LINCOLN, Nebraska – Radicle Growth has 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 twelve leading U.S. corn grower organizations: Colorado Corn Promotion Council, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Illinois 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.
The Radicle Corn Challenge is designed to support startups that are building new uses for corn by helping discover additional sources of demand across industrial, material, chemical and fuel applications. 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.
“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 that are working on technologies converting 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.”
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.
“As corn production continues to expand, we must develop new and diverse uses for our crop beyond Nebraska’s renowned Golden Triangle, the interconnected system of corn, livestock and ethanol that powers our state’s economy and helps fuel the world,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, Nebraska Corn Board chair and farmer from Giltner, Nebraska. “The Radicle Corn Challenge represents a vital opportunity to uncover innovative, breakthrough solutions that benefit farmers and consumers alike. In 2025, we witnessed exciting advancements in corn utilization, and we look forward to supporting forward-thinking companies that will continue driving new demand for Nebraska and U.S. grown corn.”
Investment decisions will be made following a comprehensive due diligence process, with selected winners announced at the Bio Innovations North America conference on September 9, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska.
For more information about The Radicle Corn Challenge Sponsored by U.S. corn Farmers and to apply, visit radicle.vc/radicle-corn-challenge.
About the Nebraska Corn Board:
The Nebraska Corn Board is funded through a producer checkoff investment of one-cent-per-bushel on all corn marketed in the state and is managed by nine farmer directors. The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.
About Radicle Growth:
Radicle Growth is a global innovation platform investing in and accelerating the most transformative technologies in agriculture and food. Through a differentiated approach to deal sourcing, capital formation, market access and company building, Radicle ensures that breakthrough innovations reach scale and deliver meaningful impact. The firm partners with entrepreneurs and strategic stakeholders to address some of the sector’s most pressing challenges—from sustainability and food security to productivity and supply chain modernization. Radicle’s platform combines deep domain expertise with a hands-on model to help founders navigate commercialization, technology complexity, and global growth.
