Startup Pitch Competition Finalists to Compete for Grand Prize at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo

CHICAGO – July 1, 2026 – The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organization committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, is proud to announce the six finalists for The Pitch!, a rapid-pitch competition showcasing product innovations in the early stages. The Pitch! finale will feature six startups competing for the grand prize in the finale at IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, IFT’s annual food research, science, and technology event, which is held July 12-15 in Chicago.

The six finalists are part of the sold-out Startup Pavilion featuring 100 of the top global food and food technology startups. The Startup Pavilion connects emerging companies with investors, industry decision makers, and potential partners, offering direct access to innovations that could transform the food system.

The winner of the pitch competition receives a $10,000 cash prize and the two runners-up each receive $2,500 in cash prizes courtesy of the Seeding The Future Foundation, which accelerates high-impact innovations to improve food systems globally through various programs and partnerships. In addition, new Startup Pavilion sponsor Nextin Research by Marketplace is providing Growth Strategy Ideation Sessions to the winners to help identify growth opportunities and build a stronger strategic foundation for future expansion.

“The response to this year's Startup Pavilion has been incredible, and I think it reflects the moment we're in," said IFT CEO Christie Tarantino-Dean. " Across the food system, we're seeing some of our biggest challenges met with creativity and new ways of thinking. The Startup Pavilion gives those innovators a platform to share their ideas and, just as importantly, connect with the people and partnerships that can help move those ideas forward.”

This year’s finalists are:

• BioBlends
• Fermenstation Co., Ltd.
• Forever Harvest
• Liquid Orchard Inc.
• Nurtured Nuts Company
• Symbio Bioculinary

BioBlends develops gas-based bio-preservation solutions for the food industry. Using volatile compounds derived from beneficial bacteria, the technology extends shelf life and eliminates contaminating microorganisms without affecting taste, aroma, or texture.

Fermenstation transforms food sidestreams into high-value food ingredients, partnering with food and beverage companies to create a society where unused biomass is regenerated and circulated.

Forever Harvest, a cellular horticulture company, develops plant cell lines and growth media for custom fruit and nut ingredients.

Liquid Orchard will be showcasing a proprietary high-pressure jet processing platform that transforms whole produce into silky-smooth, nutrient-rich beverages. The platform enables whole-food drinks with natural fiber and phytonutrients while creating new opportunities for food innovation, nutrition, and sustainable produce utilization.

Nurtured Nuts Company uses CRISPR technology to remove allergens from peanuts and re-enter restricted markets.

Symbio Bioculinary is focused on upcycling food waste into novel, usable ingredients, collaborating with food producers to convert surplus or discarded food into products that are beneficial for people, profitable for businesses, and sustainable for the planet.

The winner will join the list of prominent previous winners who have gone on to excel in their respective areas and partner with various global food leaders. Last year’s winner was Plantible for Rubi Protein™, its functional and nutritional plant-based protein ingredient that food manufacturers to replace eggs, dairy ingredients, and synthetic emulsifiers with a single clean ingredient. Other previous winners include Scentian Bio (2024) for its synthesized insect olfactory receptor biosensor that can measure smell and taste, and Helaina (2023) for its work around using precision fermentation to manufacture proteins at scale, starting with Lactoferrin, a protein that supports cognitive health and antimicrobial defense while enhancing nutrient absorption. 

To attend IFT FIRST and experience The Pitch! grand finale in person, go to ift.org/ift-first-event.

About IFT FIRST

IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo is one of the most influential food technology events in the world as it unites instrumental leaders across the global food system to help shape the future of food. Each year, IFT FIRST (Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology) convenes prominent food, health, and nutrition professionals across industry, academia, and government to collaborate, innovate, and educate. IFT FIRST features a dynamic expo hall that connects many of the top global food and wellness companies with buyers and those with purchasing influence, while also offering cutting-edge scientific programming that explores the hottest topics across the science of food. IFT FIRST also offers valuable networking opportunities, unique food competitions, and engaging interactive experiences to connect, enrich, and empower attendees in their missions to transform the global food system. For more information, go to ift.org/ift-first-event.

About Institute of Food Technologists

Since 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has served as the voice of the global food science community. IFT advocates for science, technology, and research to address the world’s greatest food challenges, guiding our community of more than 200,000. IFT convenes professionals from around the world – from producers and product developers to innovators and researchers across food, nutrition, and public health – with a shared mission to help create a global food supply that is sustainable, safe, nutritious, and accessible to all. IFT provides its growing community spanning academia, industry, and government with the resources, connections, and opportunities necessary to stay ahead of a rapidly evolving food system as IFT helps feed the minds that feed the world. For more information, please visit ift.org.