Radicle Growth today announced the launch of
The Radicle Corn Challenge sponsored by US 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 twelve leading U.S. corn grower organizations: Colorado Corn Promotion Council, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, IL Corn Marketing Board, Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Kansas Corn Commission, Kentucky Corn Promotion Council, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, National Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Corn Board, Ohio Corn Marketing Program, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, and Tennessee Corn Promotion Board.
Corn farmers are highly efficient at producing corn, but long-term profitability increasingly depends on expanding how corn is used beyond traditional markets.
The Radicle Corn Challenge is designed to support startups that are building 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 around the world 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.
“Advances in chemistry, catalysis, and biological conversion are opening up new, practical pathways for corn-based products,” said Neal Gutterson, Partner and Chief Technology Officer at Radicle Growth. “What’s particularly compelling today is how many of these technologies are becoming technically and commercially viable at scale.”
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 ecosystem.
Historically, corn growers have played an active role in building and growing new markets, including the early development of the ethanol industry. The Challenge explores how similar alignment between innovators, investors, and growers can help scale the next generation of corn-based technologies.
“Illinois corn farmers have a long history of investing in innovation to create new markets and long-term demand for the crop we grow,” said Tim Thompson, IL Corn Marketing Board Chair and Illinois farmer. “As farmers, we’re incredibly efficient at producing corn, but profitability depends on expanding how and where that corn is used. The Radicle Corn Challenge brings together farmers, innovators, and investors to explore new, scalable uses for corn across materials, chemicals, and fuels. IL Corn is proud to support this challenge and the entrepreneurs who are helping drive the next generation of corn-based solutions.”
Investment decisions will be made following a comprehensive due diligence process, with selected winners announced at the
Bio Innovations North America conference on September 9th, 2026 in Omaha, NE.
