Juneau-based Startup Company Selected as Finalist for Global Competition
Published: 6:30 am Saturday, September 12, 2026
A Juneau climate technology company focused on eliminating methane from manure storages has been named a finalist in a global food and agriculture competition. Empire State Development (ESD) and Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) announced Frost Methane Labs as one of 20 innovative startups selected to compete in the eighth round of Grow-NY, a New York State-supported international competition. Notably, the Juneau-based company was also a finalist in last year’s competition.
The top prize of $1 million will be awarded to the winner after the Grow-NY Summit in Rochester on November 12 and 13. Additionally, two startups will receive $500,000, while four other finalists will take home $250,000 investments.
Frost Methane Labs collaborates with farmers to reduce milking emissions, generate additional revenue, and enhance the fertilizer value of manure. CEO Olya Irzak emphasizes the significance of the competition for expanding their footprint in New York. “Grow-NY helps you connect with many local industries,” she noted, sharing that participation led to new projects in New York last year and hopes for more this year.
The company previously participated in Rev: Ithaca Startup Works, a CREA business incubator that provides mentorship and resources for startups.
Jenn Smith, the Grow-NY program director, expressed excitement for Frost Methane’s return, citing their promising traction in New York. “Their automated low-cost flaring system neutralizes waste methane, offering a climate-smart approach crucial to the dairy industry, especially in New York.”
The 20 finalists will receive tailored mentorship over the next 10 weeks to refine their growth plans and connect with potential partners and investors. Once finalized, these companies will implement their ideas and explore business locations that benefit farms, food businesses, and communities in the Grow-NY region.
Irzak stated that winning a prize would allow Frost Methane to expand capacity and tackle more projects. Laughlin Barker, the company’s senior embedded systems engineer, described their workspace outfitted with tools like laser cutters and 3D printers, which serves as their experimental base. “We can create one or two unique items, test them on farms, and once ready, produce them where supply chains are more efficient,” he explained.
This year’s finalists include teams from eight states, with Alaska being the farthest represented location. Juneau ranks as the second-farthest, following a team from the Netherlands.
Judges evaluated more than 330 applications from 49 countries and 32 states to select this year’s finalists. ESD president, CEO, and commissioner Hope Knight remarked on the exceptional talent and innovative startups attracted by the competition.
