team.
New this year was the Wegmans-sponsored Audience Choice award, won by Re-Nuble, New York, N.Y.
