CHICAGO — The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) is set to supercharge innovation in the global food system as it brings back the popular Startup Pavilion and The Pitch! competition at IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo, taking place July 13-16, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The Startup Pavilion, a showcase of up to 100 emerging companies ranging from pre-seed to growth stage, will spotlight innovations in food and food technology that aim to reshape the future of the industry. New for 2025, exhibitors will now take center stage during the Startup Showcase, presenting their innovations live on the expo floor on July 14 and July 15.

"At IFT, we believe that innovation is key to shaping the future of food,” said Christie Tarantino-Dean, chief executive officer, IFT. “That’s why we’re proud to provide a platform like the Startup Pavilion, where entrepreneurs can showcase their ideas, bring real-world, lasting impact to the food industry, and drive positive change for a more sustainable and accessible food future.”

Also returning is The Pitch!, a rapid-fire startup competition in which entrepreneurs compete for a total of $15,000 in prizes. The finalists will then battle it out in a live final round on the Taste of Science stage on July 16. Winners will receive not only cash prizes but also a featured appearance on IFT’s Omnivore podcast and coverage in Food Technology magazine.

The Pitch! Is sponsored by the Seeding The Future Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving global food systems through high-impact innovation and equitable access to nutritious food.

“It is imperative that we invest in transformative solutions to help us create a safer and more accessible food system,” said Bernhard van Lengerich, PhD, founder and CEO of the Seeding The Future Foundation. “The companies spotlighted in the Startup Pavilion, The Pitch!, and the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge represent the innovative thinking our world needs.”