Brekland, a Brooklyn-based startup, has been named the grand-prize winner of the seventh annual Grow-NY business competition. The company will receive $1 million as part of the total $3 million in prize money awarded to seven finalists out of 20 selected for this year’s Grow-NY business accelerator.
The winners were announced during the two-day Grow-NY Summit held in Canandaigua. Finalists presented their business plans to a panel of judges with backgrounds in agriculture, food production, and venture development. Each winning company is required to establish operations in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, or the Southern Tier region for at least one year and provide an equity stake to Cornell University to support future entrepreneurship programs.
The competition is administered by Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement and aims to strengthen innovation within New York’s food, beverage, and agriculture sectors. It receives support from Empire State Development and aligns with regional economic strategies such as CNY Rising, Finger Lakes Forward, and Southern Tier Soaring.
Governor Kathy 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 is developing a biodegradable foam coating designed to enhance crop protection products used in agriculture.
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.”
Finalist teams received mentorship while preparing their business plans prior to pitching at the summit.
