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 presented their business plans to a panel of judges. Brekland will receive $1 million as part of the total $3 million awarded to seven companies.
The Grow-NY competition is managed by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement and aims to strengthen innovation in food, beverage, and agriculture across Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions. Winning companies are required to establish operations in the region for at least one year and provide an 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 specializes in developing biodegradable foam coatings for 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), Seen Nutrition (Ithaca), Living Ink Technologies (Colorado), Trebe Biotech (Argentina), Whipnotic (New York), and ZILA BioWorks (Washington). Each received between $250,000 and $500,000 based on their innovations ranging from carbon-negative feedstocks to sustainable inks.
The public also took part by voting for Finger Foods Farm from Bloomfield as recipient of a $10,000 audience choice award.
More than 900 people registered for this year’s summit. Previous winners announced four recipients of $250,000 awards; Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced both $500,000 recipients as well as Brekland’s top prize.
This year’s competition drew 270 applicants from 41 countries; nearly half had female founders while over 70 percent included founders from historically underinvested communities.
Jenn Smith, Program Director for Grow-NY said: “Grow-NY exists to create lasting economic development by attracting startups and investors into our world class agrifood ecosystem… We are thrilled to have this year’s winners help us accomplish our goals while moving toward their own.”
Award decisions were based on criteria such as business model viability; team quality; customer value; growth potential; innovation; and regional economic impact.
Empire State Development President Hope Knight commented: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership… these startups are building entrepreneurial ecosystems and boosting innovative economic growth across… Finger Lakes [and] Central [regions]. Congratulations to this year’s winners…”
Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball added: “The Grow-NY competition highlights… farm and food businesses here in New York… supporting local agriculture… I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support…”
Regional leaders also expressed support for how these investments align with strategies like “Finger Lakes Forward,” “CNY Rising,” and “Southern Tier Soaring.” These plans focus on strengthening key industries such as photonics or advanced manufacturing while fostering inclusive economies throughout their respective areas.
