2026 Land Grant Startup Launch Competition

About

The 2026 Land Grant Startup Launch Competition, co-hosted by Penn State University's Smeal College of Business and College of Agricultural Sciences, aims to support early-stage startups focused on sustainable practices in the food and agriculture sector, offering a $50,000 investment to the winning team to aid in business expansion and development. Applications are open from December 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026, and interested parties can contact landgrantlaunch@psu.edu for more information.

Benefits

• Winning startup will receive a $50,000 investment from the Garber Venture Capital Fund
• Funding to support business expansion, research and development, and team growth

Eligibility Criteria

• Early-stage startups focused on sustainable business practices
• Must have a clear vision and potential to transform the food and agriculture sector
• Primarily targeting regions related to Penn State University but open nationwide