The Radicle Corn Challenge
Creating New Demand for Corn
The Radicle Corn Challenge will invest $1.75M in startups from around the world that are developing new uses for corn and creating new, durable demand across emerging markets and value chains.
We are seeking technologies that can convert corn — and corn-derived streams such as sugar, ethanol, protein, carbon dioxide, and other byproducts — into higher-value products including materials, chemicals, fuels, and other novel applications.
SUPPORTED BY:
About the Challenge
Corn growers are highly efficient at producing corn. The challenge — and the opportunity — lies in expanding how corn is used.
The Radicle Corn Challenge is designed to support startups that are creating new demand for corn, moving beyond traditional end uses and unlocking additional sources of demand. We are particularly interested in solutions that demonstrate immediate impact, even if they begin in focused or specialized markets.
This Challenge brings together venture investment, scientific and technical diligence, and deep alignment with corn growers and industry stakeholders who are focused on long-term demand creation.
Areas of Interest
We are seeing strong innovation around new uses for corn across a range of applications, including:
-
Materials and bioplastics that replace petroleum-based inputs
-
Corn sugar- and ethanol-derived chemicals used in industrial and consumer products
-
Valorization of corn byproducts, including new uses for corn oil, dried distillers grains (DDGS) and other streams
-
Fuel pathways, including marine fuels and sustainable aviation fuel
These examples illustrate the breadth of opportunity to create new demand for corn across emerging value chains.
What We’re Looking For
We are interested in startups that demonstrate:
-
A clear pathway to creating new demand for corn
-
Commercially viable applications with identifiable end markets
-
Technical feasibility grounded in sound science and engineering
-
Teams capable of moving from innovation to deployment
Companies at any stage of development are encouraged to apply, including pre-revenue startups.
Investment & Support
The Radicle Corn Challenge will invest a total of $1.75M, awarded between selected companies.
In addition to capital, the Challenge provides access to Radicle’s commercialization expertise, scientific diligence, and connections across the corn and bioeconomy ecosystem.
Historically, corn growers have played a meaningful role in building new markets, such as the early development of the ethanol industry. This Challenge explores how similar alignment can help scale the next generation of corn-based technologies.
Timeline
-
Applications open: January 13 at 9:00am EST
-
Applications close: February 25 at 11:59pm EST
Selected applicants may be contacted for follow-up conversations and diligence after the application window closes.
FAQs
The following are some of the most common questions we receive from applicants and potential applicants of our Challenges. If you have any other questions, please direct them to: Natale Clark at nclark@radicle.vc.
Companies of any size, at any stage, from anywhere in the world may apply. Applications must be submitted in English.
No. Pre-revenue companies are welcome to apply.
No. Pilots are desirable but optional.
We are focused on startups creating new demand for corn through new uses and value chains, including applications in materials, chemicals, fuels, and related areas.
Yes. We review a wide range of technologies and encourage companies working on novel or emerging approaches to apply.
The Radicle Corn Challenge will invest $1.75M total, awarded between selected companies.
Investment terms will be negotiated with selected companies and will reflect customary venture investment structures.
Applications are reviewed by Radicle’s diligence team. Selected companies may be contacted for additional information or follow-up discussions.
Application materials are reviewed only by the diligence committee. Submissions are treated as confidential, but applicants are encouraged not to include highly sensitive confidential information.
Yes. Companies that have not previously won a Radicle Challenge are eligible to apply again.
Yes. Students may apply; however, investments are made into formed legal entities. If selected, a company must have a legal entity in place to receive investment.
Applications cannot be edited after submission. If you have a material update, you may email info@radicle.vc with your company name and a brief summary.
No. There is no pitch day associated with this Challenge. Selected companies will be engaged directly during the review process.
