2026 Land Grant Startup Launch Competition

Penn State's startup competition supports early-stage food and agriculture ventures focused on sustainability. Eligible teams (with at least one student) can win $50,000 investment. Companies must be formative-stage with products in testing or early revenue. Application deadline: February 1, 2026.

Accelerating the future of agriculture

March 25, 2026

University Park, PA

Purpose

The Land Grant Startup Launch Competition aims to foster innovation in food and agriculture by supporting early-stage startups focused on sustainable business practices.

If you're an early-stage company with a clear vision and the potential to transform the food and agriculture landscape, this competition could be your launching pad for future success through significant funding and support from corporate donors, as well as Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business and College of Agricultural Sciences.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Competition, an applicant team must consist of at least one enrolled student, be a formative-stage business entity that can enter into the Investment Agreement, such as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), and that meets two or more of the following criteria:

  • Less than seven years from date of formal organization
  • Has its first product or service in testing or pilot production
  • Pre-revenue or early (<$1 million Trailing Twelve-Month) revenue
  • Has a leadership team working towards commercialization and profitability

Prizes

Winning startups will receive a $50,000 investment from the Garber Venture Capital Fund to accelerate their growth and impact. The investment is intended to support scaling the business, furthering research and development, and contributing towards team expansion. All finalist teams will receive travel stipend and accommodations.

Timeline

February 1, 2026 - Application deadline

February 21, 2026 - Up to 4 Finalists selected

March 25, 2026 - Investment Pitch competition

Strategic Partners

Contact

For more information, email us at landgrantlaunch@psu.edu

Registration

View the full Terms and Conditions for the 2026 Land Grant Startup Launch Competition.

If your venture meets the eligibility criteria listed above, use the button below to register by February 1, 2026. 

Register Now