By Blake Jackson
Eight talented young innovators took center stage on November 13 in Canandaigua, New York, competing for a $1,000 top prize in the Grow-NY Youth Competition.
The event was held during the final day of Empire State Development’s Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Startup Competition and highlighted middle and high school students developing ideas that bridge agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship.
The competition was made possible through support from Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University’s New York Agriculture in the Classroom, New York State 4-H, and New York Future Farmers of America. Finalists spent the morning polishing their presentations before delivering their pitches to an audience and judges.
“Young people have ideas for tackling the world’s biggest problems, and this competition gives them a platform to share business solutions on a big stage,” said Alexa Maile, director of New York State 4-H.
Taking first place was Erie County 4-H member Nate de Jong with Soil Elevated, a digital tool designed to help users analyze and improve soil health. “When my garden failed due to poor soil nutrients, it motivated me to learn more about soil and create this platform to help anyone maximize yields,” he told judges.
The second-place award of $500 went to FFA participant Mason Hill, who proposed expanding a Lowline Angus herd to support sustainable beef production. Annaleen Aukema, a CCE Broome County 4-Her, earned the third-place $250 prize for her freeze-dried pet food concept.
Other entries showcased a range of creative solutions, such as biodegradable straws and water-purification systems. A team from Baldwin High School drew inspiration from Aztec chinampas to address pollution in Long Island Sound.
“By using eco-bricks and PLA plastic from our 3D printing, we can build a modern chinampa system that revitalizes local plant life and repurposes plastic waste across our community,” said team member Sanya Halyard.
Judge Damali Wynter, assistant commissioner for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, praised the event, saying, “Agriculture goes far beyond pitchforks and overalls. This youth competition shows its many applications and the excitement they inspire.”
Photo Credit: grow-ny
Categories: New York, Business, General