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Startup Pavilion

Don't miss the Startup Pavilion—the most visited destination at IFT FIRST. This is where the future of food takes shape. Explore breakthrough innovations, connect directly with the startups solving the industry's biggest challenges, and discover investing and partnership opportunities that could transform your business. Whether you're looking for the next ingredient solution, cutting-edge technology, or your next strategic partner, you'll find it here.

Explore 2026 Startup Exhibitors

Startup Pavilion Program

The Startup Pavilion is more than a place to explore emerging companies — it’s a hub for live programming, innovation, and industry insight.

Throughout IFT FIRST, attendees can experience a range of programming designed to highlight new ideas, spark conversation, and bring the energy of emerging innovation to life. From live startup presentations and curated sessions to The Pitch! startup competition, the Pavilion offers multiple ways to engage with what’s next in food.

This programming complements the broader IFT FIRST experience by creating opportunities to:

Discover new companies and innovations in an interactive setting

Hear fresh perspectives and real-world insights

Engage directly with startups and industry voices shaping the future

Explore the opportunities below to see what’s happening in the Startup Pavilion and plan your visit.

Get a front-row seat to the future of food innovation. The Startup Pavilion Showcases feature live presentations from emerging companies tackling the industry's biggest challenges—from sustainable ingredients to cutting-edge food tech.

Watch startups demonstrate breakthrough products, share their vision, and answer your questions in real time. Whether you're scouting for partnerships, sourcing innovations, or staying ahead of industry trends, these showcases give you direct access to the entrepreneurs and ideas shaping what's next.

Don't miss the spotlight sessions on the Startup Pavilion Stage throughout IFT FIRST.
Delivered right to the Startup Pavilion, these sessions bring engaging content and industry perspectives directly into the expo hall — making it easy to learn, explore, and stay connected without stepping away from the action.

Attendees can gain insight into the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping emerging businesses, while hearing perspectives that complement what’s happening across the Pavilion.

These sessions offer:
- A reason to stop, learn, and engage while exploring the Startup Pavilion
- Perspectives that connect business, innovation, and industry trends
- A convenient, on-floor educational experience within the expo hall
The Pitch! is where food innovation gets funded—and you don't want to miss it.

Watch six finalists compete live on stage for $15,000 in prizes (presented by Seeding The Future Foundation) and IFT media coverage.

See startups pitch breakthrough innovations to expert judges—investors, industry leaders, and R&D experts—while you discover the companies solving the food industry's biggest challenges.

This is your chance to spot emerging trends, connect with innovators before they scale, and witness the ideas that could transform the food system.

Don't miss the live finale at IFT FIRST. The next breakthrough might be on this stage.

Explore the 2026 Startup Pavilion Exhibitors

From breakthrough technologies to new product concepts, explore the companies bringing innovation to the Startup Pavilion.

Search Startups

2026 Startup Pavilion Sponsors

We’re grateful to our sponsors for their support of the Startup Pavilion. Their commitment helps spotlight emerging businesses, drive innovation, and create valuable opportunities for the next generation of food system pioneers.

Startup Pavilion Sponsorship Opportunities