The 36th Annual IFTSA and Mars Product Development Competition is a chance for students to take the skills and knowledge learned in school and apply them to a real-world situation.
Each participating school’s team develops a new food idea and carries the concept through marketing and production, much like a commercial product development team. This is a great opportunity for any student to get involved in food science and IFTSA. It challenges organization, teamwork, creativity, and scientific skills.
2024–2025 Winners
- First Place: NoriNom, Cornell University
- Second Place: Sergeant Burrito, Tec de Monterrey Campus Querétaro
- Third Place: PB Gems, Purdue University
Awards
Each of the finalist teams will receive reimbursement for travel and registration to IFT FIRST of up to $1,800. Winners will be announced at the IFTSA Closing Ceremony. Prize amounts are as follows:
- First Place: $3,000 and a mentorship opportunity with Mars Wrigley staff
- Second Place: $1,500
- Third Place: $500
Eligibility
In this team competition, participants must be student members of the Institute of Food Technologists and registered as a student during the fall semester of the competition. Teams are limited to ten members and there may only be one team per university. For complete details, consult the guidelines document for this competition.
2025–2026 Competition Submission and Guidelines
Preliminary applications for this competition close February 1, 2026
Sample Verification Letter (PDF)
Competition Chair
Veronica Jaramillo, McGill University