Join the Grow-NY Summit - Shape the Future of Food Systems

By Blake Jackson

The Grow-NY Summit, a premier event for innovation in food and agriculture, returns for its sixth year on November 6-7 at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center.

This year's summit brings together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts to discuss solutions for a more sustainable and resilient food system.

The highlight of the event is the competition featuring 20 startup finalists from around the world. These businesses will pitch their ideas for tackling global challenges in food and agriculture, with a focus on their potential impact on upstate New York.

The most promising startup will receive a grand prize of $1 million, followed by two $500,000 and four $250,000 awards. Winners will be announced at a public ceremony following the summit.

Beyond the competition, the summit offers a symposium featuring insightful panel discussions and expert presentations.

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

Symposium topics explore critical challenges and cutting-edge solutions:

• Can Food and Ag Tech Save the World? (Nov 6, 2:30-3:15 PM): This session delves into how collaborations between startups, NGOs, and industries can address food security, environmental impact, and food system resilience.
• Food Waste Diversion Strategies (Nov 6, 3:35-4:20 PM): This panel examines innovative approaches for reducing food waste, minimizing landfill strain, and promoting sustainability.
• Tackling On-Farm R&D Needs for Net-Zero Dairies by 2050 (Nov 7, 2:30-3:15 PM): Experts discuss collaborative research and innovative solutions needed to achieve net-zero emissions in dairy production without unintended consequences.
• Scaling Sustainable Farming (Nov 7, 3:35-4:20 PM): This panel explores strategies for expanding sustainable farming practices to meet growing demand, promote equity, minimize environmental impact, and combat climate change.

Attendees can also network with startups, incubators, and other resources within the "Ecosystem Expo" portion of the event.

The Grow-NY Summit welcomes everyone passionate about food technology, food production, and sustainability. Registration options cater to students, researchers, startups, investors, farmers, media, and service providers.

For more information and to register, visit grow-ny.com. Registration fees are $75 for general admission, $25 for students, and free for virtual attendance. Remember to reserve tickets for the free awards ceremony.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave