From Our Petite Riviere Farm to Cueno, Italy: GoMicro Wins First Place at International Startup Competition!
We're bringing first place home to Nova Scotia! 🇨🇦🏆
Petite Riviere Farming Company (PRFC), the team behind GoMicro and PurPhane®, is incredibly proud to announce that we have been awarded first place at the International Network of Michelin Cities (INMC) startup pitch competition in Cuneo, Italy!
Competing against 11 other startups representing 10 cities across five countries, this international recognition marks an exciting milestone for our company and an opportunity to showcase Nova Scotia innovation on a global stage.
Sharing Our Story on an International Stage
Three members of our team, Gregg Curwin, Stefan Ramey, and Gary Ramey, travelled to Cuneo to represent GoMicro at the INMC Conference.
As part of the startup competition, our founder, Gregg Curwin, delivered a three-minute pitch to an international panel of judges, sharing the story behind Petite Riviere Farming Company, our unique growing and production process, the science of sulforaphane, and GoMicro's journey of growth.
From our farm in rural Nova Scotia, we've developed a unique seed-to-powder process to produce PurPhane®, our freeze-dried broccoli sprout powder and whole-food source of sulforaphane.
Our pitch highlighted not only the innovation behind our product but also the opportunities for growth within the functional food and wellness industries.
The competition featured an impressive lineup of startups developing innovative products and technologies across a variety of industries and sectors. We were especially proud to share the stage with two other Nova Scotia startups, showcasing the talent and entrepreneurial spirit coming out of our province.
Following a competitive round of pitches, GoMicro was awarded first place, receiving a €5,000 prize along with business support and international recognition.
More Than a Pitch Competition
Beyond the excitement of the competition, the INMC Conference was an incredible opportunity for our team to connect with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world.
Throughout the conference, Gregg, Stefan, and Gary attended presentations and discussions exploring important global challenges and emerging innovations, with a particular focus on water, energy, and food.
These conversations provided valuable perspectives on how innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship can help shape the future of these industries.
For a company rooted in agriculture and functional food innovation, being part of these international conversations was an exciting opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections.
A Proud Moment for Petite Riviere and Nova Scotia
For our team, this achievement represents much more than a first-place finish.
What began on a small farm in Petite Riviere, Nova Scotia, has grown into a Canadian functional food brand with ambitions to reach customers and communities well beyond our province.
Our commitment to quality, science, and our farm-to-you approach remains at the heart of everything we do.
To have our story and innovation recognized among startups from around the world is an incredible honour and a meaningful reminder of what's possible for businesses growing in rural communities.
Gregg Curwin, Founder of Petite Riviere Farming Company:
“Winning the INMC award is meaningful to us in so many ways. First, it’s a well-deserved recognition of the hard work and dedication our team has put in over the past few years. I’m also incredibly proud to share that we’re building something like this in a small village in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. Ultimately, this is about farming, nutrition, and global reach. I hope our story inspires more founders and startups to see the opportunities that exist here in Lunenburg County and Bridgewater.”
— Gregg, Founder & CEO, Petite Riviere Farming Company / GoMicro
Thank You to Our Community and Supporters
Opportunities like this would not be possible without the encouragement and support of the community behind us.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Town of Bridgewater, Mayor David Mitchell, Donna Hatt, and Ignite Atlantic for their support throughout this journey and for helping create opportunities for local businesses to share their innovations internationally.
We are also incredibly grateful to the INMC organizers and the City of Cuneo for hosting such an inspiring conference and bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders from around the world.
And, of course, thank you to everyone who continues to support Petite Riviere Farming Company and GoMicro as we grow.
Bringing First Place Home and Looking Ahead
We're returning to Nova Scotia with much more than an award. We're bringing home new connections, valuable experiences, fresh perspectives, and even greater motivation for the future.
As we continue expanding GoMicro and introducing more people to PurPhane®, this international recognition is an exciting milestone in our journey.
From our farm in Petite Riviere to first place on an international stage, we couldn't be prouder to bring this recognition home to Nova Scotia.
And we're just getting started! 🌱🇨🇦