EDINBURGH-based startup Crover has been awarded $500,000 at the 2023 Grow-NY Food and Agriculture Competition.
Crover was one of 20 finalists to compete in the fifth annual Grow-NY food and ag business competition. After live pitching at the Grow-NY Summit on November 14 and 15, Crover was named one of seven winners by a panel of distinguished judges. Hypercell Technologies of Peachtree Corners, GA was awarded the top prize of $1 million.
Now in its fifth year, the program awarded $3 million – including the $1 million grand prize – to seven finalists participating in the business development accelerator and two-day pitch competition at the Grow-NY Summit this year. The winning teams must commit to operating in the participating regions for at least one year, while providing Grow-NY with a small equity investment stake in their entity. The competition is administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement.
“The winners of this year’s Grow-NY competition represent some of the most innovative and forward-thinking entrepreneurs from around the world that will take our state’s food and agriculture sector to the next level,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Through Grow-NY and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, 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.”
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The winning companies will now immediately get to work executing their business plans in New York state, leveraging the connections made and regional knowledge gained from the competition.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said: “Year after year, the Grow-NY competition showcases New York’s many cutting-edge, diverse food businesses, whose work strengthens our agricultural industry and gives a boost to our farmers. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued support of Grow-NY, this competition has become an annual tradition that not only highlights New York agriculture today, but also speaks to the exciting future opportunities of tomorrow. I congratulate this year’s winners and all of the entrepreneurs who took part, and I look forward to seeing what you do next.”
