DELAWARE, Ohio— Radicle Growth recently announced the launch of The Radicle Corn Challenge, sponsored by U.S. corn farmers, a global call for startups developing technologies that create new, durable demand for corn through innovative products, materials, and value chains. The Challenge will invest a total of $1.75 million in selected companies and is supported by the Ohio Corn Checkoff and eleven other leading U.S. corn grower organizations.
The Radicle Corn Challenge is designed to support startups developing new uses for corn by helping unlock additional sources of demand across industrial, material, chemical, and fuel applications.
“Corn has long been a foundational feedstock for food, feed, and fuel,” said Kirk Haney, Managing Partner at Radicle Growth. “The next opportunity is expanding how corn is used across new products and markets. Through the Radicle Corn Challenge, we’re looking to support companies that can translate innovation into real-world demand.”
The Challenge seeks applications from startups and growth companies worldwide working on technologies that convert corn and corn-derived streams—such as sugar (glucose), ethanol, and other byproducts—into higher-value products. Areas of interest include bioplastics and materials, corn- and ethanol-derived chemicals, valorization of corn byproducts, and emerging fuel pathways, including marine fuels and sustainable aviation fuel.
The Radicle Corn Challenge, sponsored by US corn farmers, will invest $1.75M across the winning startups and growth companies. In addition to capital, selected companies will benefit from Radicle’s commercialization expertise, scientific and technical diligence, and connections across the corn and broader bioeconomy ecosystems.
“Corn farmers are always thinking about what comes next, and that means growing demand in new ways,” said Scott Haerr, chair of the Ohio Corn Checkoff. “We are proud to support the Radicle Corn Challenge because it’s driving innovation that can create new uses for corn across materials, chemicals, and fuels. We’re impressed by the creativity behind these solutions, and we’re invested because turning innovation into real-world markets is how we deliver long-term value for Ohio corn farmers.”
For more information about The Radicle Corn Challenge, visit radicle.vc/radicle-corn-challenge.
