AG Food & Beverage BIG IDEA Contest
Click here for information on the PA Wilds $50K BIG IDEA Contest
The next PA Wilds $50K BIG IDEA Contest is coming spring 2023. Check back in January 2023 for more information and to apply.
Win up to $25,000 Cash!
Ben Franklin Technology Partners, an award winning tech-based economic development program, is looking for innovators with BIG IDEAS who are developing new products or processes in the agriculture (AG) and food/beverage industries. Examples might include a new take on drone or smart farming, soil and crop health, pest management, AG machinery and automation, robotic solutions, sensor applications, dairy management, innovative food and beverage products, packaging, processing and supply chain solutions, and more!
Apply by 5 p.m. on August 29, 2022
The winner will receive:
- Up to $25,000 in cash
- An opportunity to pitch the business concept for a $10,000 seed grant
- A guaranteed spot in a business accelerator program
- Business mentoring and support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners
- A six-month, free subscription to Sparktoro.com – Audience Research at Your Fingertips
SparkToro makes audience research easy. With a quick search, you can uncover attributes about any online audience—websites they visit, social accounts they follow, podcasts they listen to, topics they discuss—and apply these to be more targeted and effective in your marketing.
You qualify to apply if:
- You are located in Ben Franklin’s central and northern 32- county footprint
- You have not previously received Ben Franklin funding or a cash prize from another BIG IDEA contest
- You plan to commercialize your innovation
Contest FAQs
- I have a restaurant or bakery. Is this contest for me?
- I am a farmer growing crops using traditional methods. Is this contest for me?
- Are there geographic restrictions on who applies or participates?
- What type of innovations are the best fit for the BIG IDEA Contest?
- Do I have to have a registered business to apply?
- If I have others working with me, does everyone have to participate?
- How many finalists are selected to participate?
- What is required of contest finalists to compete in the final pitch competition?
- What is the time commitment required?
- How much funding do finalists win?
- How does the People’s Choice Award work?
Special thanks to our sponsors:
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
We encourage those with disabilities to participate in our programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please phone our Erie office at 814-898-6547 in advance of your participation or visit.
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