The sixth annual Grow-NY Summit, to be held Nov. 6-7 at the new Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, will feature business leaders and entrepreneurs working to advance sustainability, address global challenges and shape the future of food and agriculture.

Twenty startup finalistsfrom around the world will pitch their businesses, and their potential impact on upstate New York, at the summit. A $1 million grand prize winner, as well as two $500,000 and four $250,000 awardees, will be announced at a public awards ceremony at the State Theatre of Ithacaimmediately following the summit.

Between pitches, a symposium will feature panels and discussions with innovators aiming to change the path of the food and ag industries.

"Grow-NY finalists and symposium speakers bring their fresh ideas about strengthening our food system and building our regional economy to life at the summit," said Jenn Smith, Grow-NY program director. "Anyone who wants to see solutions in the food and ag landscape can be a force for change if they register and attend."

Each symposium session will feature Cornell experts in conversation with food and ag experts across fields, all sharing their insights on the latest industry trends and innovations.

This year's sessions include:

Can Food and Ag Tech Save the World? (Nov. 6, 2:30-3:15 p.m.): Laura Reiley, staff writer for the Cornell Chronicle, and Nate Salpeter, general partner at SNØCAP, will explore innovations and collaborations between startups, NGOs and industries that address food security, environmental impact and food systems resiliency.

Food Waste Diversion Strategies (Nov. 6, 3:35-4:20 p.m.): Elad Tako, associate professor of food science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), will moderate this panel examining emerging innovative approaches and practical solutions aimed at reducing food waste. These new technologies can minimize strain on landfills, promote sustainability and build a more resilient food system for the future.

Tackling On-Farm R&D Needs for Net-Zero Dairies by 2050 (Nov. 7, 2:30-3:15 p.m.): How can we use a multifaceted, multidisciplinary, systems-based approach to achieve net-zero dairy and innovate solutions that address one area of need without creating unanticipated negative consequences? Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will discuss on-farm research and other collaborations informing industry changes with Saharah Moon Chapotin, executive director of the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.

Scaling Sustainable Farming (Nov. 7, 3:35-4:20 p.m.): What does our region need to expand sustainable farming practices so we can meet the growing global demand for food, maximize equity in the food system, minimize environmental impact and mitigate climate change? Led by Jenny Kao-Kniffin, professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section (CALS), this panel discussion centers on current small-scale solutions that have the potential to meet industry needs and the resources required to scale these approaches.

Summit attendees will have the opportunity to join the conversation by connecting with startups, incubators, economic development agencies, small-business partners and other resources through the event's tabling portion, known as the Ecosystem Expo.

The summit is open to anyone who is passionate about agriculture technology, food production and sustainability, including students, researchers, startups, investors, farmers, media and service providers.

All-access registration for the Grow-NY Summit is $75, $25 for students, and virtual registration is free. Tickets to the free awards ceremony must be reserved in advance. For more information and to register, visit grow-ny.com.

Bridget Hagen is a marketing communications specialist for the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

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