Food Packaging Development Competition

Entry forms will be accepted until April 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT. Winners will be notified via e-mail prior to IFT FIRST: Annual Event and Expo.

Entry Form

Develop a packaging solution to address a problem or need related to food packaging from any of the following points of view (not limited to): food science, engineering, chemistry, marketing, design, legal, and education. Examples of possible topics are listed within the downloadable guidelines.

Show us your innovation and creativity based on current or future packaging needs!

Monetary prizes of $1000, $750, and $500 will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners respectively. The Food Packaging Division may also recognize winners in additional ways, such as via newsletters, presentation, or social media.

Eligibility & Teams

• All participants must be IFT student members
• Group or individual submissions are allowed
• Teams may be undergraduate students, graduate students, or both together
• Students from different (or the same) universities around the globe can collaborate

A panel of experts in food packaging including academic and industry experts will judge the entries. Judges should be IFT Food Packaging Division members.

The submission will be evaluated on the following aspects: writing clarity and organization, ability to address the challenge, feasibility, creativity, implementation plan, value creation, target users and market adoption, spelling and grammar.