Costa Rica’s innovative agricultural technology company, ClearLeaf, has achieved an impressive milestone by being named a finalist in the 2024 Grow-NY International Business Competition. This competition, which highlights some of the most cutting-edge food and agriculture startups worldwide, will culminate in a high-stakes summit in Ithaca, New York, on November 6-7, where 20 finalists will vie for a share of $3 million in prize money.
The Grow-NY competition is no small feat. Funded by the Upstate Revitalization Initiatives – including Finger Lakes Forward, CNY Rising, and Southern Tier Soaring – this competition is laser-focused on revitalizing the regional economies of Upstate New York. For ClearLeaf, making the final cut is not just a nod to its innovative solutions but also a major opportunity to showcase its Costa Rican-grown technology on the global stage.
What is Grow-NY?
Grow-NY is an internationally recognized competition aimed at boosting innovation within the food, beverage, and agriculture sectors. Run by Empire State Development (ESD) and Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA), the competition attracts startups from all over the world that are dedicated to transforming the food production industry.
This year, the competition saw 312 startups from 50 countries throw their hats in the ring, including top contenders from Canada, the UK, and Italy. Among these, San José’s very own ClearLeaf was recognized as a finalist—no small feat given the global talent pool. Domestically, the competition was fierce as well, with 89 entrants from New York and applications from 26 U.S. states.
A Win for ClearLeaf and Costa Rican Innovation
ClearLeaf’s selection as a finalist is a testament to Costa Rica’s growing reputation for innovation in sustainable agriculture and technology. The company specializes in developing eco-friendly solutions for agriculture, focusing on biological control of pests and diseases, which is a game-changer for both the environment and farmers’ profitability. ClearLeaf’s inclusion in Grow-NY not only puts Costa Rica on the map in terms of global agriculture technology but also provides a platform for the company to scale its solutions and make a significant economic impact.
The company’s journey began in the heart of Costa Rica, where it has been working to revolutionize how we approach farming and agriculture. Using biotechnology, ClearLeaf has developed sustainable agricultural inputs that reduce the need for harmful chemicals, offering an environmentally friendly alternative that helps improve crop yields and overall soil health.
Empire State Development and Cornell’s Role
The Grow-NY competition is backed by some heavy hitters in the U.S. agricultural and business development sectors. Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight highlighted the significance of the competition, stating, “Once again, the Grow-NY food and agriculture competition has drawn top-quality startups and entrepreneurial talent from around the world. Through its continued support, New York State is poised to reap the benefits of these Grow-NY innovators, who will create jobs and grow the economy in the Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions.”
In addition, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball emphasized the importance of innovation in the agricultural sector, saying, “From farming to food production, New York is an innovative, world-class leader in agriculture. Year after year, the Grow-NY competition is instrumental to bringing new, high-growth businesses in the industry focused on critical areas to our state.”
The stakes are high for ClearLeaf and its fellow competitors. At the summit, each finalist will pitch their business plans in front of a panel of 30 judges, experts in regional economic development, agriculture, and entrepreneurial ventures. The ultimate goal for these companies? To secure part of the $3 million in prize money, which includes a $1 million top prize, two $500,000 awards, and four $250,000 prizes. This prize money will not only help companies like ClearLeaf expand their operations but will also require winners to make a positive economic impact in the Grow-NY region, which spans 22 counties in Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier.
Diverse and Inclusive Innovation
One of the standout features of this year’s Grow-NY competition is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. A remarkable 44% of applicants included a female founder, and 60% represented a culturally diverse group. This is an encouraging trend in a traditionally male-dominated industry and signals a positive shift toward more inclusive entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.
ClearLeaf, like many of its competitors, stands to benefit not only from the potential prize money but also from the exposure and networking opportunities that come with being part of such a prestigious event. The summit will offer the chance to engage with potential investors, partners, and mentors who can help guide the company through its next phase of growth.
What’s Next for ClearLeaf?
As the competition draws closer, ClearLeaf is gearing up to deliver a standout presentation at the Grow-NY Summit. Should they secure one of the coveted prizes, it could mean rapid growth, job creation, and the ability to further develop their groundbreaking technologies. But more importantly, a win for ClearLeaf would be a win for Costa Rica’s burgeoning tech and agriculture sectors, proving once again that this small Central American country is more than capable of making a global impact.
So, are you rooting for ClearLeaf? Their innovative solutions could shape the future of sustainable farming, not just in Costa Rica, but around the world. If you believe in eco-friendly agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and biotechnology innovation, then you’ve already bought into the ClearLeaf vision.
Will ClearLeaf bring home the gold and take Costa Rican innovation to new heights? We’ll find out in November.
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