Brekland, a Brooklyn-based company, has been named the grand-prize winner of the seventh annual Grow-NY business competition. The announcement was made by Governor Kathy Hochul at the Grow-NY Summit in Canandaigua, where 20 finalists competed for $3 million in prize money. Brekland will receive a $1 million award and is required to establish operations in the region for at least one year, while also providing a modest equity stake to Cornell University.
Governor Hochul stated, “The round seven winners of the Grow-NY competition represent some of the most innovative and forward-thinking agribusiness entrepreneurs from around the world that will take our state’s food and agriculture sector to the next level. Through Grow-NY, my administration is doubling down on its commitment to driving economic growth in every part of our state, sparking innovation, and creating the jobs and opportunities that will move New York forward.”
Brekland develops biodegradable foam coatings designed to enhance crop protection products. Eric Bellefroid, founder and CEO of Brekland, said, “Winning the $1 million grand prize at the Grow-NY Summit is an incredible honor and a defining moment for our team. This recognition affirms the strength of our team, our technology, and our mission to move the crop protection industry forward. The Grow-NY community, our mentor, and the connections we have made in the region have prepared us to continue growing in upstate New York. With this award, we look forward to making an impact on the Grow-NY region and beyond.”
Other winners included Mothership Materials (New York City) and Seen Nutrition (Ithaca), each receiving $500,000; Living Ink Technologies (Colorado), Trebe Biotech (Argentina), Whipnotic (New York City), and ZILA BioWorks (Washington), each awarded $250,000. Finger Foods Farm of Bloomfield won the Wegmans Audience Choice award with a $10,000 prize.
Over 900 people registered for this year’s summit. Finalists received mentorship before presenting their business plans to judges with expertise in agriculture and venture development.
The competition drew 270 applicants from 41 countries. Applicants represented 31 states within the U.S., including 53 startups from New York State itself. Nearly half of all applicants had a female founder; about three-quarters had founders from historically underinvested communities.
Jenn Smith, director of Grow-NY Program, said: “Grow-NY exists to create lasting economic development by attracting startups and investors into our world class agrifood ecosystem, leveraging innovation to create opportunity, supporting and creating growth for new and existing ventures alike. We are thrilled to have this year’s winners help us accomplish our goals while moving toward their own.”
Award decisions were based on business model viability; diversity and readiness of teams; customer value proposition; potential for growth; degree of innovation; and expected regional economic impact.
Empire State Development President Hope Knight commented: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, ESD and New York State continue to support Grow-NY, as these startups are building the entrepreneurial ecosystems and boosting innovative economic growth across the rich farming and agricultural regions in the Finger Lakes, Central and Southern Tier. Congratulations to this year’s winners…”
Richard A. Ball, Commissioner of Agriculture for New York State added: “The Grow-NY competition highlights the incredible strength and diversity of farm and food businesses here in New York… I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support… I’m proud that this program is… integral to growing… New York’s agricultural economy…”
Regional Economic Development Council leaders from Central New York, Finger Lakes Region, and Southern Tier also offered congratulations.
Grow-NY aims to strengthen economic growth across its 22-county region through job creation partnerships with local industry leaders.
More information about Empire State Development can be found at esd.ny.gov.
