Q&A with Grow-NY Judge Ben Verschueren

The Grow-NY Business Competition features 20 finalists innovating in the food and agriculture industry. Each startup pitches to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win up to $1 million dollars from the Grow-NY prize fund. We had the chance to meet with Ben Verschueren, a new Grow-NY judge this year, to learn more about the future of food and ag. 

Verschueren holds a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, both in computer science. He spent most of his career with General Electric doing technical research and managing strategic innovation portfolios.  

Verschueren is now the Executive Director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR), overseeing the growth of New York state’s innovation ecosystem. His focus on leading and empowering small businesses and startups has helped foster economic development and a successful entrepreneurial community across the state. 

Question: What makes the Grow-NY region an excellent place for startups working in food and ag?  

The Grow-NY region hits a trifecta of factors for why it is so great for food and ag startups. The first is the rich agricultural resources and infrastructure in the region from its farms and crops to dairy and livestock to its access to major markets in the Northeast including New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia. The second is the innovation ecosystem, from a strong academic ecosystem to a great network of incubators and accelerators, and all the ways New York State is committed to helping startups be successful. And third, with New York’s commitment to sustainability, there are many opportunities for innovative startups to help address environmental challenges.  

Question: What advice do you have for food and ag innovators launching their businesses? 

Always be aware of and able to articulate your next big challenge or biggest need… and the answer should not be “we need more capital.” Capital is an enabler, but it’s not actually the thing you need to do to succeed. So, drive discussion and collaboration around what you actually need to accomplish to clear the obstacle. Once that is understood and a path is clear, support will more likely follow.  

Question: Why did you agree to become a Grow-NY judge?  

I attended the competition for the first time last year, and was extremely impressed by the companies, their ideas, and their passion. I am very excited to engage with this year’s group and be an active part of the discussion and discourse.  

Question: What role does New York’s food and agriculture sector play in the state’s overall economic development?  

The food and agriculture sector is such a longstanding and critical one for New York state. As I mentioned above, it’s also one ripe for innovation to address challenges around climate, sustainability, and overall economic prosperity. It ties to so many verticals… from food to fashion. It really can’t be understated how critical seeing this sector thrive and grow is for the overall economic ecosystem of the state.  

This year’s Grow-NY Summit will be held November 6 and 7 at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center in Ithaca, NY. Register now at https://cvent.me/MwgDZb.